Green House Cleaning Methods
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Green Clean Home The Basic Kit Borax This a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen and water, soluble in water. It can deodorize, inhibit the growth of mildew and mould, remove stains, and can even be used with attractants such as sugar to kill cockroaches or ants. It is a great alternative to bleach as it ionically removes dirt and oil. Deodorising - sprinkle into the dustbin or onto carpets before vacuuming. Use to clean pet litter trays and in drains. Mould and mildew - use in areas where mould is a problem to remove and inhibit new growth, such as the bathroom tiles, damp walls, in the refrigerator or on clothes left too long after washing Stain removal - Use as a pre-soak for laundry, to scrub the draining board, or to remove stubborn marks from kitchen surfaces and hard floors. Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Hydrogen peroxide is a naturally occurring substance. ordinary water is H2o whilst hydrogen peroxide is H2o2 carrying an extra oxygen atom per molecule. This happens when ozone gas, (o3) is created in the atmosphere during electrical storms and dissolves into rain water. H2o2 is a natural oxidiser, that is it scavenges oxygen from other substances that are more weekly formed. Oxidation is a vital process in the breakdown of organic substances, what we call, for the benefit of this article as 'stain removal'. H2o2 is also a powerful bactericide, for the the same reason of its oxygen scavenging properties. Many Bacteria, mycelia, and viruses need oxygen to live, not only as a gas in the environment, but also as part of the makeup of other mediums. H2o2 removes oxygen from their environment and thus halts their life cycle. H2o2 has therefore many health enhancing properties, and can be used for bleaching, stain removal and bacterialcidal cleaning. As a note, and discussed elsewhere on our site, H2o2 is produced when honey is used on skin abrasions, hence its healing benefits! Use freely around the home, just be careful to test surfaces and fabrics for colorfastness... remember H2o2 is an oxidising agent (bleaching agent) Caution: Hydrogen peroxide is available in different concentrations commercially from 3% to 35%. 3 and 4% is usually safe for cleaning purposes where there will be moderate exposure to skin membranes. ON NO ACCOUNT USE 35% as this is very powerful and will severely attack skin membranes. Do not handle this product unless you are competent and equipped to dilute it safely. White distilled vinegar This an inexpensive cleaner, good for removing stains, removing hard water deposits, shining glass, windows and most metal surfaces. It can also remove mildew and deodorize. Removes taints and smells left by cooking also fantastic for cleaning hard surfaces. 1
Removes grease. It Softens and prevents static in the laundry. Vinegar contains about 5 percent acetic acid, which makes it a mild acid. It is normally used in a solution with water, but it can be used straight. Stain removal - mix just a couple teaspoons of white vinegar with hot water to clean hard floors and work surfaces. You can add a few drops of essential oil if you don't like the smell of the vinegar, although it dissipates in a few minutes. Hard water deposits - leave in the toilet bowl overnight or on the kettle to prevent the build up of lime scale. Shining glass, mirrors and windows - use neat with a soft cloth for very dirty glass Deodorising - pour a cup down the drain and allow it to sit for half an hour. Bicarbonate of Soda - (Baking soda) Sodium bicarbonate. It is extremely versatile as an all-purpose, non-toxic, non-abrasive cleaner. It cleans, deodorizes, scours, polishes and removes stains. Cleaning : Baking soda causes dirt and grease to dissolve in water, so it is very effective in cleaning kitchen work surfaces, ovens, saucepans and the bathroom. Deodorising : as a deodorizer it actually eliminates odours rather than just covering them up. Use in the refrigerator, on carpets, upholstery and on vinyl Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming to eliminate food and pet odours. It can help deodorize drains. Scouring : Baking soda itself is non-abrasive, but coupled with the action of a scouring sponge or some fine steel wool, it will remove the most stubborn of stains from all types of surfaces. Polishing : It can clean and polish chrome, plastic, porcelain, silver, and stainless steel. Stain removal : from sinks, work surfaces and china / porcelain. For stubborn coffee stains in cups, sprinkle baking soda on the stain, wipe with a damp sponge, and rinse. It also softens fabrics and removes certain stains. Baking soda can be used as toothpaste, too. After using on any surface, rinse well with hot water to remove the white, powdery residue. Liquid Castile Soap This is probably the purest form of commercially available soap you can buy. It has no colouring, SLS or scents. Fresh lemons Lemons are, yes, well, acidic! They are also antibacterial, and bring a pleasing aroma to your home. Lemon juice can be used neat to break down grease, or in dilution to freshen and cleanse. Caution: Don't get lemon juice your your eyes, it will sting. Also protect broken skin, it 2
wont be harmed, but it will smart for a time! Jojoba or olive oil Oils are very penetrating, thus they are useful for breaking down substances like glue, gum and tar. Oil also acts as a 'solvent for other oil stains, diluting their colour and viscosity. Part of a multistage process in some cases. These oils have wonderfully nourishing properties for wood as well, and in time build up a protective coating - don't use neat though, or the oil will attract dust and marks. Essential oils of lemon, lavender orange and Tee tree the above Essential oils have very concentrated properties: a strong scent, and powerful antibacterial effects. they are an effective easy way of enhancing your cleaning products. Washing soda Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is also known as soda ash, and it can be found in the laundry section at the supermarket. It has many uses besides being a laundry booster; it also neutralizes and eliminates odours, and is a wonderful heavy duty cleaner, acting as an excellent substitute for powerful solvents. Washing soda can peel wax off floors, and it isn't recommended for aluminum, so only use on surfaces such as unpainted wood, glass or stone, that won't be harmed. Plastic spray bottles A convenient device for applying home made cleaners. Use the garden variety with an adjustable spray nozzle that has a 'closed position' for safety of storage. Obviously, mark up your bottles carefully with permanent pens on waterproof abels. Recipes for cleaners:
In the kitchen Dishwashing liquid i) Mix 10floz liquid Castile with 10 drops essential oils (a mix of 3 lavender,1 tee tree, 2 orange and 4 lemon is good) ii) Use juice of half lemon and 1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda in a bowl of hot water, there will be no bubbles, but your dishes will be clean! iii) Much of the time, if you wash up straight after preparation and eating, you can simply use hot water, with no need for any detergent, unless there is heavy grease to break down.
Automatic dishwasher powder i) 2 tbsp bicarbonate of soda and 2 tbsp borax per load 3
Sink cleaners i) Use neat bicarbonate of soda with a sponge scourer and rinse well ii) Mix 1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda with a little water to make a paste, use this to scrub the sink and rinse well iii) Mix 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda, 1/8 cup white distilled vinegar, 2 drops lemon essential oil, 1 drop tea tree essential oil and 2 drops lavender essential oil. Use with a scouring sponge and rinse. iv) Place 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda in a bowl, add enough liquid castile soap until you get a frosting consistency and add 2 drops orange essential oil and 1 drop tea tree and 2 drops lemon essential oil. v) Use borax, sprinkled onto a cloth and rinse with hot water
Antibacterial kitchen surface / table cleaner i) Combine 1-drop tee tree, 2 drops lavender, 3 drops lemon and 3 drops orange essential oil in a spray bottle. Top up with water and spray directly onto surfaces and wipe over with a cloth. Can safely be used near food and even on babies / children's hands before or after the meal! ii) spray areas with a 3-5% solution of hydrogen peroxide and follow with a spray of vinegar and water. (can be used on the hands or as a vegetable wash to neutralise pesticides.
Multi purpose surface cleaner i) Combine 1 tsp borax, 2 tbsp white vinegar, ¼ tsp – ¼ cup (depending on preference) liquid castille and 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
For cleaning greasy wares mix: ½ teaspoon washing soda 2 Tablespoons distilled white vinegar ¼ teaspoon liquid soap 2 cups hot water
Chopping boards i) Wipe over with the cut side of a fresh lemon to disinfect the board, or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the board and wipe with a damp cloth. 4
ii) I quote a friend of mine: 'I discovered by accident that if you leave a big piece of pineapple on the board overnight, on top of a mouldy part of the board, it kills the mould and removes the stain.'
Multi-purpose scouring powder i) Combine equal quantities of bicarbonate of soda, salt and borax, and use on surfaces that require extra cleaning.
