I have noticed a large interest in natural cleaning solutions over the past few years. I recall one thing I disliked about cleaning as a child was the chemicals. I do not recall when, but I started using Simple Green about the time I had my first child, maybe even a bit before, as I was careful of what to use with my pets as well. When you watch your dogs lick the floor, you are reminded on how careful we should be with the chemicals we use to clean them.
I recall a co-worker about 12 years ago telling me about how Windex was one of the most common household poisons. I prefer not to use it, but currently my husband has to use it for work, so I am careful about it being stored on a very high shelf, and only used for his job. We avoid most commercial cleaning products, as they are quite toxic.
We still use Simple Green to clean our home. We also use vinegar, baking soda and peroxide for most of our cleaning. I do use a few commercial cleaners, such as Palmolive dish soap, but we are still looking for an alternative that is also affordable. Most of what I have tried has not done well for us. As we move off-grid, we plan to reuse our grey water, which gives us more reason to use environmentally safe products.
So what exactly do we use?
I make my own laundry soap using Fels Naptha soap and Arm and Hammer Washing Soda. ( 1 bar grated soap, 1 1/2- 2 cups washing soda, 5 gallons hot water) I stopped using the Borax as I saw it was damaging the PUL material in our cloth diaper covers. I plan to try Dr. Bronners on our next batch, as it it compatible with grey water reuse. I also use vinegar in the rinse waste with especially stinky clothing. I have a small batch with extra washing soda I use for stain treatment. You can also add lemon juice to brighten whites.
For basic cleaning I use vinegar in a spray bottle. For extra tough surfaces I use baking soda. Salt or sugar makes a great scrub as well. We also use citrus infused vinegar for cleaning. Even a family of our size, we do not eat that many oranges, but we use what we have to make what we can. You can soak white vinegar in orange peels for about 2 weeks.. You can add essential oils as well if you desire. Strain the vinegar and put in your spray bottle.
Peroxide is a great cleaning tool as well. We keep a spray bottle of it around.. I first started using as a spray at work actually.. Occupational hazard was cutting a dogs toenails too short, and they bleed, and make a mess on the dog hair.. peroxide is wonderful for getting blood stains out, but a agitated dog and a bottle of liquid, doesn't mix.. so I got a little spray bottle.. Then I started using the spray at home, on the children when they injured themselves... What a wondrous idea there.. They are just as wiggly as the dogs, but didn't mind the spray form as much!
Here is a list of little tricks you can use..
1/2 Lemon or potato cut in half, and some salt or sugar (I prefer salt)makes a good scouring pad. Use with baking soda on delicate surfaces. The acid in lemon removes rust and dirt as well.
Peppermint oil is great for removing bacteria and mold.
Olive oil is great for removing stuck on stuff. I use it with salt to scrub pots and pans.
Baking soda can be used to remove grime in tricky places like a can opener. Use a tooth brush and make a paste with water.
Salt works great for scouring and is safe on glass. (Think Pyrex dishes!)
What natural cleaning solutions do you use in your home?
