Green Cleaning by Susan Baldani
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ot only does springtime evoke thoughts of flowers and sunshine, it also gets us motivated to give our homes a good purge and do some deep cleaning. In addition to throwing away old clothes and organizing our closets, we also want to make sure we have a clean and healthy place for our families to thrive.
detrimental to the environment, too.
However, concern about the toxicity of certain chemicals found in popular cleaning products has led more and more consumers to search for alternatives. Some of these cleaners contain ingredients that can exacerbate asthma and cause skin irritation and other adverse health conditions. They have also been responsible for accidental poisonings in children. Of course, they’re
Here are six natural cleaning ingredients that can be safely used as often as needed. You probably even have most of these items in your pantry already.
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Family • March 2020
Well, it turns out that those old-fashioned products our ancestors used are just as good as some of the name-brand cleaners lining store shelves today. And even better, they’re all-natural — and inexpensive to boot.
Vinegar Vinegar is one of nature’s most versatile cleaners. Just put some in a spray bottle, add the same amount of water, and
you have a great solution to disinfect and deodorize. And don’t worry about your home smelling like an Italian deli; the odor dissipates as it dries. Use in the kitchen on countertops, sinks, floors, and appliances. Just avoid getting on marble or granite; it can cause damage. Bring a bowl of vinegar and water to a boil in the microwave to deodorize and remove baked-on foods. Spray in your bathtub and shower to remove soap scum and to clean grout. For mildew, use undiluted vinegar for the best results and leave on for at least 30 minutes. Pour 1 cup into the toilet and
let sit for a few hours before scrubbing.
Baking soda Every baker knows the importance of baking soda, but it’s also great for absorbing odors and dissolving dirt and grease. Make a scouring paste by adding to water and use to scrub countertops, dishes, sinks and tubs. Sprinkle in garbage cans, and place some in an open container in your refrigerator to absorb odors. Soak pots and pans with baking soda to remove cooked-on food. Add ½ cup into your washer to
