Green Cleaning Solutions
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Natural Cleaning Solutions
It is everyone's best interest to keep a clean living environment without the use of harsh chemicals. Not only are the chemicals harsh on our bodies and our pets, these chemicals are often compiled into expensive formulas and offered under even more expensive brand names. To have the environment, and money, try out some of the below techniques.
Household plants help clean the air
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Green Cleaning tip: Use Cellulose Sponges
Most household sponges are made of polyester or plastic which are slow to break down in landfills, and many are treated with triclosan, a chemical that can produce chloroform (a suspected carcinogen) when it interacts with the chlorine found in tap water. Instead use cellulose sponges, which are biodegradable and naturally more absorbent.
All purpose natural cleaner recipe
Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Specific Task Natural Cleaners
Bathroom mold:
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait a minimum of one hour before rinsing or using shower.
Carpet stains:
It's best to never cut raw meat on a wooden chopping block surface. To disinfect the surface, rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block. For tougher stains, squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub, then wipe.
Coffee and tea stains:
The best way to avoid stains is to immediately wash the vessel after use. Stains in cups may be removed by applying vinegar to a sponge and wiping. To clean a teakettle or coffee maker, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar; bring to a boil. Let cool, wipe with a clean cloth and rinse very thoroughly with water.
Deodorizers:
Refrigerators: keep an open container of baking soda in the refrigerator. Replace after 6 weeks
Plastic food storage containers: soak overnight in warm water and baking soda, rinse very thoroughly in the morning
In-sink garbage disposal units: grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit, again this is not for anaerobic septic systems
Carpets: sprinkle baking soda or borax several hours before vacuuming
Garage, basements: set a sliced onion on a plate in center of room for a day
Dishwasher Soap: This one can be quite tricky. there are homemade recipes, but it's likely better to purchase an all natural dishwasher soap designed for your washer type which contains no bleach or phosphates.
Dishwashing Soap: Commercial low-phosphate detergents are not harmful, but phosphates nourish algae which use up oxygen in waterways. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs.
Disinfectant:
Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Apply with dampened cloth or spray bottle. (This is not an antibacterial formula. To disinfect kitchen sponges, put them in the dishwasher when running a load.
Drain Cleaner:
For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 4 liters water, and heat to 190 degrees, then pour down the drain. For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water is used. Also, do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener--the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.
Fabric softener:
Fabric softener is not recommended for many clothes. Carefully consult your clothing care tag instructions. Line-drying clothing is another alternative. To reduce static cling, dampen your hands, then shake out your clothes as you remove them from the drier.
Floor Cleaner and Polish:
Vinyl and linoleum: Mix 1 cup vinegar and a few drops of baby oil in 1 gallon warm water. For tough jobs, add 1/4 cup borox. Use sparingly on linoleum.
Wood: apply a thin coat of 1:1 vegetable oil and vinegar and rub in well
Painted wood: mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4L) hot water
Brick and stone tiles: mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon (4L) water; rinse with clear water
Most floor surfaces:For damp-mopping wood floors: mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water.
Furniture Polish:
For varnished wood: add a few drops of lemon oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth.
For unvarnished wood: Mix two teaspoons each of olive oil and lemon juice and apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth. Wring the cloth to spread the mixture further into the material and apply to the furniture using wide strokes. This helps distribute the oil evenly.
Laundry Detergent:The traditional homemade recipe has been to mix 1 cup Ivory soap (or Fels Naptha soap), 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads; 2 tbsp for heavy loads. However, there are also many good commercialy available natural and biodegradable laundry detergents now available in many retail and online locations.
Lime Deposits:
If you use rainwater as your sole water source, you do not suffer from lime and calcium build-ups. However, this is a common problem with well water and municipally supplied water. Reduce lime deposits in teakettles by putting in 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar and 2 cups water, and gently boiling for a few minutes. Rinse well with fresh water while kettle is still warm. To remove lime scale on bathroom fixtures, squeeze lemon juice onto affected areas and let sit for several minutes before wiping clean with a wet cloth.
