These are a few of my favourite items to clean with. I like simple solutions that are chemical free, and safe for the environment. I am working hard at being more self sufficient, so these simple cleaning solutions are perfect for me, and budget friendly.
So here goes my list:
One: Baking Soda, this stuff does wonderful things. I can use it to cook with, to clean, stick the white stuff in the laundry, and stick a tablespoon in my kid's bath to relieve itchiness. I mix it with a tablespoon of Dr. Bronner's Castille soup to removed the gunk on my ovens, and floors. Most recently, I stop spending lots of money on expensive, organic shampoos, and have been using baking soda (1 tbsp to 1 cup of water) to clean my children's hair. Believe-you-me, my children have had the softest hair since using baking soda.
Two: Lemons can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. Lemons are such a great substance to clean and shine brass and copper. Mix the LJ be 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 ½ cup lemon juice and you have a furniture polish for your hardwood furniture. However, if you have granite countertops, please check with the manufacturer. Plus, I love the smell of lemons!
Three: Dr Bronner's Unscented Castille Soup,this stuff does everything. I make my disinfectant all-purpose cleaner. I mop with it. I use it as hand soap, and body wash. I use it to clean cars. I soak the kiddo's cloth inserts in it. I use as a bum refresher/cleaner for the children. I use it as a daily bowl cleaner for the toilet. They’re good for the the environment, they’re ethically produced, and they simplify cleaning supplies. This last benefit also means that the soaps save me lots of money.
Four: Mrs. Meyers Clean Day; I love the dish soap. Although, these days we are buying the eco-friendly dish soap from Costco (brand name is slipping my mind), and refilling the empty Meye soap bottles.
Five: Read about uses of vinegar here.
Six: I cut up old towels, and use the squares to wipe up messes. Wash cloths are so cheap to purchase too. I have two types of washcloths; for cleaning, and for wiping down my kids.
Seven: Three years ago, I picked up this book while paroozing the isles of Costco. Did you know there’s a treasure trove hidden in your pantry, medicine cabinet, garage, and basement?
Do you have secret tips, or an extraordinary use of something very simple? Please share...
