Living green is the big thing in the US right now and thank goodness for that. For many years, we have been watching people litter out of car windows, throw garbage on lawns, and generally not care. Towns that require the residents to recycle have had a big problem with compliance and most do not enforce it anymore simply because it is difficult. People have since realized that we only have one planet and at the current rate our children will have nowhere left to live, we are finally working towards fixing our world and it starts with you.
These cleaning solutions will help you with Spring-cleaning and help you feel better about yourself in the process. While these household items may not seem powerful, just try them and you may be pleasantly surprised by the results.
1. Jojoba oil – Use Jojoba oil to clean wood furniture. This will not leave the greasy residue you see with oil-based products, but will provide a healthy sheen.
2. All-purpose cleaner – Dissolve 1 tsp. of baking soda in a clean spray bottle filled with hot water. Shake the solution well prior to using and watch how clean your surfaces become. Great for stove tops, but it is best not to use on glass oven tops due to possible scratching.
3. Tile and Grout cleaner – Dissolve 3 tbs. of baking soda in a small amount of hot water, just enough to make a good paste. Paint the paste onto the grout and tile, leave for a few minutes and everything should become white and clean. If you would like, you can add a couple of drops of conventional soap to decrease the amount of scrubbing you need to do. For tough stains, you can leave the mixture on for several hours before rinsing.
4. Unclog the drain – Instead of using harsh chemicals to clear the drain try this. Boil a big pot of water rapidly, pour a small box of baking soda down the drain, and follow up with the boiling water. The water will change the chemical composition of the baking soda, clearing the drain without inhaling the fumes associated with commercial drain cleaners.
5. Castile Soap – a natural soap that is wonderful for cleaning shower stalls. If you have hard water, please do not use this stuff, you will end up with a dull film that cannot be removed. If you have regular water, this soap will get rid of all the grime associated with showers/bathtubs without back breaking scrubbing.
6. Natural White Vinegar – Add a couple of drops of essential oils to the vinegar and shake. This will make the smell dissipate some, vinegar cleans everything and cuts grease better than anything on the market, but the smell can make it difficult to work with, the oil will help.
7. Laundry Freshener – The washing machine can be a very wet place, even when it is off and empty, that water is still in the machine. The instruction manuals tell you that you should leave the door open to air it out, but if you have children or the placement of the machine does not allow for this, then you cannot use this method. The best solution – simply add a couple of drops of Lemon essential oil (make sure it is pure) to the fabric softener spout. The oil will freshen everything, making your clothes smell springtime fresh, and cleaning your machine thoroughly.
We are making the planet cleaner and fresher one home at a time.
Do you have green living ideas? Do you use something unique in your home or office? Post your comment and tell us what you do to stay green.
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