Marks on walls and painted surfaces:
Ink spots, pencil, crayon or marker spots may be cleaned from painted surfaces using baking soda applied to a damp sponge. Rub very gently, then wipe and rinse. Vigorous rubbing may result in removal of the paint surface
Metal Cleaners and Polishes:
Aluminum: Clean with a solution of cream of tartar and water and rub with a soft cloth
Brass or bronze: polish with a soft cloth dipped in lemon and baking-soda solution, or vinegar and salt solution
Chrome: polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny side out
Copper: soak a cotton rag in a pot of boiling water with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Apply to copper while hot; let cool, then wipe clean. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or lemon juice on a soft cloth, then wipe. For copper cookware, sprinkle a lemon wedge with salt, then scrub
Gold: clean with toothpaste, or a paste of salt, vinegar, and flour
Silver: line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water; add a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse silver. Polish with soft cloth.
Stainless steel: Clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar, or olive oil. For stainless cookware, mix 4 tbs baking soda in 1 qt water, and apply using a soft cloth. Wipe dry using a clean cloth. For stainless steel sinks, pour some club soda on an absorbent cloth to clean, then wipe dry using a clean cloth.
Mold and Mildew:
Using a rough sponge, use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength
Mothballs:
The common mothball is made of paradichlorobenzene, which is harmful to liver and kidneys. Cedar chips in a cheesecloth square, or cedar oil in an absorbent cloth will repel moths. The cedar should be 'aromatic cedar', also referred to as juniper in some areas. Cedar chips are available at many craft supply stores, or make your own using a plane and a block of cedar from the lumberyard.
Homemade moth-repelling sachets can also be made with lavender, rosemary, vetiver and rose petals.
Dried lemon peels are also a natural moth deterrent - toss into clothes chest, or tie in cheesecloth and hang in the closet.
Oil and Grease Spots in garages:
For small spills, add baking soda and scrub with wet brush
Oven Cleaner:
Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use 3/4cup baking soda, 1/4cup salt and 1/4cup water to make a thick paste, and spread throughout oven interior. (avoid bare metal and any openings) Let sit overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots. Or use Arm & Hammer Oven Cleaner.
Paint Brush Cleaner:
Remember to always use low VOC (Volatile organic compound), "Zero" VOC or all natural paints. Non-toxic, citrus oil based solvents are now available commercially under several brand names, but many of these newer paints are now easily cleaned by simply running water thoroughly through the brushes.
Rust Remover:
Sprinkle a little salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Leave the mixture on for 2 - 3 hours. Use leftover rind to scrub residue.
Scouring Powder:
For top of stove, refrigerator and other such surfaces that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking soda directly with a damp sponge.
Shoe Polish:
First, remove all the dirt with a damp cloth. Use a few drops of avocado oil or olive oil applied to shoes with a thick cotton or terry rag to condition the leather. Leave for a few minutes; wipe and buff with a clean, dry rag.
Appliques on walls:
To remove, sponge vinegar over them several times, and wait 15 minutes, then rub off the stickers. This also works for price tags (stickers) on tools, etc.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.
Tub and Tile Cleaner:
The key to tub and tile cleaning is to not allow either to become too dirty. It's much simpler to do maintenance work than to make progress on heavy duty cleaning. For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder. Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.
Wallpaper Remover:
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water, apply with sponge over the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive or use a steamer. Peel of the lifting paper and reapply the mixture to stubborn patches. Open the room windows or use a fan to dissipate the pungent vinegar smell.
Water Rings on Wood:
Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the result of moisture that is trapped under the topcoat, but not the finish. Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub into the ring. Be careful not to run too vigorously so as not to mar the finish. Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood surface.
Window Cleaner:
Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Only use the black and white newspapers, not the colored ones. Don't clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. The All-Purpose Cleaner (above) also works well on windows. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it.
