Natural Cleaning Alternatives
Because we are exposed to more toxins in the home then outside, we can be proactive by using natural cleaning alternatives to keep our homes safe and fresh. Remember that kids are more vulnerable to harsh cleaners and strong synthetic scents can really impact their neurological development.
MOLD & MILDEW PREVENTION FORMULA
Use this formula on shower stalls and curtains, the track between sliding glass doors, and other moist areas.
2 cups water
8-10 drops citrus seed extract
2 teaspoons tea tree essential oil
4 drops juniper essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray areas and surfaces well but do not rinse. Note: If you already have a buildup of mold or mildew, allow the spray to “rest” on the surface areas for a few hours. Wipe with a soft cloth, then re-spray the areas and let dry without rinsing.
SCOURING POWDERS & CLEANSERS
The following cleaners possess sanitizing and antibacterial qualities while offering a variety of herbal scents. You can make larger batches of these products and store them in plastic containers. (Large plastic spice jars with shaker tops work great for this purpose.)
Herbal Scouring Powder for Sinks
This powder rubs out grime while leaving a fresh, earthy scent. Make sure you rinse well to remove any residue.
1 cup baking soda
1/4 cup dried sage leaves, ground
1/4 cup rosemary leaves, crushed
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Combine all ingredients in a plastic container, preferably one with a shaker top. Shake well. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder into sink and scrub with a damp sponge or cloth. Rinse well with plain water.
Whitening Scouring Powder
The combination of borax and citrus peel will kill germs and remove stains.
1 cup baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/8 cup borax
¼ cup grated lemon, orange, or grapefruit peel
Combine all ingredients in a plastic container, preferably one with a shaker top. Shake well. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder into sink and scrub with a damp sponge or cloth. Rinse well with plain water.
Fizzy Bathroom Sink Cleaner
Kids love to watch the “volcanic” action that occurs after pouring the vinegar over the baking soda.You might even get your kids to clean the bathroom!
1/2 cup baking soda
6 drops lemon or lime essential oil
1/2 cup vinegar
Combine the baking soda and essential oil. Sprinkle into the sink; pour the vinegar on top. After the fizz settles, scrub clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Rinse clean.
SANITIZING THE TOILET
People think that the bowl itself is where the real “nasties” hide, but actually, it’s relatively clean. Most germs take refuge behind and under the seat. Since this is the part being handled most often, it needs careful and frequent sanitizing. There are some excellent bacteria busters offered here to do just that.
GERMS-be-gone toilet cleaner
This is an antibacterial spray cleaner especially formulated for cleaning the general surface area of the toilet and under and behind the seat.
2 cups water
1/4 cup liquid castile soap(Dr. Bronner’s is great)
1 tablespoon tea tree essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle and shake well. Spray on toilet surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
No-Scrub Toilet Bowl Cleaner
This is for toilet bowls that have an everlasting ring around them. (Like the kind you find in the bathroom of your vacation cabin after six months of non-use.) You can employ this recipe just before going to bed; by morning, even the toughest of stains will have disappeared.
1 cup borax
1 cup vinegar
10 drops pine or lavender essential oil
5 drops lemon or lime essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a plastic bowl or bottle and pour all at once into the toilet bowl. Allow to sit overnight. In the morning, just flush!
MAKING NATURAL LAUNDRY SOAPS
These formulas don’t have any magical components that you can’t pronounce. Instead, the cleaning power of these soaps comes from combining clean, pure ingredients.
Basic Laundry Soap Liquid
The addition of glycerin and essential oil gives extra cleaning power while still being gentle on clothing.
1 ounce liquid castile soap
2 tablespoons glycerin
1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda
2 cups warm water
10 drops essential oil of choice
Combine all ingredients in a heavy plastic container (don’t use plastic milk containers — they’re not heavy enough) and shake well before using. Use ¼ to ½ cup, depending on the size of the load and how dirty the clothes are.
