Green Spring clean-up ideas

There is something about the warmth of spring sunshine, coupled with a light breeze that is invigorating.  Many of us will be motivated to clean the house, the yard and volunteer at our annual Island Lakes Spring Clean-up. 

Here are a couple of recipes that are in your pantry right now, to help you get the job done!   These are non-toxic, environmentally friendly products that are common household ingredients.

Spring into green as the warmer weather approaches by making the switch to non-toxic household cleaners. Most commercially prepared cleaners contain toxic compounds, which are unhealthy, unnecessary to provide effective cleaning, and are potentially dangerous. Natural cleaners can be just as effective as their commercial counterparts, are simple to make, and contain commonly used inexpensive household ingredients. Householders can go easier on the environment, and their pocketbooks, by incorporating the following toxic-free cleaning methods into their annual spring-cleaning regime.

Baking Soda, Vinegar and Lemon Juice

The three main ingredients used to create non-toxic household cleaners are baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice. Simple and effective, these simple ingredients can be combined to clean the entire house.

• Baking soda: When made into a paste, baking soda makes an effective dirt-removing scrub. As well, baking soda has the capacity to absorb and eliminate odours.
• Vinegar and Lemon Juice: The high acid level of vinegar and lemon juice helps to kill mold, bacteria and other germs. Adding lemon juice to the vinegar gives it a fresher, more pleasant scent.

Non-Toxic Cleaning Recipes

All-Purpose Spray Cleaner

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• A dab of liquid soap
• 2 cups hot tap water

1. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the baking soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.

Cream Cleansing Scrub

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• Liquid soap

1. Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add enough liquid detergent to make a frosting-like texture.
2. Scoop the mixture onto a sponge, and wash the surface. This cleanser is non-gritty, rinses easily, and is perfect for cleaning sinks and tubs.

Window and Glass Cleaner

• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon liquid soap
• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 cups water
• Spray bottle

1. Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. The soap in this recipe cuts down on wax residue, commonly found in commercial window and glass cleaners.

Furniture Polish

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Spray bottle

1. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake.
2. Spray onto wood surfaces and wipe dry.

Oven Cleaner

• 1 cup or more baking soda
• Water
• A squirt or two of liquid soap

1. Sprinkle water generously over the bottom of the oven and cover the grime with baking soda until the surface is completely white.
2. Sprinkle some more water over the top and let the mixture set overnight. The grease will wipe off easily the next morning as the grime will have loosened.
3. After most of the grime is removed, dab a bit of liquid detergent onto a sponge and wash the remaining residue from the oven.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup white vinegar

1. Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl and add vinegar. Let sit for a couple of minutes before cleaning with a toilet brush.

Drain Cleaner

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• Boiling water

1. Pour baking soda down the drain and follow with vinegar.
2. Cover the drain and wait 10 minutes.
3. Pour boiling water down the drain to clear.

Vinegar Deodorizer

A spray bottle filled with straight vinegar is a good item to keep handy. Vinegar is a great countertop deodorizer and mold killer. Vinegar can also be sprayed directly onto cutting boards and left overnight to deodorize and kill germs. Straight vinegar also works well for cleaning the toilet rim: just spray it on and wipe off

Read more: http://natural-products.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_household_cleaning_guide#ixzz0DKNXcDY7&B