BAKING SODA - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
TABLE SALT – for super
scouring needs – watch out though, it can scratch!
BORAX - (sodium borate)
cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans painted walls and floors.
NATURAL SOAP - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars are biode-
gradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps that contain petroleum distillates—think castile soap which is derived from olive oil.
LEMON - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
WHITE VINEGAR - cuts grease, removes mildew,
odors, some stains and wax build-up.
WASHING SODA - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate
decahydrate, a mineral. Wash- ing 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.
CLUB SODA – the fizz is not just for cocktails anymore.
TEA TREE AND LAVENDER OIL – okay, maybe not all of us have these two on hand, but they are easily found—and go organic on these not commercial. They are some
of the best antiseptic and anti- bacterial essential oils and are invaluable for disinfecting. Word of caution allergies are common: for some of
us to essential oils so tread carefully.
52 RAGE monthly | APRIL 2012
FURNITURE POLISH: For varnished wood, add a few drops of lemon oil into a 1/2 cup warm water. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth. Cloth should only be slightly damp. Wipe furniture with the cloth, and dry immediately by wiping once more using a dry soft cotton cloth.
DOUBLE DOUBLE
ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
TOIL AND TROUBLE BREWING YOUR OWN
ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING SUPPLIES! by joel martens
It’s springtime and that means it’s time spruce up those whites. No, not for the party in Palm Springs—for the one in your house—you know that other ritual where you get out your white rags and paper towels to clean up winter’s mess? Yes, I mean to dust off, wring out, suck up and whip away the traces of winter’s molting. And yes, I’m still talking about HOUSECLEANING. Never one to let a dust bunny get the better of me, I have learned over the years that the tools one wields in the non- ending battle against the grime-balls, are of the utmost importance. Historically I settled for store-bought, chemically infused selections offered—until I did some research on how toxic they really are and how much you can avoid said toxic- ity by using some of the most common household supplies—most of which you already have in your cupboards.
Here are some suggested formulas:
ANOTHER SOLUTION FOR WINDOWS: use club soda in a spray bottle. For that greasy, kitchen film, add three tablespoons white vinegar per 2 cups of soda.
DISINFECTANT: 2 cups of water, a couple of drops of natural soap, 15 drops of tea tree oil and 15 drops of lavender oil. Lemon also works on things like cutting boards and other hard surfaces.
WINDOW CLEANER: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 quart warm water. Use crumpled newspaper (not colored) or a cotton cloth to clean. Don’t clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it.
FLOOR CLEANER AND POLISHES: Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution of vinegar and water. Vinyl and linoleum: mix 1 cup vinegar in 1 gallon warm water. For tough jobs, add 1/4 cup borax. Use sparingly on linoleum. Wood: mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil; shake to mix. Brick or stone tiles: mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon water; rinse with clear water.
OVEN CLEANER: Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use 3/4cup baking soda, 1/4cup salt and 1/4cup water to make a thick paste, and spread throughout oven interior. (avoid bare metal and any openings) Let sit overnight. Remove with spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots.
TUB AND TILE CLEANER: For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder. (Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.) For lime deposits (scale) try squeezing lemon juice on to affected area, letting it sit for a bit and whipe clean.
SCOURING POWDER: For top of stove, refrigerator and other such surfaces that should not be scratched, use baking soda. Apply baking soda directly with a damp sponge.
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