There is much we can do without spending a lot of money on chemicals. There are natural and inexpensive cleaners already in your home. These cleansers have been used for centuries with success, and they are environmentally safe and non-toxic! Below are a few ideas.
Basics to have on hand that clean just about everything:
BAKING SODA (sodium bicarbonate -Large bags can be found in the laundry aisle)
An all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner. Cleans, deodorizes, removes stains and softens fabrics.
BORAX (sodium borate – Large amounts found in laundry aisle – feed mill)
A natural mineral that kills mold and bacteria. An alternative to bleach, it deodorizes, removes stains and boosts the
cleaning power of soap. Please note safety precautions at the bottom of this page.
(NOTE: Borax can be toxic to children and pets)
CASTILE and VEGETABLE OIL BASED SOAPS: Cleans everything
CORNSTARCH: Starches clothes, absorbs oil and grease
HERBS and ESSENTIAL OILS: For disinfecting and fragrance (tea tree oil)
LEMON JUICE: Cuts through grease and removes perspiration and other stains from clothing. A bleach alternative.
SALT (sodium chloride): An abrasive
TOOTHPASTE A mild abrasive
VINEGAR (acetic acid - cider and white buy by the gallon) Cuts grease, removes stains and is an excellent water softener.
WASHING SODA (sodium carbonate): Cleans clothes, softens water, cuts grease and disinfects. Increases the cleaning power of soap.
CLEANING
Teeth:
1. Baking Soda – Wet toothbrush and sprinkle with baking soda – brush
2. Equal portions of baking soda, salt (disinfectant), and cream of tarter (whitener). To add minty freshness add a drop of
mint oil and mix well.
3. Teeth whitener – mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste.
Windows: pint spray bottle (can you recycle an old commercial bottle?)
1. One teaspoon of ammonia and a tablespoon of vinegar, pint of water
2. Equal parts of vinegar (either kind) and water. Wipe clean with crumpled newspapers.
3. Fogging windows or mirror – mark with a pure soap bar (such as Ivory) and polish with a lint free towel
4. Undiluted cider vinegar – spray and wipe – leaves a clean smell
5. 1/2 lemon juice and 2 cups water
6. Heavy dirt - Mix 1/2 cup cornstarch with 2 quarts warm water. Apply with sponge then wipe with absorbent cloth or
towel. Do not wash windows or glass when sun is on them or if they are warm. This causes the solution to dry too
quickly creating unwanted streaks.
7. No-Streak Glass Cleaner: 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 quart warm water
Mix the ingredients and apply with a sponge or pour into spray bottle and spray on. Wipe dry with crumpled
newspaper, buff to a shine. (Use crumpled newspaper instead of paper towels for lint-free results.
Soft Scrub Cleanser
1. Counter tops and sinks – baking soda (for extra cleaning power add 25% Borax and salt for grit)
2. Use liquid castile soap and baking soda or Borax in different ratios. Use a little soap and soda/borax with lots of water
on floors, walls and counters. Use more soap, soda/Borax for tubs sinks, cat boxes, anything that can be well rinsed.
3. Non-Abrasive Soft Scrubber: 1/4 cup borax, Vegetable-oil based liquid soap (such as Murphys Oil Soap), 1/2 teaspoon
lemon oil, In a bowl, mix the borax with enough soap to form a creamy paste. Add lemon oil and blend well. Scoop a
small amount of the mixture onto a sponge, wash the surface, then rinse well.
4. To clean stainless steel, chrome, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain or enamel fixtures, dissolve 2 tbsp baking soda in 1 qt
of water. Wipe on fixtures then rinse.
(For a dry cleanser container - recycle an old grated cheese container)
ALL PUPOSE CLEANER
1. Baking Soda. Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water for a general cleaner.
2. 3 tbsp. vinegar, 1/2 tsp. washing soda, 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil based liquid soap, 2 cups hot water. Mix ingredients in
spray bottle or bucket. Apply and wipe clean.
DISINFECTANTS:
1. Regular cleaning with plain soap and hot water will kill some bacteria.
2. Borax has long been recognized for its disinfectant and deodorizing properties. Mix 1/2 cup Borax into 1 gallon hot
water or undiluted vinegar and clean with this solution.
3. Mix a half-cup of borax with 1 gallon hot water. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary or lavender. Steep for 10
minutes, strain and cool. Or add essential fragrant oils instead of fresh herbs. Store in a plastic spray bottle.
4. 2 tablespoons borax, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 cups hot water. Combine the borax and lemon juice with the water in a
spray bottle. Use as you would any commercial all-purpose cleaner.
5. Isopropyl Alcohol is an excellent disinfectant. Sponge on & allow to dry. Use in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves.
6. Mold killer - 2 drops of tea tree oil in a pint of water – spray, allow to sit for a few minutes before wiping (on window sills
lay a small amount of fabric or cotton balls on mold – spray and allow to sit for a few minutes – the cloth/cotton will
absorb the spray and keep it where you need it!)
Unity Spiritual Enrichment Center is offering these ideas for your consideration and does not accept responsibility for their use or any results.
If you have a tip that works well for you let us know!
