Grandma managed to keep her home clean long before there was an aisle in the grocery store devoted to perfumed products that promised to make her job easier. The various expensive chemical soups that are used to ‘clean’ surfaces can leave you wondering if it’s really worth the expense.
The good news is that you can keep more of your hard-earned money AND get your house clean without lots of toxic chemicals. You can use the following four formulas in a multitude of cleaning applications.
POWDERED CLEANSER
Sprinkle this no-scratch formula onto a wet sponge and apply with a circular motion onto a surface. Baking Soda alone works well, but I use the following formula for extra water-softening and germ-fighting: 2 parts Baking Soda, 1 part Borax and ½ part salt. This formula works well on some difficult stains. Store this in a shaker container with a tight fitting lid.
ALL PURPOSE SPRAY/RINSE
This liquid, used in combination with homemade scouring powder, will make a foamy cleaner. Mix equal parts water and vinegar together. Place your solution in a pistol-grip sprayer. Surfaces that you’ve cleaned with your scouring powder can be sprayed with this solution, wiped and then rinsed. Surfaces are left shining. The vinegar cuts the grease and also has anti-bacterial properties. This spray can be used alone to clean glass as well as wipe down counter tops and tables. Used as a spray after showers and baths, your vinegar spray can help discourage the growth of mold.
HARD SURFACE, GLASS & DISINFECTANT/CLEANER
Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 1 part water, place into a spray container and use to clean hard surfaces that you want germ and streak-free. An additional two Tbsp of vinegar should be added to each cup of this blend. I like to use this to wipe down metal surfaces as it quickly dries without leaving spots. I also like to use it on light switches, doorknobs, and other surfaces that have a multitude of little hands on them.
SPRAY TREATMENT FOR MOLD & SOAP SCUM
Hard water can lead to a problem with soap scum and mold. Two parts water mixed with one part Hydrogen Peroxide is a good pre-treatment for these stains. Place it into a spray bottle and spray onto the surface. Let it sit for an hour and then clean with scouring powder.
These ideas are presented only for your information. The reader assumes all risk and is encouraged to utilize these suggestions with discretion.Discover more tips about homemade cleaners that you can make yourself at http://www.learnandlivewell.com/
