Green Tips Part 4

Green products you can make yourself

Exposure to harmful chemicals could lead to many health complications. Unfortunately though, some of these are found in ordinary household cleaning products such as bleach that can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and ammonia that can burn your skin. Although you can buy green cleaning products from the grocery store, still it can be expensive. In order to save on expenses why not make your own homemade green cleaning products, just be sure to do it the right way. There are a lot of Eco-friendly household items you can use to create your own organic cleaning solution and here are some of them.

1. For cleaning your mirrors and windows – Mix 2 cups of water with ½ cup cider or white vinegar, ¼ cup alcohol (with concentration of 70%) and 1 or 2 drops orange essential oil (giving the solution a fragrant smell)
2. For cleaning your grills and oven hoods, you can concoct your own grease cleaner by mixing water in a ½ gallon container with 1 cup of cider or white vinegar, the juice of a good-sized lemon and ½ cup of borax. Dip a sponge in solution then wipe on the surface, then rinse surface with clear water.
3. To make your own deodorizer and all-purpose cleaner for your appliances, refrigerator and kitchen counters, mix 4 tbsp. baking soda with 1 qt. warm water to make a solution, then dip sponge and wipe the affected areas.
4. In cleaning your rust stained tubs and enamel or porcelain sinks, try a combination of ½ lemon fruit and ½ cup borax to make a heavy duty scrub. Dip lemon in borax then scrub on surface, after a few minutes rinse well. Be warned that this solution is not to be done in granite or marble surfaces.
5. To get rid of mold in your bathroom tiles, mix 2 parts water with one part of 3 % hydrogen peroxide and put it in a spray bottle. Spray on affected tiles, let it rest for about an hour then rinse with water.
6. In polishing your varnished wood furniture, make a combination of ½ cup warm water and lemon oil (just a few drops will do). Mix them well and spray lightly on a clean cotton cloth. Wipe on your furniture then finish by wiping with another dry cotton cloth.
7. To make your own clothing stain remover for stained bleachable or washable garments, mix 1 gallon hot water, 1 cup peroxide and 1 cup dishwasher detergent (powdered). Pour mixture in a plastic, enamel or stainless steel bowl (do not use aluminum bowl). Soak stained garments into the mixture for around 15 to 20 minutes. If the stain is not yet removed, soak again for just a bit longer, then wash and rinse with water.

These are only a few do-it-yourself green cleaning products that are not just effective but are easy on the pocket as well. Protect your family and the environment by going green. If you want a more professional opinion or services and if you have the budget, then you may avail the expertise of house cleaning services. Just make sure they use green cleaning products for your needs.