Floor cleaner i) To a large bucket hot water, add 2 tbsp white vinegar with 2 drops lemon essential oil ii) Add 4oz borax to a bucket of hot water.
Oven and hob cleaner
i) Use neat bicarbonate of soda and a scouring sponge for the hob. In areas of bad grease, make a paste from water and bicarbonate of soda, rub over the surface of the hob and leave for a few moments before rinsing off with hot water. For the oven, cover the base of the oven with a fine misting of water, sprinkle a layer of bicarbonate of soda over the water so that you can no longer see the base of the oven and lightly mist it with water again. Allow to dry out and mist with water again. Leave over night and in the morning scrape away the bicarbonate of soda and the grease. Rinse with hot water to remove white residue. ii) Combine 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water and place in a spray bottle. Spray onto cool oven surfaces and scrub clean. iii) Place 2 tsp borax, 2 tbsp liquid castile soap and warm water to fill a spray bottle. Shake well to dissolve. Spray onto oven surfaces, leave for 20 minutes and scrub with steel wool. For tough areas on oven surfaces, use a razor blade to scrape off spills.
Laundry i) Wash cycle - combine 2-3oz borax with 1 drop lemon essential oil. Rinse cycle - 2oz white distilled vinegar with 1 drop lavender essential oil. To boost stain removal, add 8oz of 3% Hydrogen peroxide to the wash cycle.
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To brighten clothes, add ½ cup lemon juice to the final rinse cycle ii) As a pre-soak for stain removal, add one tablespoon of borax per gallon of water or 4oz in the washing machine and pre-soak for at least 30 minutes before washing. iii) Laundry gloop Recipe; the alternative to detergent. You will need: A large tub capable of holding about 4 litres, with a good fitting lid (or a few smaller tubs) to store gloop A big pan 1 bar unscented white soap; something like Simple or a shop's own-brand sensitive skin soap is suitable 1/2 cup washing soda crystals - usually on the cleaning aisle of the supermarket 4 litres hot water Optional:- About 20 drops of essential oil. Tea tree and lavender are probably the best choices for reducing any risk of adverse reaction. To Make Put the water in the pot and bring to the boil. Meanwhile grate the soap and once the water has boiled, add the soap and turn the heat down. Stir until all the soap has dissolved. Take off the heat and add the soda crystals stirring until they have dissolved as well. Leave to cool until you can safely handle it, then decant into your tub(s) and add essential oils. To use Use about half a teacup for each load. CAUTION To avoid problems with the gloop and machine blockages:- It is HIGHLY recommended that you put the gloop directly into the drum not the drawer. If the gloop sets hard, chop it into small pieces so that it melts easier. Adding a ½ a cup distilled white vinegar to the final rinse will also help prevent any problems. iv) Laundry Powder - a quick, easy alternative to making the gloop Mix together: 1 Cup Grated White Soap 1/2 Cup Washing Soda 1/2 Cup Borax For a light load, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons. v) Fabric Softener Mix together: 2 Cups White Vinegar 2 Cups bicarbonate of soda 6
4 Cups Water The bicarbonate of soda and vinegar will fizz so combine them slowly and carefully over the sink. Pour into a storage bottle, cover, and shake. Use 1/4 cup in the final rinse.
vi) Another laundry powder, shared by a visitor to the site: sieve and mix together: a cup borax a cup bicarbonate of soda 1 cup grated castille soap Add a few drops essential oil of your choice. Store in an airtight container and use 1/2 cup per load
To freshen drains: If you a nasty odour coming from your sink in the kitchen it will undoubtedly be your drain needing a freshen up. Instead of filling the sewers with expensive commercial products simply pour a cup of vinegar down the plughole. Let stand for 30 minutes and then flush with cold water. It will deodorize it a treat. If you repeat this process every week the odour should not return.
To prevent blocked drains Washing soda is an excellent choice for helping drains stay clear because while it is alkaline-a pH of 11-it isn't as caustic and damaging as the commonly used lye-based commercial product. i)Ideally, use washing soda on your drains once a week to keep them clear. Just pour 1/4 cup or so down the drain, and then flush with water. Washing soda is found in the laundry section of the supermarket. ii) You can use baking soda instead by pouring 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by three cups of boiling water. The boiling water will change the chemical composition of baking soda to become more alkaline like washing soda.
Blocked drains i) Pour 1 cup bicarbonate of soda down the sink, followed by ½ cup white distilled vinegar. Cover tightly for one minute –the chemical reaction between these two substances will 7
create pressure in the drain and dislodge the obstruction. Rinse with plenty of boiling water. ii) Pour ½ cup salt and ½ cup baking soda followed by lots of hot water. Plunge the sink iii) pouring 1 cup of washing soda (or baking soda) down the drain followed by three cups of boiling water. Repeat two or three times. If you still have a clog, try pouring down 1 cup of vinegar. Being an acid, the vinegar will neutralize the washing soda or baking soda and there will be some foaming and gurgling, but sometimes this agitation is all that is needed in the end to dislodge the grime. In the Bathroom :
Bath / Shower / Sink / Tile cleaner i) Good old bicarbonate of soda again! Use it neat or mix into a paste with water and scrub with a scouring sponge. Works on the taps and tiles as well. ii) Mix ½ cup bicarbonate of soda, 2 drops lemon essential oil, 2 drops orange essential oil and enough Castile to make a frosting consistency. iii) use borax sprinkled onto a cloth as a scouring powder and rinse with hot water iv) Mix 1 cup bicarbonate of soda with ½ cup white vinegar in a small bowl.Rub on surfaces with a damp sponge, allow to work for a few minutes and rinse well. v) mix 2 tsp borax, 2 tbsp white vinegar1/4 tsp liquid castille and 3-4 cups hot water in a spray bottle. vi) combine 1 2/3 cups bicarbonate of soda with ½ cup liquid castile in a bowl and dilute with ½ cup water and 2 tbsp white vinegar in a bowl. Stir with a fork until the lumps are gone. Place in a container with a squirt flip-top cap and shake well before each use. Rinse well after use either with hot water or a squirt of vinegar and water.
Window / mirror cleaner
i) Place ¼ cup white distilled vinegar, 2 cups water and ½ teaspoon liquid Castile in a spray bottle, and use with newspaper or a clean cloth to clean windows. Alternative quantities for the mix are 3 tbsp vinegar, 2 cups water and ½ cup liquid castile – experiment to see which formula suits you. ii) For really dirty glass, use neat white distilled vinegar. iii) For wiping over the bathroom mirror, use bicarbonate of soda mixed into a paste with water. Rinse well.
Grout Cleaner i) mix 3 cups bicarbonate of soda with 1 cup water into a paste. Scrub into the grout with a toothbrush and rinse with clean water. 8
Mould and mildew i) mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply to the mould and wipe clean. ii) combine 25 drops tea tree essential oil, 2 cups water and 3 tbsp liquid castille in a spray bottle.
Toilet cleaner i) Sprinkle a cup of bicarbonate of soda into the tank once a month, and allow it to stand overnight before flushing, to deodorise the tank and bowl. ii) Sprinkle ¼ cup of borax into the bowl, then swish with your toilet brush. Let it stand overnight then flush. iii) Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, then add white vinegar and scour with a toilet brush. iv) Flush to wet the sides of the bowl, then pour in 1 cup borax and ½ cup white vinegar and leave overnight. In the morning, scrub with the toilet brush. v) For stains in the toilet bowl. Try a paste of lemon juice and borax.
Lime scale i) Use neat vinegar in the toilet bowl, in the kettle, on bathroom tiles, around the taps to eliminate lime scale. In areas like the toilet or kettle, leave the vinegar to work overnight. On tiles or taps, spray on vinegar and scrub with a soft scourer. In the living room
Furniture polish Wood i) Combine 1/4 cup white vinegar with a few drops of jojoba or olive oil and 2 drops lemon essential oil. ii) Mix 3 parts olive or jojoba oil with 1 part lemon juice or white vinegar and one drop lemon essential oil.
Leather: i) mix ¼ cup olive oil with a few drops of lemon essential oil.
