Natural home-cleaning solutions
Free to a good home . . .
The ultimate declutter solution: give it away! The nifty, no-fee online communities at freecycle.org connect people who live near each other and have stuff to give away, no strings attached. The grassroots project includes more than 200 local groups in every province and territory.A cleaner clean
Chemical-free cleaning is as easy as raiding your pantry.
White vinegar
To disinfect and deodorize, dilute vinegar with an equal amount of water for floors, tiles, stoves and counters; use full strength on toilets, sinks and the humidifier's innards. Test inconspicuous corners first because vinegar can eat away some surfaces, such as grout or marble.
Baking soda
Gentle abrasion helps scrub away dirt and stains, with deodorizing action as well. Mix with three equal parts water and scrub the fridge, the sink and the oven.
Borax
Your grandmother's miracle cleaner is a naturally occurring mineral. (Buy it in the supermarket next to the laundry detergent.) Mix with four parts water to create a bleach substitute; mix with two parts water for a disinfecting tub, tile and toilet cleaner; and sprinkle on carpets, then vacuum, to clean and deodorize.
Lemon juice
Cut grease or bleach out stains with a fresh scent as an added bonus. Mix with baking soda to wash dishes, or with olive oil to polish furniture. Add 1/2 cup (125 millilitres) to the washing machine to bleach laundry.
Page 2 of 2
The ultimate declutter solution: give it away! The nifty, no-fee online communities at freecycle.org connect people who live near each other and have stuff to give away, no strings attached. The grassroots project includes more than 200 local groups in every province and territory.A cleaner clean
White vinegar
To disinfect and deodorize, dilute vinegar with an equal amount of water for floors, tiles, stoves and counters; use full strength on toilets, sinks and the humidifier's innards. Test inconspicuous corners first because vinegar can eat away some surfaces, such as grout or marble.
Baking soda
Gentle abrasion helps scrub away dirt and stains, with deodorizing action as well. Mix with three equal parts water and scrub the fridge, the sink and the oven.
Borax
Your grandmother's miracle cleaner is a naturally occurring mineral. (Buy it in the supermarket next to the laundry detergent.) Mix with four parts water to create a bleach substitute; mix with two parts water for a disinfecting tub, tile and toilet cleaner; and sprinkle on carpets, then vacuum, to clean and deodorize.
Lemon juice
Cut grease or bleach out stains with a fresh scent as an added bonus. Mix with baking soda to wash dishes, or with olive oil to polish furniture. Add 1/2 cup (125 millilitres) to the washing machine to bleach laundry.
Page 2 of 2
Advertisement
