Harsh chemicals and store bought cleaners are expensive and they damage the environment and harm our health. Here is my list of the “Fabulous Five Ingredients for Green Cleaning”. Your health and pocketbook will thank you.
• Baking Soda: One of the most versatile ingredients you can have on hand at home. Not only does it act as an odor absorber, it also acts as a non-abrasive cleaning agent in the bathroom, kitchen and where there is grime. People often place an opened box in their refrigerator to get rid of odors. You can also add ½ cup to your laundry to fight perspiration and dirty odors.
• Distilled White Vinegar: This ingredient is also very versatile, killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. The combination of distilled white vinegar and salt is a fantastic cleaner for chrome. Distilled white vinegar is great for cleaning countertops and drains. You will find this ingredient in many homemade recipes.
• Liquid Dish Soap: Some people prefer Dr. Bronner’s all purpose soap. You can find that at Target and Whole Foods. Many all purpose cleaning recipes will have you add liquid dish soap. The soap acts as a cleanser. If you don’t choose Dr. Bronner’s, please try to find a non-toxic soap.
• Washing Soda: Also known as sodium bicarbonate, washing soda is great at getting the grease out, removing hard stains, and it also acts as an odor neutralizer.
• Essential Oils and Grapefruit Seed Extracts: These have antiseptic and antifungal properties to aid in the cleaning process. Also, if you choose scents that please you such as lavender or peppermint, your whole area will smell lovely.

Some Simple Recipes

To make a window cleaner, in a spray bottle add two cups of water, a few tablespoons of vinegar, and about ½ teaspoon of soap, then shake.

To make an all-purpose cleaner, in a spray bottle add two cups of hot tap water, a splash of liquid soap, and about ½ teaspoon of washing soda. Add some essential oils of your choice.

To kill mold or mildew, in a spray bottle add two cups of water to two teaspoons of tea tree oil. Spray on area, do not rinse, and let is penetrate. Take an old toothbrush and scrub the area. Also, undiluted distilled white vinegar can kill almost 80% of all molds.

You don’t need a PhD in chemistry to make your own household cleaning products. All you need are some simple ingredients and a little elbow grease. You will be saving your health and the environment, too.