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Vinyl: i) combine ¼ cup white vinegar, ¼ tsp liquid castile and water.
Wooden floor cleaner i) Add 1/8 cup liquid castille, ¼ - ½ cup white vinegar or lemon juice to 2 gallons warm water
NOTE: two excellent ways to kill the house dust mite are to replace one drop lemon with one drop tee tree, or to 'damp dust': make an infusion of strong black tea, and use this to 'dust' surfaces in the home. The tannin in the tea is known to eradicate the house dust mite, plus the action of damp dusting prevents the dust simply rising up and floating to another place. For more information on cleaning pee stains out of a mattress click here: http://houseofstrauss.co.uk/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=453 Alternative Special cleaning jobs This next section includes a variety of cleaning jobs that (hopefully!) are not undertaken on a daily basis! To this section, we introduce further ingredients: Washing soda Cream of tartar Salt Carbonated water Lanolin White wine Coca cola and other household foods and herbs Metal polishing Cleaning silver i) use baking soda and a clean, damp sponge. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Scoop the paste onto the sponge, and rub the paste into the silver. Rinse with hot water and polish dry with a soft, clean cloth. For badly tarnished silver, leave the baking soda paste on the silver for an hour or so, before cleaning off with the help of the sponge and hot water. ii) For cleaning silver put the items in a bowl with a handful of washing soda and some aluminium foil cover the items with enough water to cover them. Make sure that all the 10
silver is touching the foil at one place or another. Take the silver out and rinse in hot water and dry thoroughly. iii) Mix baking soda with lemon juice, and either let silver item stand in mixture for a minute then wipe with a rag dipped in the mixture and you'll see an amazing shine. Or, if the item to be cleaned is larger, no need to soak item, just rub with a cloth or rag that has been dipped in v) Boil silver 3 minutes in a quart of water containing: 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and a piece of aluminum foil. Or, rub silver with a baking soda/water paste and a soft cloth; rinse and polish dry. Or, rub with toothpaste. Use a toothbrush to clean raised surfaces. Be careful not to scratch surfaces. Be gentle and use a light hand.
Cleaning brass
i) Most commonly used kitchen cupboard or refrigerator ingredients that contain a natural acid, such as vinegar, Tobasco Sauce, ketchup, tomatoes, milk, and lemon or lime juice, will remove tarnish. The tarnish washes away with an acid rub or soak. You might have to remove the lacquer cover if the brass is new. Do this by submerging the brass in boiling water with a few teaspoons each baking soda and washing soda. Once the lacquer has peeled off, polish dry. ii) Mix 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 cup white vinegar with enough flour to make a paste. Apply thickly. Let sit for 15 min-1/2 hr. Rinse thoroughly with water to avoid corrosion.
Cleaning Copper i) Polish with a paste of lemon juice and salt.
Cleaning Chrome i) Wipe with vinegar, rinse with water, then dry. (Good for removing hard water deposits.) Or, shine chrome fixtures with baby oil and a soft cloth. (Good for removing soap scum off faucets.) ii) 3 tablespoons baking soda and water - Mix the baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply then rinse.
Cleaning Stainless Steel i) Clean and polish with a baking soda/water paste.
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Cleaning carpets Carpet deodorizer i) Sprinkle baking soda over carpet and let sit overnight. Vacuum. ii) 1 cup borax 2 cups cornmeal - Mix ingredients in a bowl, sprinkle over carpet. Let stand for an hour. Vacuum
Carpet stain removal i) Club soda - Apply to stain and scrub. ii) ¼ cup white vinegar ¼ cup water -Mix and rub. Rinse with water.
Wax on carpets i) To remove wax from carpeting you should first scrape away any excess. Then, using a warm iron and a clean cloth or even a paper bag simply place the iron on top of the cloth or bag over the wax and as you iron it will adhere to the cloth instead of the carpet. Continue moving the cloth around as you pick up the wax so you are always using a clean section of cloth. If a little grease stain remains sprinkle on baking soda and let sit overnight before vacuuming which will remove the grease residue and deodorize at the same time.
Red wine on carpet or cloth i) Dissolve ½ cup borax in a pint of water. Sponge in the solution, wait ½ hour, and repeat. Red wine is a tough stain and your chances of success are better the sooner you treat them. ii) Sprinkle salt liberally over the area to absorb the spill. iii) If you spill wine on your clothing or tablecloth, blot it up immediately with an absorbent cloth, then sponge it with carbonated, soda water or warm water. The bubbles in the soda water lift the stain out. If the fabric is washable then stretch the effected area over a small saucepan or heat resistant bowl and hold it in place with string or an elastic band. Pour hot water through the fabric, and then wash as soon as possible. iv) If red wine is spilled on your carpet sponge it with carbonated, soda water. Blot well (do not rub). v) If stain persists, you can try dabbing the area with some hydrogen peroxide. Some times a paste of cream of tartar spread over the stain will work. vi) sometimes it works to ‘cancel out’ the red wine, by pouring white wine over the stain! 12
Animal faeces / urine on carpets
Pets tend to return to the same place in the house when they make their periodic pee and other mistakes. Pets have an excellent sense of smell; in fact, they can smell the residue from their previous error, and this makes them feel as if that marks the spot for the next error. Simple Solution: Neutralize the odor by alternating baking soda and vinegar. Finish cleaning up a pet mess by sprinkling the area with baking soda, leaving that overnight, and then sweeping or vacuuming it up. Pet urine often has both acidic and alkaline components, so the next step is to neutralize the alkaline baking soda and residual alkaline odor using a strong vinegar wash; I use 2 cups of white distilled water to 1 gallon of water. Wash the area with the vinegar wash, and then rinse. The strong smell of the vinegar will dissipate in a few hours.
Cleaning clothes Blood on clothes i)If the stain is fresh then soak immediately in cold water and the stain will flow out.
ii) Remove a stubborn blood stain by applying hydrogen peroxide, allowing it to bubble, then repeating the application until stain is gone. Launder as usual. Hydrogen peroxide is the main ingredient in commercial blood stain removers
Mould from clothing i) remove mildew from clothing or other fabrics begin by brushing the mildewed area. It's best to do this outside. The item must be dry to do this. Then rub the affected area with half a lemon that has been dipped in salt. Then wash as usual. Dry the item in the sun if possible
Biro on clothes 13
i) You can remove ink stains on coloured fabrics by soaking the item in milk If your stain is on white fabric then have a go at rubbing a mixture of lemon juice and salt into the stain. Then hang to dry in a sunny place. ii) A paste of cream or tartar an lemon juice – let sit for 1 hour and wash as usual
Perspiration Sponge stain with a weak solution of white vinegar or lemon juice; or soak fabric in water with two dissolved tablets of aspirin.
Oil / grease on clothes i) Sprinkle some cornstarch or baking soda on the stain, then place the garment, stain side down, on a large rag on top of an ironing board. Iron with a hot iron on the wrong side of the stain --most oil and grease stains will come right out. (This trick works only for oil and grease, which need heat to dissolve.) ii) Apply a paste of cornstarch and water. Brush off when dry or scrub spot with toothbrush.. iii) Pour Coca-Cola onto the grease spot and rub it in. Then pour some more on the spot and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Launder your clothes with detergent as usual. Pour the rest of the coke it in the washing machine at the start of the wash cycle Cleaning hard surfaces Hearth Washing away fireplace smoke and soot, or cleaning the smoke off the glass in wood stove doors, is easy and safe using washing soda INGREDIENTS 1 bucket warm water 1/2 cup washing soda Wash surface, wearing gloves; then rinse. For really tough jobs, make a thick washing soda paste by mixing it with water, and then spread the paste on the soot. Keep the paste damp by spraying every hour or so with a spray bottle. Leave the paste on overnight, and then rinse. Make certain to only use this formula on inert surfaces such as glass and stone, as this amount of washing soda can peel off paint, wax, etc.
