June 3, 2015
Want to get your home sparkling clean but worried about all those harsh and harmful chemicals in common household cleaning products? Here are three natural cleaning recipes that will help you get your shine on and some tips to combat mold, mice, and must, three other common household challenges safely and naturally.
Natural Cleaning Recipes
Soft Scrub – Combine 1/2 cup baking soda and natural liquid dish detergent such as Seventh Generation or into a paste that is frosting consistency. If you wish to keep a supply on hand, add 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin and store in a sealed jar.
Window Cleaner – Combing 1/2 teaspoon natural liquid dish detergent, 3 teaspoons vinegar, and 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Use recycled newspapers to wipe windows.
Furniture Polish – Mix 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and either 1/4 cup vinegar or fresh lemon juice in a glass jar. Dab on wood and wipe with microfiber cloth.
Even when using natural cleaning recipes, always test any cleaner on a small concealed area before using on furniture, appliances, or fixtures to be sure it is compatible with your products.
Household Pests and Smells
Mold – Spray cutting boards, toilets, counters, and other surfaces with a 5% vinegar in water solution to kill 82% of mold.
Mice – Mix 2 teaspoons of peppermint essential oil in 1 cup of water. Spray where mice are know to enter the area to keep them away. You can also block holes with steel wool but beware as cats find steel wool an attractive play toy. Reapply regularly.
Must – Mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil in 2 cups of water in a spray bottle to get rid of musty smells.
Got natural cleaning recipes you’d like to share? Email us at info @econewsnetwork.org and we’ll consider it for our Natural Cleaning series.
Photo credits: House graphic – Shutterstock; mouse – Rasbak via Wikimedia Commons
