All Natural Cleaning

Commercial cleaning products often contain many chemicals that are toxic and very dangerous. Prolonged use and exposure to certain chemicals can cause liver and kidney damage and some can cause cancer. If you or anyone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma, migraines or some other health conditions, fumes from cleaning products can trigger symptoms. There are now many alternatives to the harsh chemical cleaning products previous generations used.

The best way to protect yourself from toxic cleaning chemicals is by cleaning with all natural, non toxic products. There are many on the market today but most are not available in your local grocery store. Many have to be ordered directly from the company or through retailers that specialize in natural cleaning products. Many health food stores now carry natural cleaning products. Lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, borax, and salt are the main ingredients for many natural cleansers. You can buy natural cleaning products or make your own.

To keep your household safe, limit the number of commercial cleansers in the home and get rid of aerosol sprays. Instead of using rug shampoos sprinkle dry cornstarch or baking soda on the carpet before you vacuum. These powders help remove dirt and odor. To clean windows and mirrors mix white vinegar in water and wash using a soft cloth. Borax disinfects as well as cleans, so ½ cup borax added to a gallon of water makes a very good kitchen and bathroom cleanser.

Charcoal is a great deodorizer and can be used in bathrooms to absorb odors and dampness, just place a few pieces in corners and hidden areas around the room. Charcoal is great for removing musty odors from books and use to prevent books from getting musty. Just place a few pieces in boxes or wherever you have books stored. Place in book cabinets and hide behind books on the shelves.

Baking soda alone can be used in many ways around the home to clean and disinfect. You can use baking soda to deodorize dishwashers; clear a clogged drain; clean microwaves, refrigerators, automatic coffeemakers, baby bottles, and more. You can also use baking soda to shine stainless steel and chrome; deodorize carpets and rugs; freshen kitty litter; get rid of musty odors; clean bath tubs and sinks.

Natural Cleaning Recipes.

• Clean a cutting board with 1 tablespoon each of baking soda, salt and water mixed into a paste. Scrub cutting board with paste then rinse thoroughly.
   
• Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to dishwashing liquid to cut through grease.
   
• Add ½ cup of baking soda to laundry to whiten whites and brighten colors.
   
• Pre-treat laundry stains with a paste made from 4 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with ¼ cup of warm water.
   
• Polish silver jewelry with a paste made from ¼ cup baking soda and 2 tablespoons water. Apply with a damp sponge, rinse, and then buff dry.
   
• To remove blood- mix ¼ cup borax and 2 cups cold water. Rinse the blood with cold water before it dries, then scrub with warm water and soap. Then dip in the borax and water solution to remove any remaining blood.
   
• To remove coffee and chocolate- Mix 1 tsp.white vinegar and 1 quart of cold water. Sponge on the stain and wash as usual.
   
• To remove ink- mix cream of tartar and lemon juice into a paste and apply to the stain. Leave on for one hour and rinse.
   
• To remove grease- mix baking soda and water or cornstarch and water into a paste, cover the spot, let it dry and brush off.
   
• Furniture polish- mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and ½ cup olive oil or vegetable oil, apply and polish furniture with a soft clean cloth.
   
• A great polish and cleaner for wood furniture is flat beer. Beer will also remove coffee and tea stains from carpets and rugs.
   
• Toilet Cleaner- Baking soda, borax, and white vinegar, sprinkle the borax and baking soda directly in the bowl and pour in vinegar, leave on for a while for stubborn stains then scrub with toilet brush.
   
• Drain opener- mix equal parts vinegar, salt, and baking soda in the clogged drain, let sit for at least 15 minutes then pour boiling water down the drain
   
• Another drain opener is just by pouring a half cup of borax down the drain followed by 2 cups of boiling water. Repeat if needed.
   
• Remove stains from porcelain and stainless steel sinks with 1 cup of borax mixed with ¼ cup of lemon juice.
   
• 2 tablespoons borax dissolved in 3 cups of water makes a great window and mirror cleaner.

Some companies that make all natural non- toxic cleaning products include Bi-O-Kleen, Ecos, and Seventh Generation.

Places to Buy Natural Cleaning Products:

http://www.bi-o-kleen.com
http://www.naturallysafecleaning.com Bi-O-Kleen Products
http://www.kokogm.com Kokopelli’s Green Market many green cleaning and home products from many companies
http://www.ecos.com all natural cleaning, laundry and pet products
http://www.beenaturalleathercare.com all natural leather care products

~Wenona Napolitano

Wenona Napolitano, married mother of three, is a freelance writer, poet, editor and small business owner. She is also a certified floral designer and trained bridal consultant.