Well-being > Sustainability > Naturalness > Natural cleaning

Cleaning without harmful cleansers.

2006-07-11 ∞

Well, apparently I've been poisoning myself without knowing it. I've been researching natural cleaning a little bit more, thanks to a new book I got with my shaving kit (hey, they had lots of cool stuff). The Naturally Clean Home by Karen Siegel-Maier. I learned that my dish soap, of all things, is toxic. I read the label, and wonder of wonders.. it's vague. Vague labels means they're hiding something. Hiding something means something's bad.

So it looks like I've got three toxic things left in my house: Dish soap, Toothpaste and Laundry Detergent. I'll be reviewing all three over the next while, to replace them with safer alternatives.

Things ∞

Vinegar ∞

Vinegar - (Acidic) - general cleaner, disinfectant, deodorizer

1 part water to 1 part vinegar. Dilute properly or it is too acidic and can do damage to grout etc.

In a new (never-used) spray bottle.

Safe on most surfaces, but test in an inconspicuous area.

In a new store bought spray bottle and you have a solution that will clean most areas of your home.

The vinegar smell disappears when it dries.

Lemon Juice ∞

Lemon Juice - (Alkaline)

Lemon juice is another natural substance that can be used to clean your home. Lemon juice can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. Lemon is a great substance to clean and shine brass and copper. Lemon juice can be mixed with vinegar and or baking soda to make cleaning pastes.

Mix 1 cup olive oil with 1/2 cup lemon juice and you have a furniture polish for your hardwood furniture.

Lemons ∞

Lemon - (Alkaline)

Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains.

Lemon peel can be used to freshen. Oranges are like that too.

Baking Soda ∞

Sodium bicarbonate

Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains.

Baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces in much the same way as commercial abrasive cleansers. Put it anywhere you need deodorizing action.

Borax ∞

Borax - aka sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, disodium tetraborate

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By Location ∞

Bathroom ∞

Vinegar - Clean the bathtub, toilet, sink, and countertops. Use pure vinegar in the toilet bowl to get rid of rings. Flush the toilet to allow the water level to go down. Pour the undiluted vinegar around the inside of the rim. Scrub down the bowl. Mop the floor in the bathroom with a vinegar/water solution. The substance will also eat away the soap scum and hard water stains on your fixtures and tile. Make sure it is safe to use with your tile.
Lemons - Peels can be used to freshen

Kitchen ∞

Baking Soda
- A whole box can be put in the fridge to absorb odours.
- Can be used to scrub surfaces esp. when sprinkled on a lemon.
Lemons
- peels can be put in the garbage to freshen
Vinegar
- Stovetop, appliances, countertops, and floor.

Note: Common dish soap contains hazardous materials. For example, my Dove dish soap lists Ionic and Nonionic Surfactants without listing specifics. It doesn't give specifics, which immediately tells me that they're specifically avoiding noting dangerous materials.

Laundry ∞

Vinegar
- Fabric softener: This can be especially helpful for families who have sensitive skin.
  -- Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle in place of store bought fabric softener. Vinegar has the added benefit of breaking down laundry detergent more effectively. (A plus when you have a family member whose skin detects every trace of detergent.)
Soap
- You can make your own.
- http://www.endtimesreport.com/laundry_soap.html

Windows ∞

1 cup rubbing alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon Vinegar

Using isopropyl alcohol and white Vinegar together makes a quickly evaporating spray glass and mirror cleaner that competes with national brands. This can also be used to give a nice shine to hard tiles, chrome, and other surfaces.

notes ∞

All-Purpose Cleaner ∞

1/2 cup (125 ml) pure soap
1 gallon (4 litres) hot water
For a clean scent and to help cut grease add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of Lemon Juice.
This solution is safe for all surfaces, should be rinsed with water, and is very effective for most jobs. For a stronger cleaner, double the amounts of soap and lemon juice.

Disinfectant ∞

Mix 50-100 ml of eucalyptus oil with a litre of water.
This can be used in a spray bottle, but remember to shake the mixture before using to disperse the oil.

Air Fresheners ∞

Use Baking Soda in your garbage or refrigerator to help reduce odours at their source.
Dissolve 1 tsp (5 ml) of baking soda in 2 cups (500 ml) of hot water, add 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray as you would an air freshener.
Place a few slices of a citrus fruit, cloves or cinnamon in a pot with enough water to simmer gently for an hour or two.

Scouring Powder ∞

Use a firm bristle brush and scrub with pure soap combined with either table salt or Baking Soda.

Baking soda alone on a damp sponge is also effective on most surfaces. You can also personalize your scouring powder by adding an aromatic herb or flower. Put the ingredients in a blender and run until the fragrance has infused the powder.

For oven spills, scrub using straight baking soda or combine with the stronger version of the all purpose cleaner.
Remember to wear gloves when scrubbing.

Liquid Dish Soap ∞

Grate a bar of pure soap into a sauce pan.
Cover with water and simmer over low heat until they melt together.
Add some Vinegar to the water for tough grease and to remove spots.
Pour into a container and use as you would any liquid dishwashing soap.

Mirrors, Glass and Windows ∞

Wash with pure soap and water
Rinse with a solution of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water.
Use washable, reusable cheese cloth instead of paper towels.

Carpets ∞

Vacuum
Liberally sprinkle corn starch or Baking Soda
Leave for one hour
Vacuum again
For tougher stains, try cold soda water or repeatedly blot with Vinegar and soapy water.

Furniture Polish ∞

Dissolve 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon oil in 1 cup (250 ml) vegetable oil.
Apply with a clean dry rag.

Floor Polish ∞

Melt 1/8 cup (30 ml) paraffin wax in a double boiler
Add 1 quart/litre mineral oil and a few drops of lemon oil
Apply with a rag
allow to dry
polish

Metal Polish ∞

Copper ∞

Try Lemon Juice and a little salt or hot Vinegar and a little salt on a rag.

Chrome ∞

Try white flour on a dry rag.

Brass ∞

Try equal parts salt and flour, with a little Vinegar on a dry rag.

Sterling silver ∞

Note: These methods should be done on sterling silver only and not on silver plate.

Bring to a boil in a large pan:
- 1 quart/litre water
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) salt
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) baking soda
- A strip of aluminum foil
Drop in silver
Boil for 3 minutes
Polish with a soft cloth, or polish with a paste of wood ash and water

Resources/Notes/Shopping ∞

Last updated 2022-08-30 at 07:05:11

spiralofhope

Natural cleaning