Make Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

Is your home dominated by toxic and chemical cleaning products? Using different products in every part of your home can be very frustrating, aside from the act that it wastes a lot of your time, energy and money. You must be getting really tired of the horrible (synthetic) smells and noxious vapors of your current cleaners. Good thing we can make natural all-purpose cleaners from everyday kitchen materials. Here are some basic household ingredients double as cleaning products.

Molds and Mildew

Use a white vinegar solution or a lemon juice full strength. Apply with a scrubby or sponge.

Oil and Grease Spots

For small spills on any type of floor, simply add baking soda and scrub with a wet brush.

Window Dirt

Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with a liter of warm water. Only use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean your Windows. Also, use only black and white newspapers, not colored ones. Don't clean Windows if the sun is on it or if they are presently warm, or else streaks will show upon drying. Be sure to follow this recipe, as using too a strong solution of vinegar can etch the glass and ultimately cloud it.

Floor Dirt

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   Wood

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   Apply thin coating of 1:1 ratio of vegetable oil and vinegar and rub it well.

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2. 2
   painted wood

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   Mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into a gallon or 4 liters of hot water.

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3. 3
   Brick and stone tiles

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   Mix 1 cup white vinegar into a gallon of water to use as cleaner. Rinse with clean water.

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4. 4
   Vinyl and linoleum

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   Mix 1 cup vinegar and few drops of baby oil in a gallon of warm water. For tough dirt, add 1/4 cup borax. Don't use much on linoleum.

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Most floor surfaces can handled with a water and vinegar solution. If you are damp-mopping wood floors, just combine equal parts white distilled vinegar and clean water. You can also add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil, shake, and mix.

Clogged Drain

For clogged or light drain cleaning, add 1/2 cup salt to 4 liters of water, briskly heat and pour down into the drain. For stronger cleaning, directly pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then a 1/2 cup of vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can gradually break down fatty acids from soap and glycerin, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After about 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear any residue. Warning: Only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can get melted from excess boiling water. Furthermore, refrain from using this method after trying a commercial drain opener - the vinegar may react with the drain opener and create dangerous fumes.

Nasty Smelling Things

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   To deodorize them

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   1. Carpets - Sprinkle natural baking soda several hours before vacuuming it.
   2. Garage and basements - Set a large sliced onion on a plate in the center of room for next 12-24 hours.
   3. Plastic food storage containers - Soak in warm water overnight, along with baking soda.
   4. In-sink garbage disposal units - Grind up orange peel or lemon in the unit.

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Stains

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   Stains in cups can be usually removed by using a sponge and vinegar to wipe it out

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   For coffee makers and teakettles, add 2 cups water to a 1/4 cup vinegar and bring to a boil. Let it cool, wipe with a clean cloth, and rinse thoroughly with cool water.

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   For carpet stains

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   Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it directly on the stain, let it sit for several minutes, and then clean with a brush or sponge and soapy water. For fresh greasy spots, sprinkle corn starch onto the stain and let sit for 15-30 minutes before vacuuming it up. For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, vinegar, and borax. Rub the paste into the carpet and leave for a few hours, then vacuum.

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Polluted Home Air

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   Commercial air fresheners only mask smells and coat nasal passages to remove the sense of smell

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   1. Keep a bowl of fresh coffee grounds on your counter.
   2. Grind up slices of lemon in your garbage disposal.
   3. Simmer water and cinnamon and other spices on the stove.
   4. Place a bowl of fragrant dried herbs and flowers in any room.
   5. Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes will absorb odors around your house.
   6. Having houseplants can help reduce odors in the home.
   7. Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp. in a cup water) on your stove while you are cooking. To get smells like fish and onion off your utensils and cutting board, wipe all of them with white vinegar and wash in soapy water.

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   Citrus Solvent - Able to clean paint brushes, oil and grease, and some stains

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   Use caution when using, as this product can irritate those with sensitivity.
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