Green
homemade cleaning products are a healthier cleaning alternative; they don't
contain all the harmful chemicals that make your lungs burn and eyes water. Get
a clean, healthy home with these kitchen ingredients.
1. Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most common
ingredients used in homemade cleaning products. I use it to disinfect counters,
clean the bathroom, windows, and so on.
To make a useful all-purpose spray, mix
two tablespoons white, distilled vinegar with two cups warm water, one teaspoon
Borax, a half teaspoon of dishwashing soap, ten drops lavender essential oil,
and five drops rosemary oil together in a spray bottle. Shake well before
spraying surfaces and wiping them with a clean, damp cloth.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used as an
abrasive cleaner for stubborn spots. Make a thick paste by mixing a little bit
of warm water with the soda. Apply it to the surface and scrub with a rag until
it comes clean.
It works for scrubbing ovens, stove tops, and bathtubs; avoid
scrubbing surfaces that are easily dulled by abrasive cleaners. Leave an open
box of baking soda in your refrigerator to absorb food odors.
3. Olive Oil
Did you know that olive oil can be
used as a natural cleaning product? I recently learned that it has many uses
around the home. Get rid of scratches on leather furniture
by pouring a small amount onto a cotton cloth and rub the leather in a circular
motion. You can shine stainless steel, polish furniture, and clean dusty plant
leaves with this popular kitchen ingredient.
Coconut oil is another great alternative if you have it on hand.
4. Lemon
Lemon is a common scent in
commercial furniture polishes. Alternatively, polish your furniture and get the
lemon fragrance without all the harmful chemicals: Mix two parts olive oil with
one part lemon juice and work the mixture into furniture with a soft cloth.
After cleaning your refrigerator, cut a lemon in half and leave it on a shelf,
or rub lemon juice into the shelves for a freshly scented fridge.
5. Vodka
Yes, you can even clean your house
with vodka. Shine your bathroom and kitchen fixtures by applying a small amount
of the alcohol to a soft cloth and rubbing in a circular motion on each
fixture.
Or, mix a teaspoon of vodka with 25 drops of your favorite essential
oils in a small spray bottle for a homemade air freshener. Fill the bottle with
warm water and shake well before each use. Avoid spraying directly onto
furniture and clothing, since the alcohol can cause staining.
6. Vanilla Extract
Do you love the aroma of freshly
baked sugar cookies? You can simulate the experience without all the work by
baking vanilla in the oven. Another way to freshen your home's interior with
vanilla is to place a few drops on a cotton ball and place it on a shelf in
each room you wish to freshen.
These are only a few examples of kitchen ingredients that double as green cleaners. What are some of your favorites? Are there any you use that aren't on the list?
