One of the biggest ironies of modern living is that we employ an arsenal of chemicals in an effort to make our homes safe and clean. I've always been a warrior of sanitized environments. A neat freak. A germaphobe, if you will. But over the years I grew wary of the standard toxic remedies (Bleach, Softscrub, Windex, etc.) and their caustic vapors and bad press. I searched for alternatives and found many expensive ones in the isles of Whole Foods. Once Max came along I decided to simplify (and cheapify) my cleaning routine even more and found several effective and 100% safe solutions.
SO HERE'S WHAT I USE:
BAKING SODA is a non-toxic scouring agent and an excellent deodorizer. If I feel the need for an extra abrasive when cleaning the shower, I sprinkle baking soda on top of the soap (see below) before scrubbing. I also keep an open box in the fridge and freezer to prevent fragrant foods like onions from soaking into other foods. You can also add it to laundry and sprinkle it in the bottom of the trash can to absorb odors. It's even an instant detarnishing agent. Just add one tablespoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of salt and a sheet of foil to a sink of hot water, soak jewelry until shiny (usually 1 minute or less).
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE sounds like a chemical but it's actually quite harmless and has diverse applications ranging from mouthwash to laundry. I make non-chlorine bleach using equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and use it to brighten whites and disinfect kitchen sponges and cutting boards. When combined with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide can also be used to kill bacteria and neutralize chemicals on produce. And, swish it in your mouth for 2 minutes a day for a simple teeth-whitening mouthwash. All of this for less than the cost of a pack of gum!
NATURAL DISH SOAP is not just for dishes. I use Trader Joe's lavender dish soap as an all purpose cleaner. It smells great and is not overly sudsy, so it cleans well without requiring tons of water to rinse away. I sprinkle a few drops in the bathroom sink, shower and toilet. Then I use scrub brushes and pads with a little water (and sometimes vinegar to kill germs) and within minutes I have shiny porcelain and fixtures. I also mix a small amount of dish soap into mop water for clean and fragrant floors.
DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR works as a disinfectant and as glass cleaner when mixed with equal parts water. Vinegar also makes an excellent fungicide both on the body and in the home. Distilled white vinegar is the best for cleaning, while apple cider vinegar can be taken internally to discourage candida and yeast overgrowth. I use vinegar to discourage mildew growth in the shower. Simply spray it on and allow it to soak in for 15 minutes before wiping clean.
