Joined: 13 Dec 2007
Posts: 87
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Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 12:08 pm Post subject: Eco cleaning
Essential Ingredients
White vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, lemons, and olive oil, are all you need to keep your wood floors sleek, stainless steel germ-free and shiny, and bathroom tiles squeaky clean. The added bonus is there’s not a harmful chemical in sight. Scientists have found house dust contains a heady mix of toxins from a variety of sources. Traffic pollution blown through open windows, shoes treading in soil, lead and pesticides, and insect sprays with other synthetic products all build up the chemicals in our home. Even TV’s and computers contribute when they heat up. So with the following tips you can detox your home and get it super clean too.
White vinegar A natural disinfectant, stain remover and reduces mineral and lime deposits. It’s a diluted ascetic acid and a substitute for ammonia-based cleaners. You can use white wine vinegar, but white distilled vinegar is cheaper. Don’t use malt vinegar - your home will end up smelling like a chippie.
Bicarbonate of Soda (aka baking soda/sodium bicarbonate) A miracle cleaner. When mixed with water it forms a slightly alkaline liquid, which cuts through grease and dirt on almost any surface. Used neat it’s slightly abrasive and can be used to scrub problem stains. Often vinegar and soda are mixed together for maximum cleaning strength. Baking powder works just as well - it’s a mix of bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar.
Lemons The citric acid in lemon juice makes it perfect for bleaching, disinfecting, deodorising and cutting grease.
Olive Oil Great alternative furniture polish. The most basic will do.
Damp dusting is great for general cleaning and ensures dust is not scattered around. For best results, soak your duster in two parts water, two parts vinegar and two drops of lemon oil. Then wring out and store in a covered glass jar until you need it.
Cleaning Areas
Wood
Mix one part olive oil with one part lemon juice. Rub on furniture or apply with a spray bottle, then polish with a dry cloth. Use this mix to make wood floors gleam.
Floors
Mop vinyl, laminate or ceramic tiled floors with 8tbsp of vinegar diluted in 3 litres of hot water.
For pet odours and stains in carpets
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Apply to affected areas. Blot with kitchen roll until moisture is absorbed. You may need to repeat the process.
Stainless Steel
Clean and shine any stainless steel surface with a paste of soda and water. Apply liberally with a damp cloth. Leave for about 5 minutes, then wipe.
Microwaves and Ovens
Clean with a cloth dampened in equal parts of vinegar and water. Remove microwave odours, place some lemon slices in a bowl of water. Put on high for a few minutes.
Baths, shower doors, tiles and grout
Tackle body oils and soap scum with two parts soda to one part vinegar or lemon juice. The thick paste should be applied with a damp cloth. Leave for 10 minutes then rub with a brush or sponge. As you rinse it off, drains will be kept fresh too. Use this mix on shower doors, sinks, tiles and grout. If cleaning grout, rub with a toothbrush.
Mildew and mould
Banish black spots with one part vinegar or lemon juice to one part baking powder. Apply and leave for one or two hours. Rinse off. It may need to be reapplied or left longer, depending on how severe your mold or mildew is.
Toilet
Keep loos clean and fresh - put 8tbsp of soda in the bowl. Leave overnight. Sprinkle soda onto a damp cloth to clean toilet seat and cistern, then wipe with a wet cloth.
Drain cleaner
Put down one part soda, followed by four parts hot vinegar. Leave overnight if possible
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