Floor wax for wooden floors
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i) 1 part lemon juice 2 parts food grade linseed oil - Apply with a rag. Let rest until floor is dry. Buff completely smooth. Cleaning the air Air fresheners i) Place a few saucers of vinegar in strategic places around the room. ii) charcoal will absorb stale smoke odours. As with the vinegar place the charcoal in saucers around the room. iii) If your furnishings are suffering from smoke odor then sprinkle baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) over armchair/sofa/mattress/carpet. Leave for a few hours and then vacuum off. The baking soda will absorb the smell. The baking soda should not mark your furniture but you can always test in an inconspicuous area. iv) Put boxes of baking soda in enclosed spaces like wardrobes and refrigerators. V) Houseplants (English Ivy and spider plants, among others) can help to remove chemicals from the air. vi) place cut Onions around the room to absorb smells Paint stripping
Paint stripping
i) Make a very thick paste of washing soda and water (wear gloves because although washing soda doesn't give off fumes, it is slightly caustic), and spread with a putty knife on the surface to be stripped. Let it set for several hours, if not overnight, keeping it as moist as possible by misting frequently with water sprayed from a spray bottle. Rinse and peel off the paint. Once you have removed all the paint, rinse with a vinegar and water wash to neutralize the washing soda (this might cause some bubbling)
Caution Spot test this formula first to make sure the paste doesn't damage any wood Removing sticky labels
From plastic
1. Apply a thick coat of cooking oil to the label in question. 2. Allow it to soak in, undisturbed, for 24 hours. 3. Try to peel the label off. If it comes readily, proceed to the next step. If it doesn't, repeat steps 1 and 2. (Many labels require two applications; some take several.) 15
4. After the label has been peeled off, some sticky, partly dissolved glue will remain. To remove it, coat the area with oil a final time and allow it to sit overnight. 5. Wipe off the oil and dissolved glue, then wash the container in hot, soapy water.
Waterproofing boots Leather boots
lanolin is a safe alternative leather waterproofer. Lanolin is the oil in sheep's wool, and it is a natural water repellent that can be removed with no harm to the sheep. Available in pharmacies as "Anhydrous Lanolin," and in a handy tube, lanolin is a rich, lubricating cream that can easily be rubbed into leather.
Oil on a driveway
Oil on driveway
i)Soak up excess with sand or saw dust ii)For the remaining stains, pour cola on them and leave overnight, rinse off with soapy water the following morning. iii) Use Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of soda) to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle Baking Soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush
Outdoor furniture
Plastic Lawn Furniture Cleaner
1/2 cup washing soda 1 gallon hot water Dissolve the washing soda in a bucket of hot water. Wearing gloves and using a sponge, slather the water onto the furniture, and let it set for ten minutes or so before rinsing. For stubborn stains, redo leaving the water on the plastic for an extra ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
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Mildew and Mold Cushion Cleaner
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is a broad spectrum fungicide. It is available in health food stores. 2 teaspoons tea tree oil 2 cups water Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spot test on cushions to make sure there is no discoloration. Spray on the cushions. Don't rinse. In a few days both the strong smell of the tea tree oil and the mould will dissipate. Assuming you can rinse your cushions, after you have killed the mould and mildew, spot clean cushions using the Plastic Lawn Furniture Cleaner, above. Rinse. Note: Spot test the washing soda mixture on wood furniture first. It is a powerful cleanser, and you don't want to peel off any existing wood finish.
Barbecue Grill Soak
1-2 cups washing soda Enough hot water to cover the grills In a pan big enough to hold the grill (or the kitchen sink might work), soak the grills overnight in the washing soda and water. In the morning the grime on the grill will come off easily. Wash with soap and water, and rinse. Rust remover Rust on ferrous metals: sprinkle a little bit of salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is nicely soaked in lime juice. Leave the mixture on for two or three hours. Use the leftover rind as a handy scrubber to remove the rust.
Paint brush restorer Paint Brushes
To restore brushes stiffened and hardened by paint, simply boil them in a solution of 1/2 gallon of water mixed with 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda. 17
Insect repellents
Fly repellents
One way of deterring at least some flies is to hang up bunches of insect-repelling herbs in the house, or to put vases filled with aromatic and pungent-scented fresh herbs on the windowsills. In summer, collect eau-de-cologne mint, pennyroyal, rosemary, rue, southernwood, thyme, or tansy to hang up or stand in a jug or vase. Many of these were strewn on the floors of houses in the Middle Ages to help repel flies. Tansy, one of the old strewing herbs, has a good reputation as an insect repellent. Its clean pungency when crushed underfoot helped keep flies away. An old method of keeping flies off meat was to rub it with tansy leaves and then lay fresh sprays of the plant over the meat.
Ant and mite / weevil repellents
i) For ants in the house, a strong decoction of walnut leaves (6 handfuls of leaves boiled in 1 pt/Vi 1 water for 20-30 minutes) can be painted round floors or on work surfaces. ii) Place sprigs of pennyroyal, rue or tansy on shelves or in cupboards to deter ants. Disturb the leaves occasionally to release more scent. This doesn't kill ants but encourages them to go away. iii) and floors. Equal parts white vinegar and water - Mix and apply to countertops, cabinets
iv) For mites and weevils, keep 2 or 3 nutmegs, a few peeled elder shoots or a couple of bay leaves in bags of flour and rice to prevent mites.
Moth repellents
i) To deter moths, lay whole sprays of dried herbs among blankets or woollens. Put southernwood (its French name oigarderobe confirms its usefulness), santolina, rosemary, and lavender among clothes between sheets of tissue paper. The rarer bog myrtle, or sweet gale (Myrica gale), has the old country name of flea-wood and was used to scent linen and to drive out fleas. ii) Moth-repellent sachets Sachets or bags filled with a mixture of pungent herbs and spices, and placed in cupboards and drawers, are a good protection against moths. Recipe: 18
3 tablespoons southernwood 2 tablespoons mugwort I tablespoon rosemary leaves 1 tablespoon chamomile flowers 1 tablespoon thyme 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves '/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon orris root powder Oil of cloves, or lavender, or lemon oil. Crumble the dried herbs into a bowl. Add the spices, the salt and orris root. Store in a screw-topped jar, away from the light, for 2 weeks. Have the bags ready for filling, and shake enough oil on to the herbs to scent them quite strongly. Fill the bags and stitch or tie the opening. iii) Store clean clothing in airtight containers or sealed bags with cedar blocks, shavings (available as cage bedding in pet stores) or oil. Place cedar in drawers and closets as well. Inspect any used clothing or furniture carefully for moths or larvae before bringing them into the house, or clean them first. Vigorously shaking clothes will remove larvae and eggs (remember to vacuum well afterwards). And the heat of the dryer will also kill larvae and eggs.
Fleas, lice and ticks 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 quart water (per 40 pound of pet weight) Mix and add to pet's drinking water to keep your pet free of fleas and ticks For information on how to clean pee stains out of a mattress click here: http://houseofstrauss.co.uk/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=453
http://www.anyclean.co.uk/articles/natural-cleaning-recipes.html 19
Natural cleaning recipes Some natural cleaning recipes call for making them as you go, using baking soda and vinegar, for example, causes a foaming to take place-as any kid in chemistry class will tell you-and needs to be made right on top of the grease you are trying to clean up. Some, however, can be made and stored, just like the chemical or commercial brands. First, some essentials need time you go shopping: Clean plastic spray bottles Liquid Castile soap White vinegar (Apple cider vinegar can stain and some people have allergies to it) Pure lemon juice Baking soda Salt Grapefruit seed extract Essential oils and/or herbs for fragrance-optional These are the basics. As long as you keep these products on hand, you will always be able to concoct natural cleaning recipes for use around animals and pregnant women, or simply cut down on the use of chemicals and commercial products. The following are recipes for natural cleaning products.
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All Purpose Cleaner This will last for a couple of months if you keep it in the refrigerator (using lemon), makes 32 ounces. 1 cup Vinegar or Lemon Juice, 1 teaspoon of liquid castile soap 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract. Fill with cold water to the top of the container. If you use about 20 drops of essential oil you can delete the vinegar smell and won't have to store it in the refrigerator. If you use Lemon, mark the sprayer clearly!
