SPRING CLEAN

The 4^th week of March is National Cleaning Week, so here's a collection of favorite natural cleaning ingredients plus a few ways to use some. Use the ingredients listed below when making your own alternative cleaners, most are inexpensive and you probably already have many of them in your kitchen cupboards. All can be found at your local supermarket, natural food store or drugstore. Used individually or combined, these cleaners are safe, effective and cost efficient.  While most of these all natural cleaners are not poisonous, some can be harmful or even fatal if swallowed by children or pets so note safety precautions.

BAKING SODA (sodium bicarbonate): An all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner. Cleans, deodorizes, removes stains and softens fabrics.

BORAX (sodium borate): A natural mineral that kills mold and bacteria. An alternative to bleach, it deodorizes, removes stains and boosts the cleaning power of soap. Please note safety precautions.

CASTILE and VEGETABLE OIL BASED SOAPS: Cleans everything

CORNSTARCH: Starches clothes, absorbs oil and grease

HERBS and ESSENTIAL OILS: Many herbs and their essential oils have antibiotic, antifungal and antimicrobial properties plus add fragrance

LEMON JUICE: Cuts through grease and removes perspiration and other stains from clothing. A bleach alternative.

SALT (sodium chloride): An abrasive

TOOTHPASTE A mild abrasive

VINEGAR (acetic acid): Cuts grease, removes stains and is an excellent water softener.

WASHING SODA (sodium carbonate): Cleans clothes, softens water, cuts grease and disinfects. Increases the cleaning power of soap.

CARPET FRESHENER
1 cup crushed dried herbs (lemon verbena & mint)
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
Combine all the ingredients in a zip-lock bag. Shake well to blend.
          To Use: Sprinkle some of the mixture on your carpet, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuum it up. It will give the room a pleasant smell and neutralize carpet odors.
NOTE: May also be added to sweeper bag to produce a pleasant smell during use

ROSEMARY SOFT SCRUB
This creamy cleanser is gently abrasive, making it ideal for sinks, tubs and showers.
1/2 cup baking soda
1/8 cup liquid vegetable-based soap
10 drops rosemary essential oil
          Combine ingredients in a small bowl and stir until you have a smooth consistency. To use, scoop a small amount onto a damp cloth. Scrub the surface you’re cleaning with small, circular motions. Rinse well.

CITRUS CLEANING VINEGAR
This gentle but effective vinegar is also fresh smelling and a wonderful homemade alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.
Fill a container with the peelings of any citrus fruit - grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime – or a combination. Heat white vinegar, pour over the peelings, cover and allow it to sit for about 2 weeks. Occasionally shake the container. If desired, remove the peels, and strain. Use this vinegar in any of the following ways:

ODOR ABSORBER - Pour citrus vinegar into a small dish, and set in a room

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER - Mix 1/2 cup citrus vinegar to 1 gallon of water.

GLASS CLEANER - Combine a quart of water with 1/2 cup of the citrus vinegar and add it to a spray bottle. Use as you would glass cleaner.

OVEN CLEANER - Spray or pour the citrus vinegar on burned or soiled areas. Close the oven door and allow it to sit for 2 hours. Wipe clean with a sponge or rag that has been moistened with warm water. Repeat if necessary.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23