Natural and Safe Cleaning Supplies
Many families are now discovering that one or more members are actually allergic to the chemicals they use to clean the house. Pine furniture cleaners, mildew removers and disinfectants all contain noxious chemicals that can be dangerous to someone with allergies, not to mention regular, non-allergic folks.
Salt is a wonderful cleaner that won’t affect anything but the item you are attempting to clean. It is an abrasive and can be used to clean sinks and toilets or anywhere that you have a stain. If you usually use an abrasive cleaner such as Comet, try salt instead. Dampen it slightly before rubbing it with a rag into the stained area.
Another alternative abrasive that is slightly easier on chrome finishes is toothpaste. Just put a little on a clean rag and use it to rub the faucets or other chrome finish clean. This simple trick will make things gleam!
If you are looking for an alternative to bleach, you might try lemon juice. It is a natural acid and can be used not only to whiten clothing, but also to clean where you would normally use bleach, such as the bathroom sink or toilet. It can also be used to cut grease naturally, both in fabrics and regular cleaning activities. Since lemon juice is completely natural, there is no fear of your children getting into it and accidentally swallowing some! If anything, it will boost their Vitamin C levels!
Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that cuts through grease and can be used as a stain remover. Added to a little water, it is an excellent window-cleaning solution. Put the water/vinegar mixture into a clean spray bottle for easy application to mirrors, countertops and windows. Wipe the windows or mirrors down with newspaper for streak-free cleaning.
If you have a stubborn stain, you can use baking soda as well, or a combination of vinegar and soda (this will foam up, but is very effective for removing stains). Baking soda is a natural deodorizer as well and placing an open box of it in the fridge can eliminate odors for up to three months. You can also leave a dish of it out in a room that has picked up a bad smell and the soda will automatically absorb the odor, leaving the room fresh smelling again.
Natural household cleaners are an excellent way to go, whether you have small children or not. We all benefit from the avoidance of chemical cleansers and if a natural alternative can do the trick, why bother with the dangerous ones?
