If you want a cleaning done well, do it yourself. If you want your cleaners safe, don’t leave that to the manufacturers. Make them yourself.
Let’s get this in the open: life is busy enough already without people having to make their own cleaning products, but if you want 100 percent non-toxic cleaning, this is it. You’ve probably seen natural and affordable cleaners in stores. They are a good option too if you know the ingredients and are aware of the fact that some “natural” products do contain a few chemicals. The case is the same as with foods labeled natural: they’re natural, but not so natural.
Going back to cleaners and to cleaning naturally, the thing most people worry about, except having to invest time to make them, is that homemade cleaners won’t work as efficiently as commercial cleaners, but with proper mixing the ingredients, you should have no problem.
Since it is spring cleaning season, here are some safe alternatives to try for cutting down on toxicity and cost.
Natural Cleaners for Removing Mold Spores
From keeping fresh air moving inside the house to letting sunlight in to kill mold, homeowners have had to learn a few tricks on removing this infestation. One of the best and safest products to try out is a non-ammonia organic soap that is safe for you especially if you are dealing with chemical sensitivities and for the environment.
Other products that can be used to remove mold naturally are vinegar and tea tree oil mixture. The vinegar can be applied with a cloth or sprayed from a bottle straight onto the mold. If using this method, you should follow up with a baking soda mixture (ratio is half a teaspoon of baking soda to one cup of water) to remove all traces of mold and prevent the fungus from returning.
The tree tea oil mixture is a natural way to kill mold and disinfect the area. Mix 10 drops tea tree essential oil with a cup of water and transfer in a spray bottle. For best results, leave overnight and scrub the following day. Repeat the process.
Natural Cleaners for Stainless Steel Appliances
The first most important thing to use is non-abrasive cleaning rags, preferably 100 percent cotton or microfiber cloth.
White vinegar is suitable for removing any grime off stainless steel appliances while olive oil will polish the cleaned surface leaving it shiny and looking new. First, apply vinegar to the cloth, and then wipe clean the surface, following with polishing with a clean cloth dabbed in olive oil.
Remove any excess olive oil with a clean towel.
Natural cleaners for marble and granite
Baking soda is a powerful agent that works wonders for marble and granite when you need to do a thorough cleaning. Aside from doing a great job with cleaning grime, baking soda cleans smells too, including neutralizing bodily odors.
For cleaning marble and granite, you’ll have to create a mixture using baking soda and water. In a roomy bowl, mix water and baking soda with a spoon. Moist the area you need to clean with a damp cloth or spray water on it.
Spread the baking soda mixture and cover with plastic wrap for the next 24 hours. You’ll notice it’s dry the next day. Clean with warm water, natural dish liquid, and soft cleaning cloth. Repeat if necessary.