Common household items can be used to make safe, inexpensive, child-safe, and non-toxic cleaning solutions. Also, they do a great job cleaning your home! The “greenest” thing you can do is use what you have first. Even if they are somewhat toxic, using them is better than throwing them into our water system. If you have toxic products that you don’t want to use, dispose of them properly by contacting your city’s hazardous waste department.
Tile, Countertop, and Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix baking soda and water together to form a paste with a consistency similar to smooth toothpaste.
Shower doors: To clean scum off glass doors, wipe them with lemon oil. As a preventive measure, you can apply a few drops of lemon oil on them once or twice a month.
Showerheads – To remove mineral deposits from showerheads, put vinegar in a plastic bag and secure the bag to the showerhead with a rubber band. The goal is to soak your shower heads in vinegar overnight. Then rinse with water in the morning and they are mineral deposit free and sparkling clean!
Windows and Mirrors – Make your classroom shine with Club Soda. Place in a spray bottle, spray and immediately wipe up with newspaper.
Unclog Drains: Mix equal amounts of salt and baking soda and pour down the drain. Then let the hot water run for a couple of minutes. This will work great if your drain is clogged due to oil or grease. If your drain is clogged for any other reason, such as hair, you need to clean the hair trap or snake your drain.
Limescale taps – Rub with a little lemon juice and let sit overnight. In the morning, wipe with a damp cloth.
Stainless steel sinks, fixtures and appliances: Mix one part isopropyl alcohol to two parts water. Put in a spray bottle and spray on a soft cotton cloth. Use the damp cloth to polish the steel.
Wood Floors: Mix 1 part distilled white vinegar and 2 parts water. Vinegar disinfects and collects dust.
Scratched floors: Apply 2-4 drops of tea tree oil to the scratch. Wipe off excess oil with a soft cloth. Take a clean soft cloth and rub it with white distilled vinegar.
Wood Furniture: Polish and protect your furniture by combining 2 cups of olive oil or vegetable oil with the juice of 1 lemon. Rub it on your furniture with a soft cloth.
Glassware – Make your glassware sparkle by adding 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse water.
Vehicle: To clean your car’s exterior, windshield, hubcaps and wheels, mix 1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap with a bucket full of hot water. Use a clean soft sponge and hose it down well when done washing.
Garage Floor: To remove oil stains and make your garage floor look like new, create a paste with baking soda and water and apply a generous amount to the stains. Let stand overnight. Then scrub with a damp brush, rinse and wipe clean.
You can customize your products by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils, such as lavender or vanilla.
