Say the words “oil and vinegar” and the first thing that usually pops to mind is salad dressing. In fact, these kitchen staples are also effective ingredients in many do-it-yourself cleaning solutions that disinfect your home and make surfaces sparkle. Same goes for baking soda, salt -- even vodka! These all–natural cleansers take minutes to mix, they’re easy on the wallet, and better yet, they help you keep away toxins that are so common in today’s standard cleaning products. With any one of the following green recipes, you can lessen exposure to toxic chemicals in your home and do something good for the environment.
Look for more ideas for a healthy home at SCOCO’s April 12th workshop with Denise Koroslev.
FRESH LEMON DEGREASER (WORKS ON EVERYTHING BUT WOOD)
2 c water
2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp. baking soda
½ tsp. Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap
Pour all ingredients into a 24-ounce spray bottle and shake well. Spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
VODKA-AND-VINEGAR DISINFECTANT
½ c. white vinegar
½ c. vodka
1 ½ c. water
10 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
Pour all ingredients into a 24-ounce spray bottle and shake well. Spray and let sit for 10 minutes. Wipe with a microfiber cloth.
GLASS CLEANER
2 c. water
2 tbsp. white vinegar
2 tbsp. rubbing alcohol
5 drops peppermint essential oil
Pour all ingredients into a 24-ounce spray bottle and shake gently. Spray onto a microfiber cloth and apply to glass. Wipe clean.
SINK SCRUB
2 c. baking soda
10 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops clove essential oil
A few drops water
1 squirt Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap
Using a butter knife, mix the baking soda with the essential oils. Store in an airtight container. To clean, sprinkle the mixture over the sink and squirt some soap and a few drops of water. Scrub well.
Rinse thoroughly.
WOOD FURNITURE POLISH
Apply a tbsp. of oil to a cloth and wipe furniture as needed to remove dust and give furniture a shine.
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