Cleaning the Green Way

We are a society in love with chemicals, and we put them in everything, including our cleaning products. Thankfully, there are safe cleaning products available, many of which are effective and inexpensive. Prairiewoods Eco-Spirituality Coordinator Emy Sautter put together a list of homemade natural cleaners that may inspire you to clean “green.” (Make sure to keep all homemade formulas well labeled and out of the reach of children.)

Essential Oils: Mix 1 teaspoon essential oil with 2 cups water in a spray bottle.

All Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or two teaspoons Borax) into 1/2 gallon water. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stalls, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.

Tub and Tile Cleaner: For simple cleaning, rub baking soda onto a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder. Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.

Air Freshener: Mix baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in a small container to absorb odors around the house. Grind up a slice of lemon in the garbage disposal.

Mold and Mildew: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength. Apply with a sponge or scrubby.

Window Cleaner:  Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 quart warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Don’t clean windows if the sun is shining through or if they are warm, as streaks will show as they dry.

Deodorizer: To deodorize plastic food storage containers, soak overnight in warm water and baking soda. For in-sink garbage disposal units, grind up lemon or orange peel in the unit. For carpets, sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming. For garages and basements, set a sliced onion on a plate in the center of the room for 12 to 24 hours.

Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of  Borax and washing soda (a stronger baking soda that can be found in the detergent aisle at the grocery store), but increase the washing soda if your water is hard. If you want to use a commercial dish-washing soap, try Ecover Ecological or Trader Joe’s powders, which contain no bleach or phosphates.

Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons Borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power, add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe with a dampened cloth or use a non-aerosol spray bottle. (This is not an antibacterial formula. The average kitchen or bathroom does not require antibacterial cleaners.) To disinfect kitchen sponges, put them in the dishwasher when running a load.

Drain Cleaner: For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 4 liters water. Heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain. For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain and follow with 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break down fatty acids into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue.  Caution: Only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water is used. Also do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener, as the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.

Floor Cleaner and Polish: For wood, apply a thin coat of 1-to-1 vegetable oil and vinegar and rub in well. For painted wood, mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon hot water. For brick and stone tiles, mix one cup white vinegar in one gallon water; rinse with clear water. Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution of vinegar and water. For damp mopping wood floors, mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water, add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil and shake to mix.

Furniture Polish: For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil into 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the cloth and finish by wiping once more using a dry, soft cotton cloth. For unvarnished wood, mix 2 teaspoons each of olive oil and lemon juice and apply a small amount to a soft cotton cloth. Wring the cloth to spread the mixture further into the material and apply to the furniture using wide strokes. This helps distribute the oil evenly.

Oven Cleaner: Moisten oven surfaces with a sponge and water. Use 3/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup salt, and 1/4 cup water to make a thick paste and spread throughout the oven interior (avoid bare metal and any openings). Let it sit overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots. Or use Arm & Hammer Oven Cleaner, declared nontoxic by Consumers Union.

Scouring Powder:  For top of stove, refrigerator and other such surfaces that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking soda directly with a damp sponge.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin, and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of Borax (two parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.

Wallpaper Remover: Mix equal parts white vinegar and hot water and apply with a sponge over the old wallpaper to soften the adhesive. Open windows or use a fan to dissipate the pungent vinegar smell.