Use as a shower spray to cut down on the soap scum. Just spray and leave on for 20 minutes, then wipe with a towel or spray and leave to dry. For your kitchen counters, appliances, floors, windows, and mirrors, use as you would any spray and wipe cleaner. For your floors, use about 1/2 cup in a bucket of water and use in your Dishwasher as a dish rinse. You can even use it in your laundry.
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Soft Scrub 1 cup of baking soda 1 cup of Castile soap Mix together and use as a soft scrub for all your bathroom (tub, tile, and toilet) cleaning needs.
Liquid Natural Detergent This makes one gallon and can be used anywhere that the all purpose spray can be used. It is especially helpful in cutting today's laundry detergent prices. 1 cup of Castile Soap 1 /3 cup of Salt 1 cup of baking soda 1 cup of Vinegar 40 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract. To half a gallon of water, add the salt and baking soda which has been melted down over low heat and just enough 20
water to help it dissolve. Add Castile soap and the vinegar. Fill your gallon jug up the rest of the way, and then add Essential oils and Grapefruit extract. For tub and tile cleaner, put your solution in a spray bottle and use on your bathroom or kitchen. For floors, add 1/2 to one cup (more) of castile soap to your bucket of water and clean almost any floor. If you have concerns, spot mop a small section to test. You can also use this natural cleaning recipe in stead of commercial dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, induction burner stoves, and on all countertops. -----------------
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Removes grease. It Softens and prevents static in the laundry. Vinegar contains about 5 percent acetic acid, which makes it a mild acid. It is normally used in a solution with water, but it can be used straight. Stain removal - mix just a couple teaspoons of white vinegar with hot water to clean hard floors and work surfaces. You can add a few drops of essential oil if you don't like the smell of the vinegar, although it dissipates in a few minutes. Hard water deposits - leave in the toilet bowl overnight or on the kettle to prevent the build up of lime scale. Shining glass, mirrors and windows - use neat with a soft cloth for very dirty glass Deodorising - pour a cup down the drain and allow it to sit for half an hour. Bicarbonate of Soda - (Baking soda) Sodium bicarbonate. It is extremely versatile as an all-purpose, non-toxic, non-abrasive cleaner. It cleans, deodorizes, scours, polishes and removes stains. Cleaning : Baking soda causes dirt and grease to dissolve in water, so it is very effective in cleaning kitchen work surfaces, ovens, saucepans and the bathroom. Deodorising : as a deodorizer it actually eliminates odours rather than just covering them up. Use in the refrigerator, on carpets, upholstery and on vinyl Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming to eliminate food and pet odours. It can help deodorize drains. Scouring : Baking soda itself is non-abrasive, but coupled with the action of a scouring sponge or some fine steel wool, it will remove the most stubborn of stains from all types of surfaces. Polishing : It can clean and polish chrome, plastic, porcelain, silver, and stainless steel. Stain removal : from sinks, work surfaces and china / porcelain. For stubborn coffee stains in cups, sprinkle baking soda on the stain, wipe with a damp sponge, and rinse. It also softens fabrics and removes certain stains. Baking soda can be used as toothpaste, too. After using on any surface, rinse well with hot water to remove the white, powdery residue. Liquid Castile Soap This is probably the purest form of commercially available soap you can buy. It has no colouring, SLS or scents. Fresh lemons Lemons are, yes, well, acidic! They are also antibacterial, and bring a pleasing aroma to your home. Lemon juice can be used neat to break down grease, or in dilution to freshen and cleanse. Caution: Don't get lemon juice your your eyes, it will sting. Also protect broken skin, it 2
wont be harmed, but it will smart for a time! Jojoba or olive oil Oils are very penetrating, thus they are useful for breaking down substances like glue, gum and tar. Oil also acts as a 'solvent for other oil stains, diluting their colour and viscosity. Part of a multistage process in some cases. These oils have wonderfully nourishing properties for wood as well, and in time build up a protective coating - don't use neat though, or the oil will attract dust and marks. Essential oils of lemon, lavender orange and Tee tree the above Essential oils have very concentrated properties: a strong scent, and powerful antibacterial effects. they are an effective easy way of enhancing your cleaning products. Washing soda Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is also known as soda ash, and it can be found in the laundry section at the supermarket. It has many uses besides being a laundry booster; it also neutralizes and eliminates odours, and is a wonderful heavy duty cleaner, acting as an excellent substitute for powerful solvents. Washing soda can peel wax off floors, and it isn't recommended for aluminum, so only use on surfaces such as unpainted wood, glass or stone, that won't be harmed. Plastic spray bottles A convenient device for applying home made cleaners. Use the garden variety with an adjustable spray nozzle that has a 'closed position' for safety of storage. Obviously, mark up your bottles carefully with permanent pens on waterproof abels. Recipes for cleaners:
In the kitchen Dishwashing liquid i) Mix 10floz liquid Castile with 10 drops essential oils (a mix of 3 lavender,1 tee tree, 2 orange and 4 lemon is good) ii) Use juice of half lemon and 1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda in a bowl of hot water, there will be no bubbles, but your dishes will be clean! iii) Much of the time, if you wash up straight after preparation and eating, you can simply use hot water, with no need for any detergent, unless there is heavy grease to break down.
Automatic dishwasher powder i) 2 tbsp bicarbonate of soda and 2 tbsp borax per load 3
Sink cleaners i) Use neat bicarbonate of soda with a sponge scourer and rinse well ii) Mix 1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda with a little water to make a paste, use this to scrub the sink and rinse well iii) Mix 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda, 1/8 cup white distilled vinegar, 2 drops lemon essential oil, 1 drop tea tree essential oil and 2 drops lavender essential oil. Use with a scouring sponge and rinse. iv) Place 1/2 cup bicarbonate of soda in a bowl, add enough liquid castile soap until you get a frosting consistency and add 2 drops orange essential oil and 1 drop tea tree and 2 drops lemon essential oil. v) Use borax, sprinkled onto a cloth and rinse with hot water
Antibacterial kitchen surface / table cleaner i) Combine 1-drop tee tree, 2 drops lavender, 3 drops lemon and 3 drops orange essential oil in a spray bottle. Top up with water and spray directly onto surfaces and wipe over with a cloth. Can safely be used near food and even on babies / children's hands before or after the meal! ii) spray areas with a 3-5% solution of hydrogen peroxide and follow with a spray of vinegar and water. (can be used on the hands or as a vegetable wash to neutralise pesticides.
Multi purpose surface cleaner i) Combine 1 tsp borax, 2 tbsp white vinegar, ¼ tsp – ¼ cup (depending on preference) liquid castille and 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
For cleaning greasy wares mix: ½ teaspoon washing soda 2 Tablespoons distilled white vinegar ¼ teaspoon liquid soap 2 cups hot water
Chopping boards i) Wipe over with the cut side of a fresh lemon to disinfect the board, or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the board and wipe with a damp cloth. 4
ii) I quote a friend of mine: 'I discovered by accident that if you leave a big piece of pineapple on the board overnight, on top of a mouldy part of the board, it kills the mould and removes the stain.'
Multi-purpose scouring powder i) Combine equal quantities of bicarbonate of soda, salt and borax, and use on surfaces that require extra cleaning.
Floor cleaner i) To a large bucket hot water, add 2 tbsp white vinegar with 2 drops lemon essential oil ii) Add 4oz borax to a bucket of hot water.
Oven and hob cleaner
i) Use neat bicarbonate of soda and a scouring sponge for the hob. In areas of bad grease, make a paste from water and bicarbonate of soda, rub over the surface of the hob and leave for a few moments before rinsing off with hot water. For the oven, cover the base of the oven with a fine misting of water, sprinkle a layer of bicarbonate of soda over the water so that you can no longer see the base of the oven and lightly mist it with water again. Allow to dry out and mist with water again. Leave over night and in the morning scrape away the bicarbonate of soda and the grease. Rinse with hot water to remove white residue. ii) Combine 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water and place in a spray bottle. Spray onto cool oven surfaces and scrub clean. iii) Place 2 tsp borax, 2 tbsp liquid castile soap and warm water to fill a spray bottle. Shake well to dissolve. Spray onto oven surfaces, leave for 20 minutes and scrub with steel wool. For tough areas on oven surfaces, use a razor blade to scrape off spills.
