Money saving alternatives for a clean and safe home

Environmentally friendly; money saving alternatives for a clean and safe home.

Natural Disinfectants for Laundry

Natural disinfectants that can be added during rinsing include white vinegar (one half cup per load); grapefruit seed extract (one teaspoon per load), tea tree oil (two teaspoons per load), and lavender or peppermint essential oil (a few drops per load), which also brings a fresh fragrance to our laundry.

Drain Opener

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain and follow with 1/2 cup white vinegar. Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Flush with boiling water.

Tip: Prevent your shower from clogging by using a drain trap to catch hairs.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Option 1 Sprinkle toilet bowl with baking soda, drizzle with vinegar, let soak for at least 30 minutes and scrub with toilet brush.

Option 2 Put ¼ cup borax in toilet bowl and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Swish with a toilet brush and scrub. A few drops of pine oil can be added for increased disinfecting. (Note: some people are allergic to pine oil.)

Tip: Let ingredients soak for a while to make for easy scrubbing, especially on persistent stains like toilet bowl rings.

Bathroom Cleaner – To clean tub, sink and tiles, mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in warm water.  For a good surface cleaner, mix vinegar with salt, sprinkle on baking soda and rub.  For ring around the bathtub, apply vinegar to a rag or brush and scrub. Follow with baking soda and water.

Glass Cleaner – Dilute ¼ cup white vinegar in 1 quart of warm water. Remove wax buildup with rubbing alcohol.

Furniture and Stainless Steel Polish – For finished wood furniture and stainless steel appliances, use 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts Olive Oil.  Polish with soft cloth.  For unsealed wood, use natural oil.

Carpet Cleaner – Use baking soda to neutralize odors. Sprinkle on carpet and vacuum.

Spot Removers – Use club soda on wine, chocolate and blood stains.  Pour salt on red wine stain and leave overnight, then vacuum. The salt soaks up the color.

Wood Floor Cleaner – I recommend the Libman Wonder Mop. Mop with 1 cup vinegar mixed with 2 gallons of warm water.  Libman Wonder Mop has a microfiber head that will not scratch surfaces and is machine washable. The head is replaceable after 6 months of use.  The mop is lightweight, sturdy, easy to use and relatively inexpensive.  I love it.