Don't waste your money on toxic cleaning products, when three simple ingredients can do it all. I clean my entire house with baking soda, distilled white vinegar and lemon.
Vinegar, is effective at killing mold, bacteria and germs, making this the perfect all-purpose cleaner. Don't be turned off by the smell, it vanishes quickly and can even be masked by essential oils (or if your like me, you'll grow to like it).
Baking Soda, eliminates odors, dissolves dirt and grease in water, and works as a mildly abrasive souring powder.
Lemon, has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities that make them a wonderful addition to your cleaning supplies. Perfect for removing stains, cutting grease, and who doesn't love the smell of fresh squeezed lemon!?
I've compiled a room by room list of all my Eco friendly cleaning tips, to share how you can save money, help the planet, and keep your home chemical free.
Bathroom:
soap scum: baking soda and vinegar
toilet: baking soda and lemon, add vinegar if the toilet is super dirty.
bath tub: vinegar and baking soda
unclog drain: pour a handful of baking soda mixed with 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain followed by some boiling water.
Kitchen:
oven cleaner: create a scrub with; salt, baking soda and water. I find it works to warm up your oven before hand to loosen up anything that's really stuck on.
garbage disposal: make vinegar ice cubes and run through the garbage disposal with cold water.
counter tops: vinegar and water (this should not be done with granite).
coffee maker: fill reservoir with vinegar and run brew cycle, rinse with water.
microwave: boil solution of 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water in microwave, this will loosen splattered food and deodorize.
refrigerator: vinegar and water will deodorize, sanitize and clean up any messes.
cutting board: full strength vinegar will kill any bacteria.
stainless steel: straight vinegar wiped with a soft cloth.
Plastic food-storage containers: To bleach stains on dishwasher-safe items, rub lemon juice on the spots and let dry in a sunny place, wash as usual.
Dishwasher: add vinegar to the rinse compartment for sparkling dishes.
Living Room:
window/glass cleaner: spritz with one part vinegar and one part water, wipe with soft cloth or newspaper.
carpets: sprinkle with baking soda to deodorize and vacuum.
hardwood floors: a mixture of warm water and a drop of dish soap will leave your wood floors shining.
water marks on wood: buff with water and olive oil.
Laundry Room:
Clothes will rinse better if one cup of vinegar is added to the last rinse water. The acid in vinegar is mild enough as to not harm fabrics, but strong enough to dissolve the alkalies found in soaps and detergents.