Laundry i) Wash cycle - combine 2-3oz borax with 1 drop lemon essential oil. Rinse cycle - 2oz white distilled vinegar with 1 drop lavender essential oil. To boost stain removal, add 8oz of 3% Hydrogen peroxide to the wash cycle.
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To brighten clothes, add ½ cup lemon juice to the final rinse cycle ii) As a pre-soak for stain removal, add one tablespoon of borax per gallon of water or 4oz in the washing machine and pre-soak for at least 30 minutes before washing. iii) Laundry gloop Recipe; the alternative to detergent. You will need: A large tub capable of holding about 4 litres, with a good fitting lid (or a few smaller tubs) to store gloop A big pan 1 bar unscented white soap; something like Simple or a shop's own-brand sensitive skin soap is suitable 1/2 cup washing soda crystals - usually on the cleaning aisle of the supermarket 4 litres hot water Optional:- About 20 drops of essential oil. Tea tree and lavender are probably the best choices for reducing any risk of adverse reaction. To Make Put the water in the pot and bring to the boil. Meanwhile grate the soap and once the water has boiled, add the soap and turn the heat down. Stir until all the soap has dissolved. Take off the heat and add the soda crystals stirring until they have dissolved as well. Leave to cool until you can safely handle it, then decant into your tub(s) and add essential oils. To use Use about half a teacup for each load. CAUTION To avoid problems with the gloop and machine blockages:- It is HIGHLY recommended that you put the gloop directly into the drum not the drawer. If the gloop sets hard, chop it into small pieces so that it melts easier. Adding a ½ a cup distilled white vinegar to the final rinse will also help prevent any problems. iv) Laundry Powder - a quick, easy alternative to making the gloop Mix together: 1 Cup Grated White Soap 1/2 Cup Washing Soda 1/2 Cup Borax For a light load, use 1 tablespoon. For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons. v) Fabric Softener Mix together: 2 Cups White Vinegar 2 Cups bicarbonate of soda 6
4 Cups Water The bicarbonate of soda and vinegar will fizz so combine them slowly and carefully over the sink. Pour into a storage bottle, cover, and shake. Use 1/4 cup in the final rinse.
vi) Another laundry powder, shared by a visitor to the site: sieve and mix together: a cup borax a cup bicarbonate of soda 1 cup grated castille soap Add a few drops essential oil of your choice. Store in an airtight container and use 1/2 cup per load
To freshen drains: If you a nasty odour coming from your sink in the kitchen it will undoubtedly be your drain needing a freshen up. Instead of filling the sewers with expensive commercial products simply pour a cup of vinegar down the plughole. Let stand for 30 minutes and then flush with cold water. It will deodorize it a treat. If you repeat this process every week the odour should not return.
To prevent blocked drains Washing soda is an excellent choice for helping drains stay clear because while it is alkaline-a pH of 11-it isn't as caustic and damaging as the commonly used lye-based commercial product. i)Ideally, use washing soda on your drains once a week to keep them clear. Just pour 1/4 cup or so down the drain, and then flush with water. Washing soda is found in the laundry section of the supermarket. ii) You can use baking soda instead by pouring 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by three cups of boiling water. The boiling water will change the chemical composition of baking soda to become more alkaline like washing soda.
Blocked drains i) Pour 1 cup bicarbonate of soda down the sink, followed by ½ cup white distilled vinegar. Cover tightly for one minute –the chemical reaction between these two substances will 7
create pressure in the drain and dislodge the obstruction. Rinse with plenty of boiling water. ii) Pour ½ cup salt and ½ cup baking soda followed by lots of hot water. Plunge the sink iii) pouring 1 cup of washing soda (or baking soda) down the drain followed by three cups of boiling water. Repeat two or three times. If you still have a clog, try pouring down 1 cup of vinegar. Being an acid, the vinegar will neutralize the washing soda or baking soda and there will be some foaming and gurgling, but sometimes this agitation is all that is needed in the end to dislodge the grime. In the Bathroom :
Bath / Shower / Sink / Tile cleaner i) Good old bicarbonate of soda again! Use it neat or mix into a paste with water and scrub with a scouring sponge. Works on the taps and tiles as well. ii) Mix ½ cup bicarbonate of soda, 2 drops lemon essential oil, 2 drops orange essential oil and enough Castile to make a frosting consistency. iii) use borax sprinkled onto a cloth as a scouring powder and rinse with hot water iv) Mix 1 cup bicarbonate of soda with ½ cup white vinegar in a small bowl.Rub on surfaces with a damp sponge, allow to work for a few minutes and rinse well. v) mix 2 tsp borax, 2 tbsp white vinegar1/4 tsp liquid castille and 3-4 cups hot water in a spray bottle. vi) combine 1 2/3 cups bicarbonate of soda with ½ cup liquid castile in a bowl and dilute with ½ cup water and 2 tbsp white vinegar in a bowl. Stir with a fork until the lumps are gone. Place in a container with a squirt flip-top cap and shake well before each use. Rinse well after use either with hot water or a squirt of vinegar and water.
Window / mirror cleaner
i) Place ¼ cup white distilled vinegar, 2 cups water and ½ teaspoon liquid Castile in a spray bottle, and use with newspaper or a clean cloth to clean windows. Alternative quantities for the mix are 3 tbsp vinegar, 2 cups water and ½ cup liquid castile – experiment to see which formula suits you. ii) For really dirty glass, use neat white distilled vinegar. iii) For wiping over the bathroom mirror, use bicarbonate of soda mixed into a paste with water. Rinse well.
Grout Cleaner i) mix 3 cups bicarbonate of soda with 1 cup water into a paste. Scrub into the grout with a toothbrush and rinse with clean water. 8
Mould and mildew i) mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply to the mould and wipe clean. ii) combine 25 drops tea tree essential oil, 2 cups water and 3 tbsp liquid castille in a spray bottle.
Toilet cleaner i) Sprinkle a cup of bicarbonate of soda into the tank once a month, and allow it to stand overnight before flushing, to deodorise the tank and bowl. ii) Sprinkle ¼ cup of borax into the bowl, then swish with your toilet brush. Let it stand overnight then flush. iii) Sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, then add white vinegar and scour with a toilet brush. iv) Flush to wet the sides of the bowl, then pour in 1 cup borax and ½ cup white vinegar and leave overnight. In the morning, scrub with the toilet brush. v) For stains in the toilet bowl. Try a paste of lemon juice and borax.
Lime scale i) Use neat vinegar in the toilet bowl, in the kettle, on bathroom tiles, around the taps to eliminate lime scale. In areas like the toilet or kettle, leave the vinegar to work overnight. On tiles or taps, spray on vinegar and scrub with a soft scourer. In the living room
Furniture polish Wood i) Combine 1/4 cup white vinegar with a few drops of jojoba or olive oil and 2 drops lemon essential oil. ii) Mix 3 parts olive or jojoba oil with 1 part lemon juice or white vinegar and one drop lemon essential oil.
Leather: i) mix ¼ cup olive oil with a few drops of lemon essential oil.
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Vinyl: i) combine ¼ cup white vinegar, ¼ tsp liquid castile and water.
Wooden floor cleaner i) Add 1/8 cup liquid castille, ¼ - ½ cup white vinegar or lemon juice to 2 gallons warm water
NOTE: two excellent ways to kill the house dust mite are to replace one drop lemon with one drop tee tree, or to 'damp dust': make an infusion of strong black tea, and use this to 'dust' surfaces in the home. The tannin in the tea is known to eradicate the house dust mite, plus the action of damp dusting prevents the dust simply rising up and floating to another place. For more information on cleaning pee stains out of a mattress click here: http://houseofstrauss.co.uk/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=453 Alternative Special cleaning jobs This next section includes a variety of cleaning jobs that (hopefully!) are not undertaken on a daily basis! To this section, we introduce further ingredients: Washing soda Cream of tartar Salt Carbonated water Lanolin White wine Coca cola and other household foods and herbs Metal polishing Cleaning silver i) use baking soda and a clean, damp sponge. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Scoop the paste onto the sponge, and rub the paste into the silver. Rinse with hot water and polish dry with a soft, clean cloth. For badly tarnished silver, leave the baking soda paste on the silver for an hour or so, before cleaning off with the help of the sponge and hot water. ii) For cleaning silver put the items in a bowl with a handful of washing soda and some aluminium foil cover the items with enough water to cover them. Make sure that all the 10
silver is touching the foil at one place or another. Take the silver out and rinse in hot water and dry thoroughly. iii) Mix baking soda with lemon juice, and either let silver item stand in mixture for a minute then wipe with a rag dipped in the mixture and you'll see an amazing shine. Or, if the item to be cleaned is larger, no need to soak item, just rub with a cloth or rag that has been dipped in v) Boil silver 3 minutes in a quart of water containing: 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and a piece of aluminum foil. Or, rub silver with a baking soda/water paste and a soft cloth; rinse and polish dry. Or, rub with toothpaste. Use a toothbrush to clean raised surfaces. Be careful not to scratch surfaces. Be gentle and use a light hand.
