How to Clean Green

I've decided once all my household cleaning supplies are used up, and I am going to try to "clean green." It focuses on cleaners made of nontoxic substances that you most likely already have in your house. I am not really doing it because it is green (which is nice) but mostly because it is supposed to be a ton cheaper, and we have no money!

Here are some things I found that I will be trying in the next few weeks. If you try something, or do any already, let me know!


All-Purpose Cleaner: In a spray bottle, mix 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, and fill with water.

Bathtub and Sink: Spray with vinegar. Sprinkle on baking soda. Rub with a damp sponge. Thoroughly rinse with water to avoid leaving a hazy film on fixtures.

Coffee Maker: Fill water reservoir with vinegar and run as you would to brew coffee. Rinse by filling reservoir with water and run as you would to brew coffee.

Drain Cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Wait 15 minutes (overnight if bad clog) pour in hot water. Repeat if needed.

Floor Cleaner: Mix 1 cup vinegar in a bucket of warm water.

Furniture Polish: In spray bottle, mix 1 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup vinegar, and fill with water.

Microwave: Clean with a paste made from 3 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with water. Scrub with a sponge and rinse.

Mold and Mildew: Use white vinegar or lemon juice full strength. Apply with a sponge. Do not rinse.

Oven Cleaner: Sprinkle oven with baking soda and spray with water until very damp. Let sit overnight. Use a spatula to get under large food deposits. Rinse clean.

Shoe Polish: Combine 1 teaspoon olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice. Apply to shoes. Leave for a few minutes; wipe with a clean, dry rag.

Stainless Steel: Clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar.

Toilet Cleaner: Pour 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar into toilet and let sit for 5 minutes. Scrub with a brush then flush. Clean the outside surfaces with a rag dampened with vinegar and sprinkled with baking soda.

Walls: Use baking soda applied to a damp sponge. Rub gently, then wipe and rinse.

Windows and Mirrors: Put 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a spray bottle and fill to top with water. Spray on surface. Rub with a lint-free rag.


Ashley