Do you know that the most common cleaning products on store shelves contain many corrosive substances and toxic chemicals? Effective against dirt and stains, of course, but at the expense of what? Our nature, our water and our health? So why go through that? Instead, today, we give you our best tips to get rid of dirt without risking your health or our environment.
Cleaning with Bicarbonate
Bicarbonate has many uses in cleaning due to its special molecular structure that has easily abrasive and polishing properties. Baking soda is alkaline, neutralizes the pH balance and works perfectly as a remedy for bad odors.
What Is Bicarbonate?
Baking soda is a completely non-toxic substance (sodium salt) that is found naturally in oceans, streams and soil. Baking soda can be purchased in the spice section of your nearest grocery store, cheap and good!
5 Ways to Use Bicarbonate
- Place a bowl of baking soda in the refrigerator to eliminate bad odors. Replace it every couple of months.
- As a fire extinguisher in the kitchen – keep it handy.
- As an insecticide for ants and cockroaches.
- As a polish for various coatings. Sprinkle a little bicarbonate on a damp kitchen sponge and scrub! Need an extra boost? Add a few drops of lemon.
- To clean the coffee machine. Add ¼ cup of baking soda to 1 quart of water and run the machine.
NOTE: Baking soda is not the same thing as baking powder! Unlike baking powder, which is a mixture of baking soda and various acidic ingredients, baking soda is 100% pure sodium bicarbonate.
Cleaning with Vinegar
Vinegar, found in most homes, is effective against odors, stains and lime deposits. Vinegar also has a preservative effect, keeping mold and other unpleasant bacteria at bay.
What Is Vinegar?
Vinegar is a mixture of acetic acid and water. Acetic acid occurs naturally in the body, but household vinegar is produced by allowing the alcohol to oxidize (evaporate). Vinegar can be purchased in bottles at the grocery store, with a concentration of 12 or 24%. Highly concentrated vinegar can be corrosive, so use it with care!
5 Ways to Use Vinegar
- To remove discoloration from bathroom dishes. Spray a little diluted vinegar, let it work and rinse.
- To clean sooty stovetop glass. Trim with a sponge soaked in vinegar.
- Put your smelly dishcloth in a mixture of water and vinegar. This eliminates odors and bacteria!
- As a lime deposit in bathroom and kitchen joints. Mix one part vinegar and three parts water – scrub!
- As an all purpose cleaner with lemon.
NOTE: Do not use vinegar on natural stone, waxed surfaces or egg stains.
Cleaning with Baking Powder
Most people have baking powder at home to make bread dough rise, but did you know that baking powder is also an effective cleaning agent? Baking soda has similar properties to baking soda, but is slightly milder. For example, you can use baking soda…
– … For burnt pans: boil water in the pan with a few spoonfuls of baking soda and watch the burnt food come off.
– … As a plaster for discolored jewelry or silverware. Mix three parts baking powder and one part water. Rub gently and rinse thoroughly.
– … In the bottom of the litter box, as a remedy for bad odors.
As more and more people open their eyes to non-toxic and organic cleaning products, new, good and effective products are constantly being added. You don’t have to be toxic to be effective! Take a look at your supermarket’s environmentally friendly laundry and cleaning products – you might find many gentle but oh-so-effective cleaning and maintenance products from brands that have their hearts in the right place.
Which organic cleaning product do you use the most? Let us know in the comments below.