Cleaning brass
i) Most commonly used kitchen cupboard or refrigerator ingredients that contain a natural acid, such as vinegar, Tobasco Sauce, ketchup, tomatoes, milk, and lemon or lime juice, will remove tarnish. The tarnish washes away with an acid rub or soak. You might have to remove the lacquer cover if the brass is new. Do this by submerging the brass in boiling water with a few teaspoons each baking soda and washing soda. Once the lacquer has peeled off, polish dry. ii) Mix 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 cup white vinegar with enough flour to make a paste. Apply thickly. Let sit for 15 min-1/2 hr. Rinse thoroughly with water to avoid corrosion.
Cleaning Copper i) Polish with a paste of lemon juice and salt.
Cleaning Chrome i) Wipe with vinegar, rinse with water, then dry. (Good for removing hard water deposits.) Or, shine chrome fixtures with baby oil and a soft cloth. (Good for removing soap scum off faucets.) ii) 3 tablespoons baking soda and water - Mix the baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply then rinse.
Cleaning Stainless Steel i) Clean and polish with a baking soda/water paste.
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Cleaning carpets Carpet deodorizer i) Sprinkle baking soda over carpet and let sit overnight. Vacuum. ii) 1 cup borax 2 cups cornmeal - Mix ingredients in a bowl, sprinkle over carpet. Let stand for an hour. Vacuum
Carpet stain removal i) Club soda - Apply to stain and scrub. ii) ¼ cup white vinegar ¼ cup water -Mix and rub. Rinse with water.
Wax on carpets i) To remove wax from carpeting you should first scrape away any excess. Then, using a warm iron and a clean cloth or even a paper bag simply place the iron on top of the cloth or bag over the wax and as you iron it will adhere to the cloth instead of the carpet. Continue moving the cloth around as you pick up the wax so you are always using a clean section of cloth. If a little grease stain remains sprinkle on baking soda and let sit overnight before vacuuming which will remove the grease residue and deodorize at the same time.
Red wine on carpet or cloth i) Dissolve ½ cup borax in a pint of water. Sponge in the solution, wait ½ hour, and repeat. Red wine is a tough stain and your chances of success are better the sooner you treat them. ii) Sprinkle salt liberally over the area to absorb the spill. iii) If you spill wine on your clothing or tablecloth, blot it up immediately with an absorbent cloth, then sponge it with carbonated, soda water or warm water. The bubbles in the soda water lift the stain out. If the fabric is washable then stretch the effected area over a small saucepan or heat resistant bowl and hold it in place with string or an elastic band. Pour hot water through the fabric, and then wash as soon as possible. iv) If red wine is spilled on your carpet sponge it with carbonated, soda water. Blot well (do not rub). v) If stain persists, you can try dabbing the area with some hydrogen peroxide. Some times a paste of cream of tartar spread over the stain will work. vi) sometimes it works to ‘cancel out’ the red wine, by pouring white wine over the stain! 12
Animal faeces / urine on carpets
Pets tend to return to the same place in the house when they make their periodic pee and other mistakes. Pets have an excellent sense of smell; in fact, they can smell the residue from their previous error, and this makes them feel as if that marks the spot for the next error. Simple Solution: Neutralize the odor by alternating baking soda and vinegar. Finish cleaning up a pet mess by sprinkling the area with baking soda, leaving that overnight, and then sweeping or vacuuming it up. Pet urine often has both acidic and alkaline components, so the next step is to neutralize the alkaline baking soda and residual alkaline odor using a strong vinegar wash; I use 2 cups of white distilled water to 1 gallon of water. Wash the area with the vinegar wash, and then rinse. The strong smell of the vinegar will dissipate in a few hours.
Cleaning clothes Blood on clothes i)If the stain is fresh then soak immediately in cold water and the stain will flow out.
ii) Remove a stubborn blood stain by applying hydrogen peroxide, allowing it to bubble, then repeating the application until stain is gone. Launder as usual. Hydrogen peroxide is the main ingredient in commercial blood stain removers
Mould from clothing i) remove mildew from clothing or other fabrics begin by brushing the mildewed area. It's best to do this outside. The item must be dry to do this. Then rub the affected area with half a lemon that has been dipped in salt. Then wash as usual. Dry the item in the sun if possible
Biro on clothes 13
i) You can remove ink stains on coloured fabrics by soaking the item in milk If your stain is on white fabric then have a go at rubbing a mixture of lemon juice and salt into the stain. Then hang to dry in a sunny place. ii) A paste of cream or tartar an lemon juice – let sit for 1 hour and wash as usual
Perspiration Sponge stain with a weak solution of white vinegar or lemon juice; or soak fabric in water with two dissolved tablets of aspirin.
Oil / grease on clothes i) Sprinkle some cornstarch or baking soda on the stain, then place the garment, stain side down, on a large rag on top of an ironing board. Iron with a hot iron on the wrong side of the stain --most oil and grease stains will come right out. (This trick works only for oil and grease, which need heat to dissolve.) ii) Apply a paste of cornstarch and water. Brush off when dry or scrub spot with toothbrush.. iii) Pour Coca-Cola onto the grease spot and rub it in. Then pour some more on the spot and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Launder your clothes with detergent as usual. Pour the rest of the coke it in the washing machine at the start of the wash cycle Cleaning hard surfaces Hearth Washing away fireplace smoke and soot, or cleaning the smoke off the glass in wood stove doors, is easy and safe using washing soda INGREDIENTS 1 bucket warm water 1/2 cup washing soda Wash surface, wearing gloves; then rinse. For really tough jobs, make a thick washing soda paste by mixing it with water, and then spread the paste on the soot. Keep the paste damp by spraying every hour or so with a spray bottle. Leave the paste on overnight, and then rinse. Make certain to only use this formula on inert surfaces such as glass and stone, as this amount of washing soda can peel off paint, wax, etc.
Floor wax for wooden floors
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i) 1 part lemon juice 2 parts food grade linseed oil - Apply with a rag. Let rest until floor is dry. Buff completely smooth. Cleaning the air Air fresheners i) Place a few saucers of vinegar in strategic places around the room. ii) charcoal will absorb stale smoke odours. As with the vinegar place the charcoal in saucers around the room. iii) If your furnishings are suffering from smoke odor then sprinkle baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) over armchair/sofa/mattress/carpet. Leave for a few hours and then vacuum off. The baking soda will absorb the smell. The baking soda should not mark your furniture but you can always test in an inconspicuous area. iv) Put boxes of baking soda in enclosed spaces like wardrobes and refrigerators. V) Houseplants (English Ivy and spider plants, among others) can help to remove chemicals from the air. vi) place cut Onions around the room to absorb smells Paint stripping
Paint stripping
i) Make a very thick paste of washing soda and water (wear gloves because although washing soda doesn't give off fumes, it is slightly caustic), and spread with a putty knife on the surface to be stripped. Let it set for several hours, if not overnight, keeping it as moist as possible by misting frequently with water sprayed from a spray bottle. Rinse and peel off the paint. Once you have removed all the paint, rinse with a vinegar and water wash to neutralize the washing soda (this might cause some bubbling)
Caution Spot test this formula first to make sure the paste doesn't damage any wood Removing sticky labels
From plastic
1. Apply a thick coat of cooking oil to the label in question. 2. Allow it to soak in, undisturbed, for 24 hours. 3. Try to peel the label off. If it comes readily, proceed to the next step. If it doesn't, repeat steps 1 and 2. (Many labels require two applications; some take several.) 15
4. After the label has been peeled off, some sticky, partly dissolved glue will remain. To remove it, coat the area with oil a final time and allow it to sit overnight. 5. Wipe off the oil and dissolved glue, then wash the container in hot, soapy water.
