Thursday, March 8, 2012

Going Green! #Eco-friendly #Homemade Cleaning Products


Have you been thinking about making the switch to green products?  There are lots of good reasons to do it. Did you know the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that the immediate health risks associated with the use of conventional household cleaning products include
asthma attacks, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders and memory impairment? I also read about an EPA study back in 1987, they determined that the air inside a typical home is up to 10 times more polluted than the air outside because of the chemicals many of us use to scrub and sanitize.  I'm a little skeptical about those findings but even if it's partly true, do you really need a better reason than that?  

There are two ways to go about switching over to eco-friendly products: gradually replace your scrubs and sprays as you use them up, or just toss items out once and for all.  Here’s a list of homemade options to get you started.


Homemade Eco-friendly Formulas

  • Spray and Wipe Cleaner:  Mix 1 cup each water and vinegar plus 2 Tbsp. baking soda in spray bottle.  A versatile liquid for everything from countertops to toilets to laundry and upholstery stains.  It’s even safe to use on dolls, teddies and the muddy dump truck.  Use as you would any cleaning liquid.  
  • Tub and Toilet Scrub: Sprinkle baking soda over area to be cleaned, then spray with white vinegar and scrub with a sponge.
  • Carpet Deodorizer: Combine ½ cup baking soda, ½ cup cornstarch and several drops of lavender essential oil.  Sprinkle on rug, let stand for 30 minutes, then vacuum.
  • Mildew Remover: Mix 1 tsp. tea tree oil (an all-natural anti-fungal liquid) and 1 cup water in spray bottle and apply to affected area.
  • Furniture Polish: Mix 1 tsp. lemon juice with ¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil. Wipe down furniture with mixture.
  • Dishwasher detergent: Combine 2 Tbsp. borax (a boric acid mineral) and 2 tbsp. baking soda in detergent compartment then fill rinse drawer with white vinegar. Run dishwashing cycle as usual.
  • Carpet Cleaner: Spray foam shaving cream on carpet stains, let stand 30 minutes, then rub with a sponge and vacuum.
  • Floor Cleaner: Mop floor with a solution of ½ cup distilled vinegar and 1 gallon warm water.
  • Super Scratch-free Scourer: Sprinkle baking soda on a used lemon half and use as a scratch-free scrubber for counters, tiles and stainless steel.
  • Wonder Window Treatment: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in spray bottle, spritz on glass surfaces and wipe with newsprint for a streak-free shine that won't leave tiny fibers behind.
  • Divine Hand-wash for Delicates: To whiten delicate garments without bleach, soak them for 30 minutes in a solution of ½ cup hydrogen peroxide and 4 cups water.
Have fun mixing and trying new Eco-friendly products!

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