A lot of store-bought cleaners are harsh, and when used on high traffic and high "touch" areas can pose health hazards. Imagine this: you wipe your cupboard with your chemical all purpose cleaner. Sure, it has disinfected it and there are no more germs on that surface. However, now when you place any food objects or dishes on that surface, you're now transferring the harsh chemicals onto your food and dishes.
There are some very basic ways to clean your home and not worry about the toxic ingredients affecting your families health.
In the Kitchen
Oven Cleaner
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1 1/2 cups baking soda
- 1/2 cup water
Plug the holes in your oven with aluminum foil. Mix the ingredients listed until it forms a smooth paste. Spread the paste in the oven. Leave it overnight.
In the morning, mix:
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
Add the ingredients to a spray bottle and spray the oven with this mixture. Wipe and rinse with clean water.
Note: the mixture needs to be rinsed well or it will leave a white residue.
Glass Cleaner #1
Pour plain club soda into a spray bottle. Spray it on the glass or mirror. Use a microfiber cloth and wipe until it's clean and streak free.
Glass Cleaner #2
Pour 1/4 vinegar 3/4 water mixture into a spray bottle. Spray it on the glass or mirror. Use a microfiber cloth and wipe until it's clean and streak free.
In the Bathroom
Toilet Cleaner
- 3 cups white vinegar
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
Pour the ingredients slowly into the toilet bowl. Leave it for 15 minutes and then scrub.
Bathtub and Shower Cleaner
- 1 part vinegar
- 1 part water
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the shower walls and tub. Leave it for at least 1/2 hour. Rinse with clean water. If you need extra cleaning power, use liquid laundry detergent and a plastic sponge. Avoid soap, which can leave a residue.
Rust Remover
Mix a small amount of cream of tartar with water until the consistency is like toothpaste. Smooth the mixture on to the stains. Use a sponge to scrub and wash off.
Grapefruit Extract - Natural Disinfectant
Grapefruit Extract can be the single greatest addition to everyday soaps and detergents. Only a few drops are needed to strengthen any cleanser’s ability and truly make a household free from problems caused by many types of bacteria. It's known for its natural antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties, as well as for its ability to fight fungal and viral infections.
Toothbrushes: soak brush for 15 minutes in a ½ cup of water with 10 drops of grapefruit extract to eliminate any bacteria.
Laundry: 15-20 drops of grapefruit extract added during the rinse cycle of a load of laundry gets rid of mold, odor and any residue or grime not removed by soap alone.
Fruit/Vegetable Wash: Contamination is a real concern with more and more fruits and vegetables being imported daily. Add 10 drops grapefruit extract in 2 cups of water and spray onto the food. This mix can also be used to extend the shelf life of all vegetables and fruits by 3-4 times, especially berries.
All Purpose Cleaner
Pour 2 cups of water, 2 cups of vinegar, 1/8 cup baking soda, and 18 drops of tea tree oil or grapefruit extract (tea tree oil also has natural antibacterial properties, though stronger than grapefruit extract and should not be used on food or food preparation surfaces). Pour into spray bottle and spray on surfaces and wipe with a cloth.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths have split microfibers that are divided into thousands or even millions of tiny hooks and hairs that dislodge even the tiniest pathogens, and "rid of them". These cloths are highly absorbent (can absorb 6-8 times it's own weight in liquid). The tiny hooks are so small that they can pick up bacteria as small as e coli bacteria and the common cold virus, all with just a bit of water and absolutely no cleaning products.
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