This is a guest post from Allison Foster.
When it comes to your home, you want cleaning products that are inexpensive and effective. Ideally these products would neither harm the environment nor your family’s health.
Although many cleaning products on store shelves today work well, they often emit noxious fumes and contain harsh chemicals that harm the environment. Why expose the earth and your home to such toxins when there are effective organic solutions that already exist in your home?
Here are some of the best cleaning agents you can use to get your home spotless while saving money, protecting the environment and keeping your kids safe:
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White Vinegar
This all-purpose cleaner is great for removing odors from almost anything. A concentrated solution of vinegar also helps to kill germs and fungus, leaving your surfaces safe and clean. A half and half solution of vinegar and water is great for cleaning out the microwave and other food preparation areas. You can use a weak vinegar solution to remove any pesticides from fresh produce and to keep fungus from spoiling it. This wash can make your produce last up to two weeks longer than normal!
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Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural germ killer and whitener. It works wonders as an odor-neutralizing bathroom cleaner. Use a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide to whiten porcelain sinks, disinfect counters and cutting boards, and take the yellow out of plastic containers. Soak toothbrushes in peroxide for a few minutes to disinfect them. Be careful around clothing, towels and carpets, however, as hydrogen peroxide may bleach the color out of some fabrics.
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Baking Soda
For tough stains, look no further than baking soda. Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to make a paste, and you have a potent combination that can clean almost any mess. This handy cleaner works great on grout and hard-to-reach oven build-up. It helps remove stains in your coffee cups, deodorize the dishwasher and clean your grill. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to remove odors Add it to laundry to remove tough stains and smells, or sprinkle a handful into stinky garbage cans. You can even shine up your silver with a paste of baking soda and water.
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Essential Oils
For natural fragrance, try adding a few drops of essential oils to your cleaning regime. Oils like lemon and orange are great for cleaning and shining wood surfaces. Add a few drops to a damp rag for wiping surfaces, or add a teaspoon to a gallon of warm water for shining up wooden floors. A drop or two can remove gum from hair or clothing, take off stickers and remove oil or grease spots from various surfaces. Pine essential oil kills floor germs, however some people experience allergic reactions.
As you can see, green cleaning can be both effective and affordable. Give up the harsh chemicals, and try these natural cleaners to keep your home looking and smelling great.
About the Author: Passionate about writing and children, Allison Foster from www.nannyclassifieds.com covers topics on green living, the environment, parenting, health, childcare and more. When not blogging, Allison spends her time gardening, traveling and hanging out with her pets. You can reach her at allison.nannyclassifieds (at) gmail (dot) com.
