Spring Cleaning the Green Way
Warmer days, budding trees, and singing birds; signs of spring are everywhere and the time for spring cleaning is now! If you have been using chemical based products to clean and disinfect your home, it is time for a change. Make your home clean and healthy with environmentally friendly cleaners. Just peek in your kitchen cupboards for these easy-to-find items that can even save you money!
Baking soda can be used to clean many surfaces and household items with just a sprinkle and a damp cloth; counter tops, sinks, tubs, oven tops, marble surfaces, and so much more. For tough stains, make a paste and let it sit on the stain for 10 minutes before cleaning. Baking soda also has deodorizing properties, so sprinkle some on the carpet before vacuuming to remove stale odours from the room.
The scent of lemons has always been associated with cleaning, and for good reason. Lemons have anti-bacterial, antiseptic and bleaching properties. To deep clean surfaces like cutting boards, counter tops, mirrors, and windows, rub with a cut lemon then rinse with warm water. For tougher stains, squeeze lemon juice onto counter tops and let it sit until the stain disappears. To enjoy fresh, spring-white sheets mix a cup of lemon juice in 2 gallons of water, soak overnight and then launder as usual. It will feel like spring in no time!
Make your jewellery, silverware and pots sparkle! The natural acid found in tomatoes makes ketchup a great cleaner for brass, copper and silver. For severely oxidized metals, let the ketchup sit on the item for 10-15 minutes. Next, use a toothbrush to get into the crevices then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Vinegar is one of the most versatile eco-friendly cleaners you will find in your kitchen. Clean your dishwasher by pouring 1 cup in and running an empty cycle to remove soap scum and deodorize your machine. Clean windows by mixing 2 tablespoons of vinegar with water in a spray bottle, spray and wipe to let the sunshine in. To clean your floors, mix vinegar with water and wipe your wood, tiles or vinyl clean. To neutralize the smell of vinegar, add some lemon juice to your mixtures for a lemon fresh scent.
So to start your spring cleaning this month, just head to the kitchen. Get clean, get green, and save!
Find out more uses for baking soda at www.bellybytes.com/articles/bakingsoda.shtml
For more incredible uses for vinegar visit www.vinegartips.com
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