These days I want to do everything I can to ensure that I am being proactive in ‘doing the right thing’ when it comes to the environment. I know we all feel this way on some level but then often find ourselves wiping down the toilet or kitchen counter with some spray that we really know nothing about. Not only are these products bad for the environment, it’s known that people who clean homes for a living have higher occurrences of cancer and bronchial problems linked to the chemicals in the products they use.

Like most of you, I have some bottles of this stuff under my kitchen sink and I am going to use them until they are finished and I recycle their plastic containers; but will I replace them? NO WAY! I want to save my lungs, cells, and the environment from these chemicals and so I am going to make my own cleaning products. Here is a run-down of homemade cleaning concoctions for every room in your house!

Kitchen/bathroom: Pour baking soda onto soiled area and then pour fresh lemon juice. This creates a powerful, mild abrasive cleanser

Windows: Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water into a plastic spray bottle with 1 tsp of white vinegar. Can also be used on bathroom and kitchen surfaces.

Slow Drains: Pour 1/2 to 3/4 cup baking soda into the drain, and dribble just enough hot water to wash the solution down. Then, let stand for at least 2 hours and flush thoroughly with hot water. This will also deodorize the drain.

Furniture Polish: Add _ cup of lemon juice to 1 cup of olive oil in a spray bottle. Lemon dissolves dirt and smudges while olive oil protects and shines.

The most common gripe I hear regarding ‘homemade’ cleaning products is that they smell. Yes, vinegar does have a distinct odor and baking soda does not leave your kitchen smelling like a (synthetic) pine forest/lemon orchard/vanilla lavender candlefest, but it also doesn’t cause headaches or adult asthma! Adding a few drops of essential oils such as lavender end eucalyptus or tea tree will not only add a nice scent, but hold germ-killing properties themselves! Happy cleaning!

Related Articles:
» Nontoxic Spring Cleaning- National Geographic/a>\
» 5 Basics for Nontoxic Cleaning- Care2
» Earth-Friendly Cleaning Products- National Geographic again!