Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution among the worst environmental dangers? One of the biggest contributors is from common household cleaning products.
Some of the immediate effects of exposure you might experience include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue or exacerbated symptoms if you have asthma or other respiratory problems. Long-term effects from repeated exposure can include heart disease, respiratory illness and even cancer.
On top of all that, household cleaning products available on store shelves can be expensive – especially when you consider how much you’ve spent over the years. Why continue spending your hard earned cash, and potentially harming your health, when there are much cheaper and safer alternatives?
These four household cleaning solutions are easy to make and can potentially save you hundreds of dollars each year – as well as being much healthier than commercial products.
Toilet bowl cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup vinegar
Turn off flow valve to toilet and then flush one to two times until water is drained. Pour in baking soda and then slowly pour in vinegar, making sure that the vinegar covers as much of the bowl surface as possible. If you’d like fragrance, ten drops of your favorite scent of essential oil can be added. Keep in mind that the baking soda will react with the vinegar, but this is normal. Use a toilet brush to scrub the surface and remove any stains. Turn the water back on and flush.
Glass cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups vinegar
- 1 ½ cups water
Mix vinegar and water together in a spray bottle. Five to ten drops of essential oil can be added for fragrance. Spray on glass. Use a squeegee, crumpled up newspaper or lint-free rag to get a streak-free shine. This solution also works well for shining chrome and countertops.
Clothes spot remover
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ cup liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronners)
- 1/4 cup liquid vegetable glycerin
Combine ingredients together, adding five to ten drops lemon essential oil, if desired, for a pleasant scent. If using the oil, store inside a glass container. To use, shake well and then apply liberally to any spots or stains. Lightly rub the mixture into the material with your fingertips. For tough spots, you may need to let it soak overnight before washing. Tip: Liquid castile soap and the liquid vegetable glycerin can be purchased at Amazon.com.
Shower and tub cleaner
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup baking soda
- ¼ cup castile soap
- 1 Tablespoon water
Mix ingredients well in a large bowl. Spread the solution onto the areas you’d like to clean. Rub it in lightly with a rag or sponge and rinse. Store in a closed container. For mildew, spray vinegar directly onto the affected area (don’t dilute). Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water. If rinsing action doesn’t completely rinse it all away, just wipe it down with a sponge.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html
http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/03/diy-laundry-spot-remover.html
http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2013/03/13/green-thrifty-cleaning-products
http://wholenewmom.com/whole-new-budget/revised-homemade-shower-cleaner-homemade-soft-scrub
