Homemade Green Cleaning Products-Safe for the Environment!

Many American families have started switching over to using cleaning products that are environmentally safe. Families switch over for a handful of reasons. In my household, we made the choice to switch over to green cleaning products for better health, cleaner air, and less chemical toxins floating around. For other’s it is a combination of better health and better environment. Whatever reason you and your family may have, going green will be a decision you will not regret! In fact, there are many common household items that can be used for both cooking and cleaning.

1. Baking Soda:

You probably have only used baking soda for your baking projects, but did you know that baking soda has multiple uses around the house? Here is a small sampler of all that baking soda can do.

· Kitchen:

Besides baking, baking soda is commonly used as a natural odor blocker. Forget Febreeze! Place a bowl of baking soda in your fridge or line your trash with some baking soda to prevent unpleasant odors. Baking soda is also useful for taking care of scuff marks and grease marks on any type of floors (even unfinished wood floors).

· Bathroom:

Baking soda is also useful for cleaning the bathroom. Use a blend of baking soda and water to help you remove stubborn stains around the bathroom. Ditch the Drain-O and replace it with baking soda. If you pour ¼ cup of baking soda each week, you can prevent your sinks from being clogged.

· Home:

Grab a box of baking soda to help you clean up spills on your carpet. Not only can use baking soda to blot out the spill, but you can use it to deodorize your carpet. Baking soda is also very safe to use around children. Mothers love to use it to clean toys because it is non-toxic and non-abrasive.

· Laundry:

Baking soda is also commonly used for everyday laundry. Replace half of your regular detergent with baking soda. It’s great for removing stains, keeping clothes fresh and odorless, and also boosts the effectiveness of bleach.

2. Vinegar:

Similar to the power of baking soda, vinegar has multiple purposes that include deodorizing and disinfecting. Simply mix your own solution of vinegar and water and you have yourself a very effective, cheap, and environmentally friendly green clean product. The only downside is that your house will temporarily smell like vinegar; the smell will disappear once the vinegar dries and evaporates.

· Bathroom/Kitchen:

Vinegar spray can be used anywhere in the bathroom and kitchen from counters, sinks, toilets, showers, etc. Mineral deposits, mildew, and soap buildup can all be removed by spraying or soaking the area with some vinegar mixture.

3. Lemon Juice:

Nothing is more natural than lemon juice. Lemon juice works great in combination with both baking soda and vinegar. It not only serves as a good cleaning agent, but it also leaves your home smelling very crisp and clean.

· Bathroom and Kitchen:

In combination with baking soda, lemon juice can be used to help remove grease stains and other stains. Similar to the effects of baking soda, lemon juice can be used as a deodorizer in the fridge, in sink disposal, or just around the house. One of my favorite uses for lemon juice is cleaning and deodorizing the microwave. Simply cut up some lemon slices in a bowl of water, and heat it up in the microwave.

· Furniture and Fixtures:

For certain wooden furniture, a mix of olive oil and lemon juice serves as a great polisher. Lemon juice can also be used to polish copper and brass fixtures.