I’ve recently begun to research something that I have not thought about for a long time. Given the fact that I have young children in my home, I believe it is high time I take these matters into my own hands. You are probably wondering “what on earth is she talking about?” Well, it just so happens that I am talking about “Going Green” It’s been nagging me silently for a while now, and I have finally decided to try my hand once more at making some of my very own Earth Friendly Cleaning Products. I used to do this *eons* ago, back in my high-school days, but since moving away from my parents home, attending University, getting married and having children, I suppose it has become something less of a priority…until now. Recent readings of “Green Chic” and “Green This” two awesome books on life-style makeovers of the environmental kind, have inspired me to do my part. Now, I’m not saying that I am making earth-shattering changes here. I just want to take baby steps into a greener home, something I am committed to doing for my family, and for the future of our earth.
So…after a bit of research, I have discovered that many wonderful cleaning products can be made from regular, non-toxic household products like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, olive oil..etc. The recipes seem easy and straight forward, extremely sensible, and easy on the wallet to boot! In fact, if my calculations are right, most of the recipes I’ve found would actually cost less than buying ready-made *toxic* cleaners.
I must admit, that the books scared me into submission. Talk of the environmental impact as well as the huge impact on human health (especially children’s health) by the use of store-bought cleaners scared me out of my mind. Basically, these concoctions are poisoning us! Yikes! Quick, hand me the vinegar, and maybe a glass of Merlot too (though I won’t be cleaning with that thank-you very much!)
There is a myriad of information on-line on some wonderful cleaning products you can make and keep in your home, that are completely non-toxic as well as affordable. There are apparently ones that even smell great, thanks to the essential oils that are added because of their fragrance and anti-bacterial qualities.
So, today instead of offering you a recipe for something yummy to eat, I offer the recipe for a clean home, the earth-friendly way! Below are a couple of great recipes I am eager to try:
All Purpose Greener-Cleaner
1 tsp. borax, 1 tsp. baking soda, 2 tsp. vinegar, ½ tsp. dish soap or mild castile soap, 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice and 2 cups hot water. Store in a spray bottle and use like any all-purpose cleaner.
Combine 2 tbsp. baking soda with 2 cups hot water, and stir until dissolved. Add fresh lemon juice or any essential oils (Tea Tree, Lavender, Bergamot, Peppermint…etc) Store in a spray bottle and mist into the air to freshen it.
Furniture Polish (for wood)
Polish wood with a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and vegetable/olive oil. Rub the polish into the wood, then buff with a soft cloth.
Those sound like good recipes. I’ve been very impressed with borax since I started using it – magic grease shifting!
I use a much simpler general purpose cleaner – just washing up liquid and vinegar in approx equal parts + 10 parts water. It works very well but I expect your recipe is better for heavy-duty cleaning.
I also find salt is a great cleaner for some things – greasy pans especially. Check it out on my site: http://www.greefootsteps.com/cleaning-with-salt.html
I really think you can do as good or better cleaning with a few old fashioned products such as borax and washing soda. No need for all those expensive and toxic products!
I’ll be giving your recipes a try!
Rona from Greenfootsteps
Lead the way, Catherine. We all need to improve our green-ness. I recycle a lot and compost a little and I pledge to use cloth bags more and more and to try your green/clean ideas.
I really think given the *scary* information available about the toxicity of most store-bought products, we all owe it to ourselves, our children and our future to go green! Rona is so right…less expensive, and sensible makes sense too. I tallied up all of the ingredients necessary to make all of the required home-cleaners, and it came out to less than $20! Now that’s great news for both the planet, and the pocket book!