I had not run across some of these cleaning items before.
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Simple, DIY Cleaning Solutions
By Editorial Team—April 7, 2017
With “Spring Cleaning” season upon us, it probably comes as no surprise to hear our Spotlight this month centers around tips and tricks for tidying your space. However, many of us are quite concerned about the chemicals and irritants in household cleaning products. Irritants can trigger larger health issues, especially for those chronic conditions that affect the airways, like COPD.
So, how do you limit exposure to harmful chemicals?One way to reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals is to make your own cleaning solutions at home. Using simple, homemade cleaning formulas can be an easy, inexpensive way to disinfect your home and reduce your exposure to potentially toxic chemicals. These environmentally friendly recipes are cheaper than most cleaning products you can find in the store, and in most cases, you may already have the ingredients on hand.
Here are some simple DIY home cleaning products you may want to try:
Window Cleaner– Most store bought window cleaners contain ammonia and sulfates. This simple natural glass cleaner
avoids these chemicals, while still working great on windows and mirrors.
2 cups water
1/2 cup vinegar
Lemon (for scent)
Combine and store in a spray bottle.
All Purpose Cleaner– A must have for any cleaning job!
4 tablespoons Baking Soda
1-quart warm water
Pour on a clean sponge and wipe.
Heavy Duty Scrub– This is great for sinks and tubs, as well as rust stains and dried in stains.
Half a Lemon
1/2 cup borax
Dip the lemon in borax and scrub.
White Ring Remover– Water stains and moisture can do a number
on wood furniture. This simple solution can help eliminate these
unsightly marks, while avoiding the heavy-duty store-bought brands.
One-part non-gel toothpaste
One-part baking soda
Dampen a cloth with water, add toothpaste mixture and rub
with the grain. Buff over the ring, then take a dry cloth and
wipe off. Use another cloth for the final shine.
Oven Cleaner– For some, cleaning your oven is a must, but
self cleaners lock it up for hours, and spray cleaners emit
fumes that can be horrible. Try this simple solution instead:
One-part vinegar
One-part baking soda
One-part water
Mix together in an oven safe dish. Dab some of the solution
on the bottom of the oven and place the rest of the solution
in the container on an oven rack. Set the oven for 100 degrees
and let it run for 45 minutes. Wipe up all the loose grit and gunk.
Clean your Dishwasher– If your dishwasher isn’t running as
smoothly or beginning to smell you can pour lemon or Citrus
powdered drink mix into the detergent cup and run on regular
cycle. This will also help remove rust stains inside the walls.
Brass Cleaner– This includes door knobs, faucets and fixtures
White Vinegar
Salt
Dampen sponge with vinegar then sprinkle on salt. Lightly rub over surface, then immediately dry with a clean soft cloth.
Marble– Easily cleans natural stone countertops.
A drop or two of dish wash liquid.
Two cups warm water
Mix together, then sponge over marble and rinse completely.
Finish by buffing with a soft dry cloth.
GOO GONE– Here is a substitute for that miracle product that
removes sticky, gooey, gummy problems.
Equal parts coconut oil and baking soda.
Mix together and apply to the sticky situation.
Laundry Detergent– This substitute is easy to make and goes a long way.
Equal parts:
Borax
Washing Soda
Dawn Dish soap
A
dd to 4 parts HOT water. Mix thoroughly in to a sealable container
and shake well. Use approximately 1/4 for a large load of laundry.
Going natural when it comes to cleaning can be easier than it seems,
and may provide a benefit in the long run.
A few other important tips to keep in mind before you clean:
Make sure you have adequate ventilation, such as a fan nearby, or an open window.
Take it slow! It can be overwhelming not only to tackle a huge cleaning project but also to change up your normal routine. Focus on one area at a time, and remember, there is no need to clean an entire house all at once! Take it slow, and take breaks when you need them. You know your body best, and know how much you can do!
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