Common Natural Cleaners:
Combined in different ways, these common household products work just as well as the most powerful cleaners on the market:
* Baking Soda: Baking soda works as a non-abrasive scouring cleaner in kitchens and bathrooms. It also rids clothes of perspiration odors when used in conjunction with laundry detergent in the washer. The next time you do laundry, try adding 1/2 cup to a cup to your load. Before you vacuum, sprinkle it on your carpet as a deodorizer.
* Washing Soda. Also known as sodium carbonate, is a caustic cleaner that is far safer than other solvents. Wearing gloves when you use it, however, is still recommended. Washing soda is great at cutting grease and neutralizing odors.
* Lemon Juice. The acid in lemon juice neutralizes hard water deposits, dissolves buildup, and tarnish on silver. White vinegar can be used in place of lemon juice. The infamous strong smell dissipates as the vinegar dries.
* Antifungals/Disinfectants. Grapefruit seed extract and essential oils such as lavender, clove, and tea tree oil have antiseptic properties and operate as natural fungicides. To keep mold at bay, add 1 or 2 teaspoons of essential oil to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle, or 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract to 1 quart of water.
Natural Cleaning Recipes:
1. All Purpose Surface Cleaner Mix together 2 cups hot water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon washing soda, 15 drops of tea tree oil and 15 drops of lavender oil.
2. Cookware Cleaner Coarse salt does wonders for scouring copper pans and ceramic baking dishes.
3. Disinfectant Mix 1/2 cup of borax powder with 1 gallon of hot water. Add a few drops of fragrant essential oil such as thyme, rosemary, or lavender.
4. Floor Scrubber To scrub out tough messes and stains, use washing soda and rinse well. For lighter washing, dilute 1 cup washing soda in 1 gallon of warm or hot water. Add a few tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice for extra shine.
5. Furniture Polish Mix 1 cup lemon juice with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp water; lightly apply to furniture using a soft cloth. Let sit for a couple of minutes, then buff.
6. No-Streak Glass Cleaner For sparkling mirrors and windows, combine 1/4 cup undiluted white vinegar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 quart warm water. Divide into spray bottles. For a lint-free shine, wipe dry with a sheet of crumpled newspaper or a coffee filter.
7. Wood Buffer Hide wood scratches by rubbing them with the meat of a walnut.
NOTE: To dress up your homemade cleaners, use a pretty spray bottle or container and add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil. These all-natural products smell so sweet and work so well that you can even give them as gifts!
Eco Friendly Paint:
According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is a serious problem that contributes to a variety of health concerns, including asthma, headaches, breathing problems, even cancer. One of the biggest contributors to that pollution is paint. Typical paint releases airborne chemicals knows as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These compounds are potential carcinogens and are most dangerous when the paint is wet, but can continue to emit harmful chemicals for years. Due to consumer demand, paint companies have worked hard to create no or low VOC paints. Although, early attempts were not met with wide praise from consumers because they weren't durable enough, yet today's no or low VOC paints are much improved. You can find them in most major paint stores and they can usually mix any color you like. We all know paint is an economical way to give your home a fresh new look. Why not make an earth friendly choice when you're ready to redecorate?
5 Eco Friendly Paints:
1. Sherwin Williams Harmony
2. Benjamin Moore Natura
3. Lowes Olympic
4. Certa Pro
5. Green Planet Paints
Resources: GreenLivingIdeas.com and NaturalCleaningSupplies.com
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