Originally published February 16 2011
Use these tips and tricks to clean your home naturally
by Elizabeth Walling
(NaturalNews) Many common household cleaners have been linked to health problems. Allergies top the list, with eye and skin irritation close behind. There is even some evidence that suggests chemicals in cleaners can cause lung diseases, birth defects, and cancers. Using natural methods of cleaning around the home is a great first step to reclaiming your health.
Bathtub and Tiles
The bathtub and tiles can be cleaned using a quarter cup of borax mixed with a vegetable based liquid soap and half a teaspoon of lemon oil to form a paste. Using a sponge, the paste can be applied to the tub or tile and then rinsed clear for a clean shine.
Mirrors and Windows
Vinegar has long been known as an inexpensive and non-toxic household cleaner. For mirrors and windows, one-quarter of a cup of white vinegar should be used per gallon of water. Applied to surfaces using crumpled newspaper, and then dried with more newspaper, this mixture will leave a streak-free shine.
Floors and Surfaces
Vinegar, borax, and a vegetable-based dish detergent can be used to clean grease and dirt from floors and other surfaces. Two gallons of hot water should be mixed with one cup of white vinegar and one-quarter of a cup of borax, and then a teaspoon of the detergent should be added. This concoction can be applied using a mop or a sponge, then rinsed clean.
Window Blinds
An easy solution for dusty mini blinds is to put a pair of clean, old socks on your hands. One can be dipped into a bucket of warm water that has been mixed with a vegetable-based dish detergent; then, run along the top and bottom of each blind. The other sock-covered hand is used to dry each blind.
Pet Hair
For pet hair removal from upholstered furniture, a damp rubber glove is effective. Putting on the glove and wetting it and then running it over the upholstery will cause the hair to clump together. It can then be picked up and thrown away.
Oven Cleaner
Baking soda is a great oven cleaner. For an easy and non-toxic cleaning with no smelly fumes, you should sprinkle water on the interior surfaces of the oven. Then baking soda is sprinkled over the water, using enough to form a white paste. This mixture should be left to sit for twelve hours, then wiped away. Whatever grease is left can be removed with a vegetable-based dish detergent.
Wood Polish
When it's time to polish wood furniture, olive oil is the natural product of choice. Three parts olive oil to one part vinegar is one recipe that can be mixed quickly and then applied with a clean cloth. The wood will shine and the oil will soak in to lubricate it naturally.
Further Reading:
http://health.learninginfo.org/household-cle...
http://www.pagespersonalcleaning.net/home_cl...
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP03417/4-Tips-...
About the author
Elizabeth Walling is a freelance writer specializing in health and family nutrition. She is a strong believer in natural living as a way to improve health and prevent modern disease. She enjoys thinking outside of the box and challenging common myths about health and wellness. You can visit her blog to learn more:
www.livingthenourishedlife.com/2009/10/welco...
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