Clean your house without the toxins

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Cleaning is a part of everyday life that can become confusing with the wide array of products available. Many cleaning products on the market are heavily laden with harsh chemicals, which makes opting for natural cleaning products a safer choice, as well as many other benefits in using natural products.
Expense: Natural cleansers can be a much more economical option for budget-conscious shoppers. Baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and cornstarch are excellent examples of inexpensive products that are found in many kitchens and can serve a variety of purposes. 
Multiple Uses: Many natural cleaners can serve several purposes throughout the household which can save money and time. Baking soda is an inexpensive option that can be used as a fabric softener and deodorizer, and it can polish metals and plastics. Vinegar is an extremely versatile product that can be used to clean multiple surfaces, deodorize and remove mildew. Lemon juice can be used as a glass cleaner, deodorizer and stain remover. Cornstarch can clean windows, carpets, and polish furniture. 
Eco-friendly: The cleaning products that we use not only affect the surface they are used on, but can affect the surrounding environment. Cleaning products come in contact with the air and can seep into the soil. By making their way into the soil, harsh chemicals in these products can eventually make their way into water and food supplies. The presence of these chemicals can affect crop growth and contaminate food supplies.
Effectiveness: Many consumers opt for household cleaners laden with harsh chemicals because they feel they are the most effective option. A study conducted at Purdue University examined the effectiveness of various natural cleaners and found that they were as effective as cleaners containing chemicals in disinfecting and reducing bacterial growth.
Creating your own Cleaner: One of the best ways to increase the safety in your home is to make your own cleaners. With these basic ingredients you can make most of the cleaners you will need in your home.
  • Baking Soda
  • Washing Soda
  • White distilled vinegar
  • A good liquid soap or detergent (without triclosan)
  • Tea tree oil
  • Spray Bottles
Recipes

Soft Cleanser: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to thicken the texture until it's similar to frosting. Use with a sponge to clean the bathtub (it rinses clean). To store, add a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin and put into a sealed glass jar.

Window Cleaner: Combine 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent with 3 tablespoons vinegar and 2 cups water. Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake, and you're ready to go.

Oven Cleaner: Sprinkle water liberally over the bottom of the oven. Cover with baking soda until the surface is white. Sprinkle more water and leave overnight. In the morning, you will be able to easily wipe clean. Finish off the job with a little liquid detergent.

Spray Cleaner: Combine 1/2 teaspoon washing soda, some liquid soap, and 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle. Shake until the washing soda dissolves. That's it.

Furniture Polish: Using a glass jar, mix 1/2 teaspoon oil (olive, jojoba, or a liquid wax) with 1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice. Dip a rag into the solution and wipe onto wood surfaces.

Deodorizer: Create a mixture with water and 5% vinegar in a clean spray bottle. Tea tree is a great anti-bacterial and general bug killer that works great on mold. Try it on your moldy shower curtain, rug or ceiling. Simply spray. Don't rinse.

Do you have other recipes for home cleaners?

 Please share with us!









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