People nowadays are bringing in natural and organic means into their lifestyle. Solar energy, organic food, biodegradable items, and organic fertilizers are just some ways which can help lessen the dependency in the use of chemicals and artificial resources. Another simple way to reduce the need for chemicals is by using natural and non-harmful ingredients in cleaning. White vinegar and baking soda are the most common and safe ingredients that can be readily used at home as cleaning agents.
VINEGAR AS A CLEANING AGENT:
To start off prepare a mixture of vinegar and water. Simply pour the white vinegar into the spray bottle until half full, then pour in the water all the way through the whole bottle to dilute the vinegar. This mixture can effectively clean off rough or hard surfaces like counter tops, sinks and vinyl floors. This mixture is not advisable for hard-wood floor, because it can give discoloration to the natural color of the wood. It also works well on glass surface like glass cook top stoves, glass tables, mirrors and windows because it does not leave any streaks. It can also be an added antibacterial agent when used because of the level of vinegar’s acidity. It is safe to use because of its non-toxicity, suitable when there are a lot of pets around. It’s also a non-pollutant ingredient which comes in an affordable price.
USES OF BAKING SODA AS A CLEANING AGENT:
Similar to vinegar, baking soda is non-toxic, inexpensive and readily available cleaning agent. It’s very safe to use as a multi-purpose cleaner at home.
Deodorant.
1. Carpets. Carpets are one of the more difficult items to clean and is very prone to elements that can make it dirty and smelling unpleasant. To use baking soda to deodorize carpets, pour a small amount on to the carpet evenly. Then allow the baking soda to settle on the carpet. After 15-20 minutes, it can now be vacuumed to retrieve the powder. This process can be repeated when deemed necessary.
2. Litter boxes. Indoor pets, especially cats’ litter boxes do give-off a very strong unpleasant smell. To overpower the smell pour gradual amounts of baking soda over the litter each time it is changed.
3. Trash cans. Trash cans are another source for unpleasant smells especially when biodegradable items have piled up. To prevent any odor built up in the trash can, simply pour in baking soda at the bottom part of the trash can. Additional pouring can be done during the bag is changed.
4. Garbage disposal. Similar to trash cans pour baking soda as much as ¼ cup in the bottom of the disposal. Make it settle for about 15-20 minutes to take effect. Rinse and drain it well in the sink.
5. Freezer. Fill an open box or a container with baking soda and leave it inside the refrigerator. This will absorb the food odors that have accumulated inside the freezer. Change the baking soda for at least every 3 months to make it more effective. (30 days is recommended by Arm & Hammer)
Stain Removal. Stains from spilled food or chemicals in the bathroom or kitchen are quite hard to clean especially on hard surfaces. Create a cleaning detergent, mix baking soda paste of 2/3 baking soda to 1/3 water. Apply the mixture to the stains. After about 5-10 minutes, scrub the stain and rinse it thoroughly.
Even if there are no stains present, baking soda is useful to clean regular dirt on hard surfaces. Apply a damp cloth sprinkled with baking soda to wipe out dirt from counter tops and sinks.
Laundry detergent. Adding baking soda to regular laundry detergent or chlorine bleach can boost their cleaning effect. Mix ½ cup of baking soda to every load of laundry. Buy baking soda in bulk when planning to use baking soda as a main cleaning agent at home. Sam’s Club and Costo are available markets that offer large packages (12-14 pounds) of baking soda.