Waterproofing boots Leather boots
lanolin is a safe alternative leather waterproofer. Lanolin is the oil in sheep's wool, and it is a natural water repellent that can be removed with no harm to the sheep. Available in pharmacies as "Anhydrous Lanolin," and in a handy tube, lanolin is a rich, lubricating cream that can easily be rubbed into leather.
Oil on a driveway
Oil on driveway
i)Soak up excess with sand or saw dust ii)For the remaining stains, pour cola on them and leave overnight, rinse off with soapy water the following morning. iii) Use Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of soda) to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle Baking Soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush
Outdoor furniture
Plastic Lawn Furniture Cleaner
1/2 cup washing soda 1 gallon hot water Dissolve the washing soda in a bucket of hot water. Wearing gloves and using a sponge, slather the water onto the furniture, and let it set for ten minutes or so before rinsing. For stubborn stains, redo leaving the water on the plastic for an extra ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
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Mildew and Mold Cushion Cleaner
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is a broad spectrum fungicide. It is available in health food stores. 2 teaspoons tea tree oil 2 cups water Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spot test on cushions to make sure there is no discoloration. Spray on the cushions. Don't rinse. In a few days both the strong smell of the tea tree oil and the mould will dissipate. Assuming you can rinse your cushions, after you have killed the mould and mildew, spot clean cushions using the Plastic Lawn Furniture Cleaner, above. Rinse. Note: Spot test the washing soda mixture on wood furniture first. It is a powerful cleanser, and you don't want to peel off any existing wood finish.
Barbecue Grill Soak
1-2 cups washing soda Enough hot water to cover the grills In a pan big enough to hold the grill (or the kitchen sink might work), soak the grills overnight in the washing soda and water. In the morning the grime on the grill will come off easily. Wash with soap and water, and rinse. Rust remover Rust on ferrous metals: sprinkle a little bit of salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is nicely soaked in lime juice. Leave the mixture on for two or three hours. Use the leftover rind as a handy scrubber to remove the rust.
Paint brush restorer Paint Brushes
To restore brushes stiffened and hardened by paint, simply boil them in a solution of 1/2 gallon of water mixed with 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda. 17
Insect repellents
Fly repellents
One way of deterring at least some flies is to hang up bunches of insect-repelling herbs in the house, or to put vases filled with aromatic and pungent-scented fresh herbs on the windowsills. In summer, collect eau-de-cologne mint, pennyroyal, rosemary, rue, southernwood, thyme, or tansy to hang up or stand in a jug or vase. Many of these were strewn on the floors of houses in the Middle Ages to help repel flies. Tansy, one of the old strewing herbs, has a good reputation as an insect repellent. Its clean pungency when crushed underfoot helped keep flies away. An old method of keeping flies off meat was to rub it with tansy leaves and then lay fresh sprays of the plant over the meat.
Ant and mite / weevil repellents
i) For ants in the house, a strong decoction of walnut leaves (6 handfuls of leaves boiled in 1 pt/Vi 1 water for 20-30 minutes) can be painted round floors or on work surfaces. ii) Place sprigs of pennyroyal, rue or tansy on shelves or in cupboards to deter ants. Disturb the leaves occasionally to release more scent. This doesn't kill ants but encourages them to go away. iii) and floors. Equal parts white vinegar and water - Mix and apply to countertops, cabinets
iv) For mites and weevils, keep 2 or 3 nutmegs, a few peeled elder shoots or a couple of bay leaves in bags of flour and rice to prevent mites.
Moth repellents
i) To deter moths, lay whole sprays of dried herbs among blankets or woollens. Put southernwood (its French name oigarderobe confirms its usefulness), santolina, rosemary, and lavender among clothes between sheets of tissue paper. The rarer bog myrtle, or sweet gale (Myrica gale), has the old country name of flea-wood and was used to scent linen and to drive out fleas. ii) Moth-repellent sachets Sachets or bags filled with a mixture of pungent herbs and spices, and placed in cupboards and drawers, are a good protection against moths. Recipe: 18
3 tablespoons southernwood 2 tablespoons mugwort I tablespoon rosemary leaves 1 tablespoon chamomile flowers 1 tablespoon thyme 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves '/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon orris root powder Oil of cloves, or lavender, or lemon oil. Crumble the dried herbs into a bowl. Add the spices, the salt and orris root. Store in a screw-topped jar, away from the light, for 2 weeks. Have the bags ready for filling, and shake enough oil on to the herbs to scent them quite strongly. Fill the bags and stitch or tie the opening. iii) Store clean clothing in airtight containers or sealed bags with cedar blocks, shavings (available as cage bedding in pet stores) or oil. Place cedar in drawers and closets as well. Inspect any used clothing or furniture carefully for moths or larvae before bringing them into the house, or clean them first. Vigorously shaking clothes will remove larvae and eggs (remember to vacuum well afterwards). And the heat of the dryer will also kill larvae and eggs.
Fleas, lice and ticks 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 quart water (per 40 pound of pet weight) Mix and add to pet's drinking water to keep your pet free of fleas and ticks For information on how to clean pee stains out of a mattress click here: http://houseofstrauss.co.uk/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=453
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Natural cleaning recipes Some natural cleaning recipes call for making them as you go, using baking soda and vinegar, for example, causes a foaming to take place-as any kid in chemistry class will tell you-and needs to be made right on top of the grease you are trying to clean up. Some, however, can be made and stored, just like the chemical or commercial brands. First, some essentials need time you go shopping: Clean plastic spray bottles Liquid Castile soap White vinegar (Apple cider vinegar can stain and some people have allergies to it) Pure lemon juice Baking soda Salt Grapefruit seed extract Essential oils and/or herbs for fragrance-optional These are the basics. As long as you keep these products on hand, you will always be able to concoct natural cleaning recipes for use around animals and pregnant women, or simply cut down on the use of chemicals and commercial products. The following are recipes for natural cleaning products.
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All Purpose Cleaner This will last for a couple of months if you keep it in the refrigerator (using lemon), makes 32 ounces. 1 cup Vinegar or Lemon Juice, 1 teaspoon of liquid castile soap 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract. Fill with cold water to the top of the container. If you use about 20 drops of essential oil you can delete the vinegar smell and won't have to store it in the refrigerator. If you use Lemon, mark the sprayer clearly!
Use as a shower spray to cut down on the soap scum. Just spray and leave on for 20 minutes, then wipe with a towel or spray and leave to dry. For your kitchen counters, appliances, floors, windows, and mirrors, use as you would any spray and wipe cleaner. For your floors, use about 1/2 cup in a bucket of water and use in your Dishwasher as a dish rinse. You can even use it in your laundry.
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Soft Scrub 1 cup of baking soda 1 cup of Castile soap Mix together and use as a soft scrub for all your bathroom (tub, tile, and toilet) cleaning needs.
Liquid Natural Detergent This makes one gallon and can be used anywhere that the all purpose spray can be used. It is especially helpful in cutting today's laundry detergent prices. 1 cup of Castile Soap 1 /3 cup of Salt 1 cup of baking soda 1 cup of Vinegar 40 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract. To half a gallon of water, add the salt and baking soda which has been melted down over low heat and just enough 20
water to help it dissolve. Add Castile soap and the vinegar. Fill your gallon jug up the rest of the way, and then add Essential oils and Grapefruit extract. For tub and tile cleaner, put your solution in a spray bottle and use on your bathroom or kitchen. For floors, add 1/2 to one cup (more) of castile soap to your bucket of water and clean almost any floor. If you have concerns, spot mop a small section to test. You can also use this natural cleaning recipe in stead of commercial dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, induction burner stoves, and on all countertops. -----------------
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