Safer Cleaning With Chemical Free Products
Items That are Made For One Purpose Can Sometimes Have Many Uses
Jul 21, 2009
The shelves of grocery and department stores can be a scary place when it comes to making up one`s mind about a certain product. Not only are there a dozen different companies that carry nearly the same product, but each product comes in a dozen different colors, flavors or sizes. Decisions, decisions.
Next time there is a certain item that is needed, check around the house first and see what can be found. Many household products have many uses besides that which they were originally intended for.
Liquid Fabric Softener
Liquid fabric softeners are used to make fabrics fluffy and soft and to reduce static cling. But that isn`t all that they are good for.
- In homes with pets, add 1/4 cup of fabric softener to the water when mopping the floors. It will help to attract the hair to the mop and make the house smell fresh.
- To make stripping old wallpaper easier, add 1/4 cup of fabric softener to 2 gallons of warm water and apply to walls with a sponge. Let sit 5 minutes and begin stripping.
- Soak a few soft cotton rags in a mixture of 2 parts water and one part fabric softener for 10 minutes. Wring out excess liquid and allow the cloths to air dry. When they are completely dry, store in a plastic bag to used for dusting mini blinds, ceiling fan blades or anywhere that dust collects. The fabric softener will also help to repel dust. Dryer sheets can be used instead, but they are thin and do not hold much dust.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is not just for keeping teeth pearly white, it has a multitude of other uses around the house. (plain white toothpaste should be used and not gels)
- Instead of an abrasive cleanser, use a small amount of toothpaste on counter tops to get rid of juice or coffee stains.
- Toothpaste will take stains off of stainless steel and porcelain sinks. Just scrub the stain with it and rinse well.
- Use to clean jewelery.
- Use toothpaste to remove crayon marks from walls and other hard surfaces.
- A little toothpaste and a damp cloth will remove marks and scuffs from running shoes.
- Toothpaste is one of the best polishes for tarnished silver. With a dry cloth, rub pieces thoroughly with toothpaste, rinse well and buff with a soft clean cloth.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most versatile products found in homes everywhere. It does the same job as dozens of other products, but without the heavy scents and hefty prices. Here are but a few of it`s amazing uses.
- Instead of using expensive pumice cleaners for greasy hands, lather with warm water and dish washing liquid and add a teaspoon of Baking soda. The grease will be completely gone.
- Use a paste of baking soda and water to remove stains from any hard non porous surfaces. Always rinse well to avoid a powdery residue.
- Adding a bit of baking soda to your toothbrush before brushing will help to whiten teeth and freshen breath.
- Use an open box to deodorize the fridge.
- Fill a container with 1 gallon of cool water and 1 table spoon of baking soda. Dunk fresh vegetables into the mixture for a few seconds and rinse well before cooking/serving.
- Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water with each load of laundry.
- Sprinkle a little baking soda inside of gym shoes to help eliminate odors.
White Vinegar
Much like baking soda, there seems no limit to the uses of white vinegar.
- Mix a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar and keep in a spray bottle. Use it for cleaning windows, mirrors and all hard non porous surfaces.
- Lay a cloth soaked with vinegar over calcium deposits an faucets. Let stand overnight then clean as usual.
- Use a sponge to apply full strength vinegar to glass shower doors. Let stand for 10 minutes and scrub with a non-scratch pot scrubber. Rinse well and buff dry.
- To remove excess amounts of calcium from shower heads, place the head (sprayer end down) in a container filled with with full strength vinegar.
- Soak rusty screw, nuts and bolts in undiluted vinegar overnight to get rid of the rust.
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