Today I would like to talk a bit about household cleaning and deodorizing.
First, let's start with some all purpose cleaners:
I decided to just play around a bit with a couple household supplies. I put 1/4 tsp dish detergent, 1 T rubbing alcohol, and 1 C hot water into a spray bottle. Shook it gently to combine. I've used it with great success on countertops, walls, stove top, the toilet, even mirrors. It works okay in the shower as well, though not AS good as a scrub.
Perhaps that's a little too basic for you? Or maybe you're not open to using Rubbing Alcohol? Well, here are SIX Homemade All Purpose Cleaner Recipes.
Need something that works well in the shower or tub? Try mixing 1T salt and 1T baking soda. Add a few drops of dish detergent and water to form a paste. This liquid scrub works amazingly well.
As for the toilet, you can use any all-purpose or disinfecting cleaner on the seat, lid, rim, etc. But INSIDE the bowl? I will often put a bit of dish detergent in, then sprinkle in 1/4 cup baking soda. Use the brush to swish this around the bowl quickly, then pour in some vinegar and scrub with the brush quickly while it's fizzing. Often, I'll just leave it in there to fizz away until the toilet is used next, THEN flush. It gets the toilet nice and clean with only minimal brushing.
Want to make your own glass cleaner? Here's one recipe. Another I've made is simply mixing 2T rubbing alcohol, 2T vinegar, and 1/4 tsp dish detergent with 2 C water. Add blue food colouring, if you'd like.
Are you a fan of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes? Well, try these.....
Lysol is a staple in my home. But even I admit that it's toxic. Here is an alternative Homemade Lysol Disinfectant Spray. Here are two more disinfectant sprays (don't make too much of the Peracetic Acid spray, as everything I've read suggests it has a short shelf life. However, it is one of the most powerful non-chlorine sanitizers available in the home). Another good disinfectant is Thieves Oil. This concentrate is a "tea" based on one of the many recipes for Thieves Oil.
Here's an infographic with everything from all-purpose cleaner to a granate cleaner to a dusting spray.
Want to try your hand at a homemade dish liquid?
Ah, but what if you own a dishwasher? Well, try making a powder out of equal amounts of Borax and baking soda. I used to use this all the time and was satisfied with the results. You could try making a liquid Automatic Dish Washing Soap, if you prefer. Regardless, you WILL need to periodically clean your dishwasher. Many people swear by putting a packet of lemon Kool-Aid in the detergent cup and running the washer empty. I prefer to use plain citric acid (often sold with Kosher foods as "Sour Salt").
Everyone wants a nice smelling home. Often, we turn to fabric sprays, air freshener sprays, incense, candles, plug ins, gel fresheners, etc. But though they make the home smell good, they're not really very good FOR us. So what's the alternative? Well, here are 15 Natural Ways To Make Your Home Smell Amazing . The stovetop potpourri is something I've done for years. You can throw any herbs, spices, extracts, fruits, flowers, even pine needles into the pot.
Another idea? Put some baking soda in a small jar, add spices and/or essential oil. Cover with a cloth held in place with string, ribbon, or a mason jar ring. Shake it to blend. Periodically give it a shake, and refresh your oil/spices when the scent fades.
Really like the sprays? Well, try making your own! Get a spritz bottle. Mix equal amounts of vodka (the cheap kind works fine) and water with enough essential oils to give it a strong scent. Shake well and spritz in the air.
Finally, here are 7 Natural Cleaning Cheats That Will Rock Your World, and 25 Thorough Cleaning Tricks For The Neat Freak.
Well, that's it for now. I hope everyone enjoyed this post. Until next time.....