These days, many people are looking for ways to live healthier lives. Getting rid of chemical household cleaners is one way to do this. Studies have shown that the incidence of allergies, asthma, sinusitis and related problems are rising; this is thought to stem from air pollutants generated both outside and inside the home. When people adopt more environmentally-friendly cleaning methods, many breathing problems and allergies show a marked improvement, sometimes clearing up altogether.
Affordability is another benefit of going chemical-free. Most chemical-free cleaning solutions can be made from products you would ordinarily have around the home, such as salt, vinegar and lemon. Many of the ingredients, such as baking soda and vinegar, are multipurpose and can be used in a number of different formulas.
Some people worry that home-made cleaning solutions are not as effective as commercially bought chemicals. In most cases, this is not true. There are instances, when particularly heavy-duty cleaning is required, where two or more applications are necessary, but this would often hold true for chemical solutions anyway.
Let’s look at some solutions for common household chores.
- Mould and mildew: Undiluted white vinegar or lemon will do the trick. Apply with a sponge or, if the marks are stubborn, a scrubbing brush.You can also mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and spray onto mould or mildew, wait an hour or so and then rinse.
- Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and spray onto stains. Let sit for five to ten minutes and then clean with a brush or sponge and warm soapy water.For more persistent stains, such as pet stains, mix equal parts salt, borax and vinegar, rub the paste into the carpet and leave for a few hours (until dry) and then vacuum.For fresh spots (grease spots), sprinkle with cornstarch or bicarbonate (baking) soda, leave for half an hour and vacuum.
- All-purpose cleaner: You can create 2 litre batches and store as you would chemical cleaners. Mix ½ cup vinegar and ¼ cup baking soda into 2l of water. The mixture can be used to clean showers, bathroom fixtures, windows and mirrors, etc.
- Oven cleaner: Mix ¾ cup baking soda, ¼ cup salt and ¼ cup water to make a paste. Moisten oven surfaces with a sponge and then apply the paste. Leave the paste overnight and then remove with a spatula. Wipe the interior clean with a sponge.
- Drain cleaner: Mix ½ cup salt in 4l of water, heat (don’t boil) and pour down drain. For stronger cleaning, pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup vinegar. Wait 15 minutes and then pour in boiling water.
- Toilet bowl cleaner: Mix ¼ cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let set for five minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.You can also use 2 parts borax to one part lemon juice.
Visit Earth Easy for more chemical-free cleaning tips.
Jade Scully is a copywriter excited about writing copy and stories, blogging about the world and editing. She currently and regularly publishes her stories on a number of blogs. Jade loves animals and hopes to begin writing copy for the animal rescue charity TEARS as her contribution to the cause.
