Handy items to have around the houseVegetable oil based liquid soap is recommended over animal fat and petroleum based soaps and detergents. They are biodegradable and are found in health food stores.
Baking soda is a bicarbonate of soda, an effective mineral with mildly abrasive cleaning, whitening and deodorizing properties. It’s non-abrasive, dirt cheap and can be found in the baking section of the grocery store or can be bought in bulk at your local bulk food store.
Vinegar is a liquid of derived from the fermentation of fruits or grains. It’s acid content makes it useful for killing germs, cutting grease and dissolving mineral deposits.
Essential oils are the essence of a plant, containing the fragrance and specific properties of the plant such as antiseptic, antibacterial etc. They are available at your local health food store and some can be found in the baking section of the grocery store. A couple of drops of citrus, peppermint, lavender, lemon, or tea tree really makes a nice addition to homemade cleansers.
Washing soda is a mineral (sodium carbonate) also known as soda ash. Slightly caustic, it is an effective cleaner of grease, oil, dirt and many petroleum products. It is also a soap booster and water softener. It is found in the laundry section of the grocery store. Note: Because of the caustic properties, it is advisable to wear rubber gloves when using mixtures containing washing soda.
Borax is a mineral of natural origins consisting of water, oxygen, sodium and boron. It has antiseptic, anti-fungal, deodorizing and disinfectant properties. It inhibits growth of mould and mildew. It is found in the laundry section of the grocery store. Note: Borax is poisonous if consumed. RecipesAll purpose cleaner
• 1 tsp Borax
• ½ tsp washing soda
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• ½ tsp vegetable oil based soap
• 2 cups hot water
Mix all above ingredients and pour in a spray bottle. Shake until all the minerals have dissolved. Use on counters, walls etc. Window & mirror cleaner
Mix ½ cup vinegar with 1 quart of water. Use the solution in a spray bottle and wipe clean with newspapers or a cotton cloth. Countertop cleaners
Vinegar at full strength will make stainless steel surfaces and bathroom fixtures sparkling clean. Dilute with water for cleaning tiles, wiping smears off appliances or removing grime and grease. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge to clean tubs, chrome fixtures, toilets, tiles and more. You can add a little vinegar for a shine. Rinse well to remove baking soda residue. Apply lemon juice, let sit for 5-45 min., then sprinkle with baking soda. Clean with a soft cloth dipped in water or vinegar. For stronger stains, try rubbing with half a lemon dipped in salt. Rinse well and wipe dry. Oven cleaner
Scrub with paste of baking soda, salt and water. Drain maintenance
Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain followed by ½ cup vinegar. Let sit 15 minutes, then pour 3 cups of boiling water down the drain. Pour ¼ cup washing soda down the drain and rise with hot water. Do this each week to help prevent clogs. Air fresheners & purifiers
Plants such as Golden Pothos, English Ivy and spider plants help to purify the air! To freshen the air, simmer 1 tbsp cloves, 1 orange peel & 2 cinnamon sticks. Put a few drops of an essential oil on your vacuum filer before vacuuming or put a few drops of essential oil(s) in a spray bottle with water. Polishes
Brass: Mix equal parts of salt and flour with some vinegar and then rub.
Silver: Rub with paste of baking soda and water. Or combine 4 cups warm water, 1 tbsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt and 1 piece of aluminum foil. Soak silver until clean. Replace foil when it turns black.
Copper: Pour vinegar and salt over copper and rub.
Furniture: One part lemon juice and 2 parts vegetable oil (such as olive oil). Apply sparingly, rub in and buff. Descaler
Removing the scale that accumulates in your kettle or iron will increase its energy efficiency by helping it to work faster. Use a solution of one part white vinegar, two parts water. Pour some into your electric kettle and let it boil; rinse the kettle thoroughly. For your iron, pour in some of the solution and let it stand for 30 minutes; rinse several times. Dish detergent
• 2 cups grated hard bar of soap or soap flakes
• 4 liters water
Rub salad oil on the grater before grating the bar of soap; it will be easier to clean. Place soap in a pot, add water and stir. Heat over medium heat until the mixture boils, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in tightly covered container. Not for use in automatic dishwashers! A homemade substitute for automatic dishwasher detergent can be made using equal parts borax and washing soda and mixing it with a purchased cleaner. Increase the amount of soda if water is hard. Safe bleach
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 8 parts water. Soak garments in this solution, then rinse. Fabric softener
Adding 3 tbsp baking soda to the wash cycle, or 3 tbsp vinegar to the rinse cycle, will soften your laundry just as well as the costly commercial liquids.
|
