Posted in Homestead

These days there is no shortage of emphasis on environmentalism, especially in regards to lifestyle at home.  With more and more studies coming to a close that show the danger of all those wonderful cleaning chemicals we've all grown up with, green clean is taking a forefront.  There are many cleaners on the market that can be purchased from Wally World, Target, Home Depot, and many chain grocers.  These products claim green cleaning abilities, but one thing they lack, is the need to include what ingredients are used and in what proprtions.  The U.S. Government has no regulations regarding this market, yet.  So, how is one to know if they are truly cleaning green?  One answer may be to call the company that makes the product and ask questions.  If the product is on the up and up, the company will have no problems anwering any and all of your questions.

Another solution is to make your own cleaning products.  There are several easy to make recipes available widely across the internet.  Here are a few to get you started.

Drain Cleaner:

This is my favorite!  Pour 1 2 liter of Coke down the drain.  Rinse with hot water. 

OR

1/2 c baking soda

1/2 c vinegar

2 quarts boiling water

Place the baking soad in the drain.  Add the vinegar and let sit 5 minutes.  Run hot water down the drain for several minutes.

Dusting Cloths:

Use old dryer fabric softener sheets.

Oven Cleaner and Soft Scrub:

Baking soda and water.  Make a paste and scrub away. 

Toilet Cleaner:

Vinegar

Baking soda

Sprinkle baking soda in toilet.  Scrub with Brush.  Add vinegar.  Come back in 10 min and flush.  (GREAT for septic systems)

Furniture Polish:

1 c lemon juice

1 c olive oil

Put in a bottle and shake well before each use.  Put on a cloth and start polishing. 

Bathtub Scrubber:

Use the Oven cleaner/Soft Scrub paste recipe above.  This is perfect for bath because it rinses away easily and cleanly.  No residue!

Not only are these better for your health and the planet, but they are considerably less expensive than anything on the market.  However, I do use some products from a green clean company.  If you are interested in looking at them, email me and I will hook you up with a website. 

These are my thoughts.