Grandma Has Been Green Cleaning For Decades
There has been much talk these days about "green cleaning" and how good it is for the environment. But your grandmother was probably well ahead of the curve. Here are a few basic household ingredients that grandma used to keep her home clean and smelling fresh, without stretching the family budget.
VINEGAR
Vinegar naturally cleans like an all-purpose cleaner. Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar in a new store bought spray bottle and you have a solution that will clean most areas of your home. Vinegar is a great natural cleaning product as well as a disinfectant and deodorizer. Always test on an inconspicuous area. It is safe to use on most surfaces and has the added bonus of being cheap. NEVER USE VINEGAR TO CLEAN YOUR TILE & GROUT LINES OR ON MARBLE SURFACES. The acid in vinegar will eat away the grout and ruin your tile floors. Don't worry about your home smelling like vinegar. The smell disappears when it dries.
LEMON JUICE
Lemon Juice is another natural substance that can be used to clean your home. Lemon juice can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. Lemon is a great substance to clean and shine brass and copper. Lemon juice can be mixed with vinegar and or baking soda to make cleaning pastes. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains. Mix (1) cup olive oil with 1/2 cup lemon juice and you have a furniture polish for your hardwood furniture.
Another favorite use for the fruit is to put a whole lemon peel through the garbage disposal. It freshens the drain and the kitchen. Orange peels can be used with the same results.
BAKING SODA
Baking Soda can be used to scrub surfaces in much the same way as commercial abrasive cleaners. Baking soda is a great deodorizer. Place a box in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors. Put it anywhere you need deodorizing action. The next time you want to "go green" try these three kitchen products.
If you have questions about these products or their uses give me a call at (916) 525-2456 or email me at paddle@frontiernet.net.
Until Next Time;
Mike
