A Simplicity Guide To Cleaning

 Believe it or not there is a way to keep your house sparkly clean while not only saving yourself money, but by giving the environment a break as well. In previous articles I've said how bad commercial products, such as Windex and Bleach, really are. Adding it up cleaning products can be expensive, plus they might cost you even more money in the long run! Cleaning doesn't need to be so complicated with a different product for different jobs, you only need a few basic ingredients that are nontoxic for you, the environment, and your family.

  Here is your shopping list for all you need to clean.

• Baking soda
• Salt 
• Distilled white vinegar (you can use apple cider vinegar as well) 
• Lemon juice 
• Liquid soap (I'd only recomend Ecover or Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap) 
• Borax 

 And remember buying in bulk is a good idea, it saves you money plus you won't have to go shopping for a while! Now, for how you use these six basic ingredients to clean your home, and how to use them as substitutes for more harmful products. Here are some types of usually toxic cleaners, and what to use instead.

Drain Cleaners- All you really need is a plunger, and if that doesn't work regular drain cleaners probably wouldn't either. As a last minute resort, if the clog is really bad, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide can be poured into a clogged drain. Wait a few minutes than plunge, you can repeat a second time if needed. Before you have a full fledged clog, regular use of the following will prevent it from forming:

•  Pour 1 handful baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain pipe and cover tightly for one minute. Afterwards rinse with hot water.  
• Pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup salt down the drain followed by lots of hot water. 

Oven Cleaners- Oven cleaning is mainly all about preventing a spill from happening before it does. If something looks like it's going to spill over the sides, place the baking dish on a cookie sheet before you continue baking it. But since accidents do happen here is a recipe for a non-toxic oven cleaner: 

• Mix together 2 Tblsp. liquid soap, 2 tsp borax, and warm water to fill a spray bottle. Make sure the borax is completely dissolved before use. Spray this mixture very close to the oven surface and leave it on for 20 minutes, than scrub with steel wool and a non-chlorinated scouring powder (dry baking soda, borax, or salt sprinkled on a wet sponge can work as a scouring powder substitute). Note:Though this spray uses all natural ingredients, the use of gloves and goggles are recommended. 

Furniture and Floor Polishes- Any oil really can be used, from mayonnaise to olive oil. Some ideas for furniture polish include: 

• 1 tsp olive oil, mixed with the juice of one lemon, 1 tsp brandy or whisky, and 1 tsp water. (Make fresh each time) 
• 3 parts olive oil mixed with one part white vinegar. 
• 2 parts olive or vegetable oil mixed with one part lemon juice 
• For Oak: boil one quart beer with 1 Tblsp sugar and 2 Tblsp beeswax. Cool, wipe onto wood, and allow to dry. Polish when dry with a soft cloth. 

Metal Cleaners- To clean brass and copper, use lemon juice. Rub it on with a soft cloth, rinse with water, and dry. If that doesn't work try one of the following: 

• Make a paste of lemon juice and salt. 
• Sprinkle a slice of lemon with baking soda. 
• Make a paste with lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply and leave on for 5 minutes before you rinse with warm water and dry.      

If you have any requests for further cleaning products to replace with safe alternatives, comment or contact me and I'll add to this post. If anyone really appreciates these cleaning ideas, I'd recommend buying "Home Safe Home" by Debra Lynn Dadd, all these ideas were taken from her book. I will admit the book is slightly out dated, but other than that I'd say the book is worth its weight in gold! I would also definitely recommend "Haley's Hints".