Cleaning: Green Solutions

I don't like cleaning with chemicals specifically because I don't want the kids to get into them.  Cleaning products is the last thing I want to have to worry about protecting from them so I clean mostly with Vinegar!  Doesn't smell the best but if the kids get into it, it won't hurt them please they won't like the taste either.  I picked up this book at the library the other and typed out the cleaning solutions that I am going to try.  It was a great book with LOTS of information.

From Book: Clean Home, Green Home (KNACK-Make it Easy- Kimberly Delaney)

Dishwashing Soap

• ¼ cup castile soap
• ½ cup water
• 5-10 drops lavender or rosemary essential oil
• Combine in a reusable glass bottle with pour spout for easy use

All-purpose Solution

• 1 cup vinegar
• 2 teaspoons borax
• ½ teaspoon castile soap
• 2 cups hot water
• Combine in large spray bottle and shake until borax dissolves.  Store and use indefinitely.

Antibacterial Spray

• 10-12 drops lavender oil or tea tree oil
• 1 cup water
• Store and use indefinitely in small spray bottles

Damp Dusting Spray

• ½ cup white distilled vinegar
• A few drops olive oil or jojoba oil
• 3-5 drops essential oil or choice (optional)

Polish Recipe

• ½ cup white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Combine ingredients and shake well

To get rid of water or heat rings on your table

• Wipe the area with a damp sponge
• Mix mayo and fireplace ask to a paste.  The ash grit buffs the finish and the mayo lubricates the wood
• Dip soft cotton or flannel cloth in the mixture and rub onto area
• Wipe the paste off with cloth.  Polish the table to even out the look

Glass and Mirror Cleaner- Beginner

• 1 cup white distille vinegar
• ½ teaspoon castile soap
• 2 cups water
• Combine and store in spray bottle.  Keep the ratio of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water and you can fill any size bottle.

Glass and Mirror Cleaner- Advanced

• 1 cup white distilled vinegar
• 2 cups water
• Combine and store in spray bottle

Easy Laundry Soap

• ⅛ cup castile soap
• ½ cup washing soda (to cut grease)
• ½ cup borax (to remove stains)
• Optional: Add ¼ cup vinegar to rinse cycle to soften fabrics and water
• Combine.  If your clothes don’t feel clean enough, increase the castile soap until you’re satisfied with the results.

DIY Fabric Softner

• Add ¼ cup vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften clothes and eliminate static

Leather Cleaner

• ½ cup jojoba oil
• ⅛ cup distilled white vinegar
• Rub into leather with a soft cloth for cleaning and conditioning.  Do no use on suede.

Sealed wood floor damp-mop solution

• ⅛ cup castile soap
• ½ cup vinegar
• 2 gallons warm water
• Optional addition: If you’re cleaning up a spill that may have bacteria in it, add 10-20 drops of lavender, rosemary, tea tree or eucalyptus oil to mixture