Cleaning green

Amazing how marketing effects the buying power of people when it comes to cleaning products. You look in your cleaning closet and are overwhelmed by the smells and amount of cleaning solutions that you have bought because of cute marketing and promises to do amazing cleaning jobs. I have found that a great way to save money and to protect my family is a few simple recipes for cleaning solutions that use ingredients that you already have on hand.

Ingredients:

Baking Soda
This works best on proteins, grease, and animal messes. Because it’s slightly abrasive, it can be used for scouring — and, of course, it’s a natural deodorizer.

Distilled White Vinegar
This mild acid works on alkaline substances, dissolving scale, inhibiting mold, and cutting soap scum. It’s terrific for stains such as coffee, rust, and tea.

Simple Soap
Castile soap, made with olive oil, or a vegetable-based soap.

I find that microfiber cloths are the best. They do not leave lint and you can throw in the washer and use again. They are different weaves for different uses.

Recipes:

Soft Scrub
Add enough soap to 1/8 cup baking soda to make a creamy mixture. Apply with sponge to clean; rinse the surface well. Use and discard.

Appliance Cleaner
Dry baking soda shines up small appliances and even removes bread wrappers burned onto the toaster. Rub a teaspoon onto your small appliances with a clean cloth or micro fiber cloth

Toilet Cleaner/Deodorizer
Sprinkle toilet bowl with 1/4 cup baking soda. Add  1/4 cup vinegar, then scrub with toilet brush.

Oven Cleaner
Sprinkle oven with baking soda and spray with water. Let sit for several hours or overnight before scraping up stains and spills. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Hardwood Floor Cleaner
In a spray bottle, mix 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar in warm water. Use micro fiber mop to mop wood or linoleum floors, then rinse with water.

Charity Swanson Buchika, ASID
Elan Interiors
Elan Interiors Website
Contact me via E-mail or phone 315.474.1335