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait a minimum of one hour before rinsing or using shower.
Carpet stains:
- For general stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let soak in for 10 minutes, then clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
- For fresh grease spots: sprinkle corn starch onto spot and wait 30 minutes before vacuuming. This may or may not work.
- For a heavy duty carpet cleaner: make a paste by mixing 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar in a bowl. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. You can vacuum, but using a steam cleaner works better.
It's best to never cut raw meat on a wooden chopping block surface. To disinfect the surface, rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block. For tougher stains, squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub, then wipe.
Coffee and tea stains:
The best way to avoid stains is to immediately wash the vessel after use. Stains in cups may be removed by applying vinegar to a sponge and wiping. To clean a teakettle or coffee maker, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar; bring to a boil. Let cool, wipe with a clean cloth and rinse very thoroughly with water.
Deodorizers:
Refrigerators: keep an open container of baking soda in the refrigerator. Replace after 6 weeks
Plastic food storage containers: soak overnight in warm water and baking soda, rinse very thoroughly in the morning
In-sink garbage disposal units: grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit, again this is not for anaerobic septic systems
Carpets: sprinkle baking soda or borax several hours before vacuuming
Garage, basements: set a sliced onion on a plate in center of room for a day
Dishwasher Soap: This one can be quite tricky. there are homemade recipes, but it's likely better to purchase an all natural dishwasher soap designed for your washer type which contains no bleach or phosphates.
Dishwashing Soap: Commercial low-phosphate detergents are not harmful, but phosphates nourish algae which use up oxygen in waterways. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs.
Disinfectant:
Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Apply with dampened cloth or spray bottle. (This is not an antibacterial formula. To disinfect kitchen sponges, put them in the dishwasher when running a load.
Drain Cleaner:
For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 4 liters water, and heat to 190 degrees, then pour down the drain. For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water is used. Also, do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener--the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.
Fabric softener:
Fabric softener is not recommended for many clothes. Carefully consult your clothing care tag instructions. Line-drying clothing is another alternative. To reduce static cling, dampen your hands, then shake out your clothes as you remove them from the drier.
Floor Cleaner and Polish:
Vinyl and linoleum: Mix 1 cup vinegar and a few drops of baby oil in 1 gallon warm water. For tough jobs, add 1/4 cup borox. Use sparingly on linoleum.
Wood: apply a thin coat of 1:1 vegetable oil and vinegar and rub in well
Painted wood: mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4L) hot water
Brick and stone tiles: mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon (4L) water; rinse with clear water
Most floor surfaces:For damp-mopping wood floors: mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water.
Furniture Polish:
For varnished wood: add a few drops of lemon oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and finish by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth.
For unvarnished wood: Mix two teaspoons each of olive oil and lemon juice and apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth. Wring the cloth to spread the mixture further into the material and apply to the furniture using wide strokes. This helps distribute the oil evenly.
Laundry Detergent:The traditional homemade recipe has been to mix 1 cup Ivory soap (or Fels Naptha soap), 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads; 2 tbsp for heavy loads. However, there are also many good commercialy available natural and biodegradable laundry detergents now available in many retail and online locations.
Lime Deposits:
If you use rainwater as your sole water source, you do not suffer from lime and calcium build-ups. However, this is a common problem with well water and municipally supplied water. Reduce lime deposits in teakettles by putting in 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar and 2 cups water, and gently boiling for a few minutes. Rinse well with fresh water while kettle is still warm. To remove lime scale on bathroom fixtures, squeeze lemon juice onto affected areas and let sit for several minutes before wiping clean with a wet cloth.
