Pages

How to Use Natural Cleaning Products

11/15/2013

For those who want to eliminate or reduce the toxicity in their lives, cleaning with natural or plant-based products can contribute to healthy living. Typically you’ll only need household baking products that not only can help you bake a cake, but contain magical cleaning powers as well.



Edit Steps



Method 1: Using Salt for Scrubbing Power



  1. Pour a half cup of salt down clogged drains. The grit from salt has sandblasting properties to reduce and remove built up scum.





    • After pouring salt down the drain run warm water for a few minutes so it works its way through the system.



  2. Remove grease from pans using a teaspoon of salt. Sprinkle liberally over the greasy pan and then follow up with a clean wet sponge or rag.





  3. Sprinkle salt on hot oven food spills. Scrape away any superfluous food and then sprinkle salt on the spill. Allow to simmer for a few minutes before scraping away, followed by a wet washcloth.







Method 2: Using Vinegar to Remove Stains and Deodorize



  1. Whiten grout using vinegar and an old toothbrush. Dip the toothbrush in vinegar and work it over the grout until stains lift. Wipe away dirt and mold and repeat.





  2. Absorb kitchen smells. Last night’s fish still hanging around?





    • Place a bowl of vinegar in the microwave and allow it to come to a boil. Set it on a kitchen counter and it will absorb remaining odor.

    • Or, you can pour vinegar into a pan and simmer on the stove.



  3. Remove stains on a tea kettle or coffee pot.





    • Fill the kettle halfway with vinegar and allow it to come to a boil. Leave overnight, then rinse.

    • For coffee, pour vinegar into coffee maker and run through the system.





Method 3: Cleansing with the Power of Baking Soda



  1. Eliminate tea or coffee mug stains with baking soda. Fill the mug with one part baking soda and two parts water. Allow to soak overnight, then rub clean the next day.





  2. Lift laundry stains by adding a half cup of baking soda to the laundry detergent. Run on normal cycle to remove all over stains and brighten laundry.







Method 4: Turning to Lemons for Freshness



  1. Eliminate hard water stains by rubbing a half of a lemon over stained doors or sinks. Follow with a squeegee for a extra shine.





  2. Remove food smells from hands. Garlic, onions or some meat will leave a lingering odor on the chef’s hands. Rub them with lemon juice and water and they’ll be restored to their natural aroma.





  3. Bolster grease-fighting properties in dish soap. For extra greasy jobs, add a few drops of lemon juice to your regular dish soap to work through greasy pots and pans.







Method 5: Polishing with Olive Oil



  1. Shine shoes with a drop of olive oil on a clean, cotton cloth. Don't overdo it, as only one drop is needed to make both shoes shine.





  2. Remove stickers or price tags with a few drops of olive oil and a little elbow grease. However, be careful if you're removing a sticker or tag on a cardboard item, as it may stain.





  3. Polish and shine metal with a soft cotton cloth and a few drops of olive oil.









Edit Tips



  • Add a few drops of lemon juice to equal parts water and vinegar to make your own window cleaner.

  • Freshen and remove sink stains by pouring salt into the sink and rubbing it with half of a lemon.

  • Mix two parts olive oil with one part lemon to create homemade furniture polish.

  • Combine half cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to polish silver jewelry. Soak for up to three hours and rinse clean.

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of salt with half cup of vinegar to remove carpet stains. After pouring solution on the carpet, allow time to dry and then vacuum.



Edit Related wikiHows




Edit Sources and Citations







Article Tools




Labels: