Originally published October 16 2010
How to Clean without Using Harsh Chemicals
by Maddie Ellison
(NaturalNews) More and more research is showing that the harsh chemicals in cleaning products are causing major health concerns for consumers. Studies show they can cause cancer and infertility, and new research is showing that some of those chemicals are even making us fat. You can have a clean home without using harsh chemicals.
There are many things you already own that can clean your home effectively. Baking soda isn't just useful in baking. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can clean just about everything. You can buy it in large boxes in the laundry aisle of your favorite store or in hardware stores.
Here are some tips to using baking soda:
* Clean the inside and outside of your refrigerator with a solution of 3 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1/2 cup of warm water.
* Baking soda is great for removing red wine and coffee stains. Try soda water first and if that doesn't work pour baking soda on the stain, rub it in, and then brush it off.
* Use a baking soda paste (baking soda with a small amount of water mixed with it) to remove mold and mildew from shower curtains and shower walls. Use an old tooth brush to rub it over the stain or to rub the grout between tiles.
* To keep your drain smelling fresh pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down your kitchen drain followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Then pour in some boiling water. The combination of the three will break down any fatty acids that are clogging your drain and it will make the drain smell fresher.
Another common household item that is a great all natural cleaner is vinegar. Vinegar not only cleans up grease it's also a great deodorizer. Here are some ways you can use vinegar to clean your home:
* Soak your shower head in vinegar to remove lime scale.
* Spray a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar on windows and mirrors and wipe clean with crumpled up newspapers.
* For stubborn marks in your toilet, sprinkle your toilet bowl with baking soda and then pour vinegar on top of it. It will bubble (think volcano science projects). Use your toilet brush to brush down the sides of your toilet bowl.
A quick search on the internet will give you many more ideas of how you can make your own cleaners. When you make your own cleaners you not only save money, but you also keep your family and pets safe.
References
http://www.vinegartips.com/scripts/pageViewS...
http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/bakingsoda
http://housekeeping.about.com/cs/environment...
About the author
Maddie is a health and fitness enthusiast who likes to research and write about all health and green living topics. She writes about herbal remedies for Sassafras Station, a health and fitness website, and edits the blog at http://www.sassafrasstation.com/blog/ .
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