Non-toxic cleaning supplies What is it ? These eight cleaning staples are inexpensive and safe for use on just about any household cleaning job 1. White vinegar 2. Lemon juice 3. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate )
4. Mild liquid soap (castile, olive-oil soap )
5. Borax (sodium borate )
6. Washing soda (soda ash )
7. Dry salt 8. Sodium percarbonate and hydrogen peroxide (alternatives to chlorine bleach )
Tips to get started 1. Baking soda cleans and deodorizes kitchen and bathroom surfaces. To make a general-purpose cleaner, dissolve four tablespoons baking soda in one quart warm water. To replace abrasive cleaners, sprinkle baking soda directly on a damp cloth or sponge and scrub. Add dry salt for an extra burst of power.
2. To remove mildew or stains, scrub dirty surfaces with Borax or baking soda.
3. Naturally acidic substances such as vinegar and lemon juice remove mineral deposits and wax or grease buildup. To clean glass or stainless steel, dilute them in water (use equal parts white vinegar and warm water ).
4. To clear clogged drains, pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by three cups boiling water —mixing baking soda and vinegar creates a bubbling, fizzy chemical reaction. Don’t use this mixture in conjunction with a commercial drain cleaner.
5. Washing soda is useful for cleaning greasy ovens and grills. Its alkalinity makes it caustic, so wear gloves when using it.
These suggestions are from an article in the July / August issue of Natural Home magazine (www. naturalhomemagazine. com ) by Annie B. Bond, author of Home Enlightenment (Rodale Press ) and Kimberly Rider, author of Healthy Home Workbook (Chronicle Books ).
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