I like to enlist the help of
the children to do household chores, but I have been reluctant to let
them use harsh, chemical cleaners. So, I recently started using homemade
natural cleaners. I believe that these cleaners are much safer for us
to use and as an added bonus, they are cheaper. Here are some of my favorite
recipes. I found some of these (or a variation of them) in Clean
Home, Clean Planet by Karen Logan.
Scouring Powder
Baking Soda! That's all you need. It works great in sinks, bathtubs,
or anywhere you would use a scouring powder. I put it into an empty
parmesan cheese container and mix in a little lavender essential oil.
It has a wonderful smell and works great!
Toilet Cleaner
Mix liquid soap with baking soda to make a paste. Add water and a splash
of vinegar to dilute it. Add tea tree oil for a disinfectant. Put into
a drinking style squirt bottle. Shake well before each use. I use Dr.
Bronner's liquid soap found in a health food store.
Counter Top Cleaner
Fill a squirt bottle almost full with water. Add 3 Tablespoons of liquid
soap. Add tea tree oil for a disinfectant. Put into a spray bottle.
Shake to mix. I use Dr.
Bronner's liquid soap found in a health food store.
Floors
Mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water and add a few drops of your favorite
essential oil for fragrance. Mop as usual.
Carpet Deodorizer
Sprinkle Baking Soda on the carpet. Wait 30 minutes, then vacuum with
an empty vacuum bag.
Clogged Sink
Pour equal parts of vinegar and baking soda down your drain. It will
bubble. Let it sit 30 minutes. Flush with hot water.
Wood Cabinet Cleaner
Mix 1/2 cup Murphy's Oil Soap with 3/4 cup water. Add 10 drops orange
essential oil. Put into spray bottle. Shake before using. Spray onto
wood and wipe off with a soft cloth.
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