Marks on walls and painted surfaces:
Ink spots, pencil, crayon or marker spots may be cleaned from painted surfaces using baking soda applied to a damp sponge. Rub very gently, then wipe and rinse. Vigorous rubbing may result in removal of the paint surface
Metal Cleaners and Polishes:
Aluminum: Clean with a solution of cream of tartar and water and rub with a soft cloth
Brass or bronze: polish with a soft cloth dipped in lemon and baking-soda solution, or vinegar and salt solution
Chrome: polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny side out
Copper: soak a cotton rag in a pot of boiling water with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Apply to copper while hot; let cool, then wipe clean. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or lemon juice on a soft cloth, then wipe. For copper cookware, sprinkle a lemon wedge with salt, then scrub
Gold: clean with toothpaste, or a paste of salt, vinegar, and flour
Silver: line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water; add a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse silver. Polish with soft cloth.
Stainless steel: Clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar, or olive oil. For stainless cookware, mix 4 tbs baking soda in 1 qt water, and apply using a soft cloth. Wipe dry using a clean cloth. For stainless steel sinks, pour some club soda on an absorbent cloth to clean, then wipe dry using a clean cloth.
Mold and Mildew:
Using a rough sponge, use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength
Mothballs:
The common mothball is made of paradichlorobenzene, which is harmful to liver and kidneys. Cedar chips in a cheesecloth square, or cedar oil in an absorbent cloth will repel moths. The cedar should be 'aromatic cedar', also referred to as juniper in some areas. Cedar chips are available at many craft supply stores, or make your own using a plane and a block of cedar from the lumberyard.
Homemade moth-repelling sachets can also be made with lavender, rosemary, vetiver and rose petals.
Dried lemon peels are also a natural moth deterrent - toss into clothes chest, or tie in cheesecloth and hang in the closet.
Oil and Grease Spots in garages:
For small spills, add baking soda and scrub with wet brush
Oven Cleaner:
Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use 3/4cup baking soda, 1/4cup salt and 1/4cup water to make a thick paste, and spread throughout oven interior. (avoid bare metal and any openings) Let sit overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots. Or use Arm & Hammer Oven Cleaner.
Paint Brush Cleaner:
Remember to always use low VOC (Volatile organic compound), "Zero" VOC or all natural paints. Non-toxic, citrus oil based solvents are now available commercially under several brand names, but many of these newer paints are now easily cleaned by simply running water thoroughly through the brushes.
Rust Remover:
Sprinkle a little salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Leave the mixture on for 2 - 3 hours. Use leftover rind to scrub residue.
Scouring Powder:
For top of stove, refrigerator and other such surfaces that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking soda directly with a damp sponge.
Shoe Polish:
First, remove all the dirt with a damp cloth. Use a few drops of avocado oil or olive oil applied to shoes with a thick cotton or terry rag to condition the leather. Leave for a few minutes; wipe and buff with a clean, dry rag.
Appliques on walls:
To remove, sponge vinegar over them several times, and wait 15 minutes, then rub off the stickers. This also works for price tags (stickers) on tools, etc.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.
Tub and Tile Cleaner:
The key to tub and tile cleaning is to not allow either to become too dirty. It's much simpler to do maintenance work than to make progress on heavy duty cleaning. For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder. Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.
Wallpaper Remover:
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water, apply with sponge over the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive or use a steamer. Peel of the lifting paper and reapply the mixture to stubborn patches. Open the room windows or use a fan to dissipate the pungent vinegar smell.
Water Rings on Wood:
Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the result of moisture that is trapped under the topcoat, but not the finish. Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub into the ring. Be careful not to run too vigorously so as not to mar the finish. Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood surface.
Window Cleaner:
Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Only use the black and white newspapers, not the colored ones. Don't clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. The All-Purpose Cleaner (above) also works well on windows. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it.
Airfresheners
- Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house and works particularly well in the refrigerator
- Having houseplants helps reduce odors in the home. They will also attract pet hair, so remember to wipe them off occasionally
- Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
- Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal if needed. If you have an anaerobic septic system, it is not recommended to put citrus of any kind in teh disposal.
- Simmer water and cinnamon or other spices on stove to freshen up a room or bake cookies!
- Place bowls of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in room for up to two weeks, then replace.
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