Many people are looking to reduce the amount of chemicals that they are bringing into their homes. Here is a way to keep your home fresh and clean using plain white vinegar, and baking soda.
VINEGAR CLEANING USES:
Pour a spray bottle half full of white vinegar and fill the rest of the way with water. This vinegar/ water mixture can be used to clean hard surfaces such as counter tops, sinks, and even tile or vinyl floors (do not use on hard-wood floors). This mix also works extremely well to clean glass without leaving streaks. Glass surfaces include windows, mirrors, glass tables, and glass cook top stoves. The acidity of the vinegar makes it naturally antibacterial. Vinegar is also very inexpensive, non-toxic to people and animals, and does not pollute the environment, all of which make it a great choice for a versatile household cleaner.
BAKING SODA CLEANING USES:
Baking soda, like vinegar is safe to humans, animal and the environment, as well as being very inexpensive, making it another excellent multi-purpose household cleaner.
Baking soda works well to deodorize carpets, litter boxes, trash cans, garbage disposals, and refrigerators/ freezers.
1. To use baking soda to deodorize carpets, simply sprinkle a light even coating over the carpet. Allow the baking soda to sit on the carpet for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum the carpet. Repeat whenever necessary.
2. To cut down on unpleasant odors coming from the litter box, simply sprinkle baking soda over cat litter every time you change the litter. The baking soda will aid in neutralizing the unpleasant ammonia smells associated with cat urine.
3. To prevent odors from building in the trash can, sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the trash can, you may choose to add more baking soda every few time the bag is changed.
4. To cut odors that can build up in the garbage disposal, sprinkle 1/4 cup of baking soda down the disposal and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes prior to rinsing the sink and drain well.
5. To absorb food odors in the refrigerator or freezer, simply place an open box of baking soda into the refrigerator or freezer. To maintain optimum freshness, replace at least every 3 months (Arm & Hammer recommends every 30 days).
Baking soda works great for removing stains on hard surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom.
1. To remove stains from hard surfaces, make a baking soda paste of 2/3 baking soda to 1/3 water. Apply the baking soda paste to the stains, let stand for 5-10 minutes, then scrub and rinse away.
Baking soda can be used just to clean hard surfaces even if there are no stains present.
1. Simply sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and use to wipe down counter tops and sinks.
Baking soda can be used to boost laundry detergent, help to remove grease from clothing, and make chlorine bleach more effective.
1. Simply add 1/2 cup of baking soda to each load of laundry to boost the cleaning power.
If you plan to use baking soda as one of your main cleaning agents, you may want to consider buying it in bulk. You can buy large packages (12-14 pounds) of baking soda from member markets like Sam’s Club and Costco. Baking soda will never go bad, and there are endless cleaning, deodorizing, and baking possibilities.
