Nontoxic, inexpensive alternatives to traditional cleaning products available
Today’s modern home is loaded with toxic and polluting substances designed to make domestic life easier. But the cost of these commercial, chemical-based products can be high — long term health concerns for the family, and environmental pollution caused by their manufacture and disposal.
For many home-cleaning chores, you can make your own cleaning products with inexpensive, nontoxic, common household items.
Ingredients
Baking soda: Mildly abrasive; cleans, deodorizes, scours and softens water.
Lemon: One of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
Borax: Cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
White vinegar: Cuts grease, removes mildew, some stains and wax build-up, deodorizes.
Washing soda: Cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
Cornstarch: Can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
Recipes
All-purpose cleaner: 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) and 1/2 gallon water. Use on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Disinfectant: 2 teaspoons of borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. (This is not an antibacterial formula. The average kitchen or bathroom does not require antibacterial cleaners.)
Mold and mildew: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) with two parts water in a spray bottle for areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower. Or use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength.
Carpet cleaner: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water. For fresh grease spots, sprinkle cornstarch onto spot and wait 15-30 minutes before vacuuming.
Soap Stone Wood Stove - News
On painted wood, mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4 liters) of hot water. For damp mopping wood mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil; shake to mix. Laundry detergent: Mix 1 cup Ivory soap
My mom cooked on a wood stove. She cooked a lot of eggs our neighbor gave us from down the road. Christmas morning came all of a sudden. Daddy brought out box after box of packages from the old smoke house. We couldn't believe it, we were so excited.