Non Toxic Homemade Cleaning Products

We want to give our children the best environment to thrive. That means no added chemicals in the home. Although non-toxic, 'safe' household cleaners are becoming more and more readily available and easy to find, there are several good old homemade substitutions you can easily make yourself. These natural alternatives are not only healthier but also more environmentally friendly and less inexpensive than commercial cleaners. Many homemade cleaners use Borax, but boron displaces iodine, so it's not included in this list.

All Purpose Cleaners

Formula No 1
1/2 Cup of Vinegar
1/4 Cup of Baking Soda
1/2 Gallon of Water

Formula No 2
2 1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon of Liquid Soap or Detergent

2 Cups of Hot Water

Formula No 3
Fill Spray Bottle half way with White Vinegar
Fill the rest with Water
Optional - Add 10-20 Drops of Essential Oils

Formula No 4
Add 30-60 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract to any 32 oz. pump sprayer bottle filled with water or cleanser. Use on all surfaces around the house.

Tip:
Microfiber Cloths lift dirt, dust and grease without the need of cleaners. They are naturally formulated to penetrate and trap dirt.

Disinfectants

Formula No 1
2 Cups of Water
1/4 Cup of Lemon Juice
2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda

Formula No 2
2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda
4 Tablespoons of Vinegar
3 Cups of Hot Water

Formula No 3
1/4 Cup Vinegar
1 Teaspoon of Scent Free Plain Liquid Dish Detergent
20 Drops of Tea Tree Oil

Formula No 4
2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda
4 Teaspoons of Vinegar
3 Cups of Hot Water
1/4 Teaspoon of Castile Soap

Window Cleaner

Formula No 1
2 Teaspoons of White Vinegar
1 Quart of Warm Water

Formula No 2
1 Cup of Rubbing Alcohol
1 Cup of Water
1 Teaspoon of Vinegar

Tips:
Wash one side of the window with horizontal strokes and the other with vertical so you can pinpoint which side may have streaks.

Don't clean windows when the sun is shining directly on them or if they are warm - the heat dries the cleaning solution prior to having time to polish the windows correctly.

Eliminate tiny scratches in glass by polishing them with toothpaste

To give an extra shine to windows polish with newspapers or a clean cotton cloth. Rub a blackboard eraser over cleaned windows for a diamond bright shine.

Kitchen Cleaners

Garbage Disposal
Grind the skins of lemons, oranges and limes in the disposal along with ice cubes.

The ice will sharpen the blades

Dishwasher Soap
1 Cup of Baking Soda
1 Cup of Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Citric Acid Powder
1/2 Cup Kosher Salt

Dishwasher Rinsing Agent
Fill with Plain White Vinegar

Scouring Powder
Baking Soda or Table Salt can be used as an alternative to chlorine scouring powders. Sprinkle on sponge or surface and scour.

Dish and Utensil Cleaning Additive for Hand or Automatic Dishwashing
Add 15-30 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract to sink dishwashing water or to final rinse.

Cutting Board Cleaner
Add 10-20 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract to cutting board and work into entire board with a wet sponge or dish cloth. Leave on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with water.

Vegetable/Fruit or Meat/Poultry Wash:

Sink Washing
Add 30 or more drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract


Bathroom Cleaners

Bath Mold or Mildew
Mix One Part Hydrogen Peroxide with Two Parts Water Spray on - Wait one hour before rinsing

Tub and Tile Cleaner
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Mix 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda and 1 Cup of Vinegar
Pour into basin and let sit - scrub with a brush and rinse

Showerheads
Please 1/2 cup of undiluted vinegar into a food storage bag and secure to
the showerhead with a rubber band - let sit over night, rinse.

Toothbrush Cleaner
Stir 5-10 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract into a glass of water. Submerge toothbrush for 15 minutes (or leave in between uses). Rinse toothbrush before using. Change water and remix every few days.

Floor Cleaners

Vinyl and Linoleum
1 Cup of Vinegar
Few Drops of Baby/Mineral Oil
1 Gallon of Warm Water

Brick and Stone Tiles
1 Cup of White Vinegar
1 Gallon of Water
Rinse with clear water

Carpet Stain Cleaner
Mix 1/4 Cup of Salt, 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda, 1/4 Cup of Vinegar
Rub into carpet - leave for a few hours - vacuum

Carpet Deodorizer
Sprinkle Baking Soda on carpets and let sit one hour prior to vacuuming

Metal Cleaners/ Polishes

Silver
Line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Immerse silver and polish with a soft cloth.

Stainless Steel
Clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar

Chrome
Polish with baby oil or vinegar
Club soda or seltzer water

Aluminum
(You don't want to cook with , especially with someone with DS in the home. See the Aluminum post.)
Clean with a solution of Cream of Tarter and Water using a soft cloth

Copper
Apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots

Gold
Clean with Toothpaste or a paste mix of salt, vinegar and flour

Brass or Bronze
Polish with a soft cloth dipped in equal parts of lemon juice and baking
soda or Apply a dab of ketchup on a soft cloth and rub over tarnished spots

Laundry

Powder Laundry Detergent
1 Cup of Ivory Soap or Fels-Naptha Soap, Grated
1/2 Cup of Washing Soda
1/2 Cup of Baking Soda
Liquid Laundry Detergent

Kill Yeast in Laundry
add 20 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract

Stain Remover
1 Cup of Water
1/2 Cup of Baking Soda
1/2 Cup of Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix and store in spray bottle. Spray on stain and let sit overnight.

Grass Stain Remover
Wet the Stain with water and cover with salt. Let sit one hour and wash as usual.

Mothballs
Cedar Chips in a cheesecloth square or Cedar oil in an absorbent cloth.

Homemade Moth repelling sachets can be made from Lavender, Rosemary, Vetiver and Rose Petals.

Dried Lemon Peels are also a moth deterrent.

Miscellaneous

Furniture Polish
Mix 2 Teaspoons of Olive Oil and 2 Teaspoons of Lemon Juice -Apply with a
soft cloth

Varnished Wood Polish
Add a few drops of Lemon Oil to 1/2 Cup of Warm Water. Spray onto soft cloth
- wipe and finish by wiping with a soft dry cotton cloth.

Water Rings on Wood
Apply toothpaste or mayonnaise with a soft damp cloth and rub into ring.

Rust Remover
Sprinkle rust spot with salt and squeeze a lime on top until salt is well soaked. Leave mixture sit for 2-3 hours then scrub residue with the lime rind.

Oil and Grease Spots in Garage
For small spots on garage floor, sprinkle with baking soda and scrub with a wet brush.

Source: http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2011/02/homemade-cleaning-products-non-toxic
.html

Related Posts:

Non Toxic Homemade Cleaning Products
Immunizations
Nontoxic Toys
Nontoxic Bedding
How to Bottle Feed & Nontoxic Bottles
Nontoxic Diapering Supplies
Organic Baby Clothing
Nontoxic Bath Toys
Nontoxic Feeding Sets
Nontoxic Teethers
Toxin Free Babies
Antibiotics: Alternatives & What to Avoid

Time for turkey: A Thanksgiving checklist

We're two weeks away from Thanksgiving Day and it's time to start some serious party preparations. We've created a day-by-day checklist that boils down your to-do list to 15 minutes per day.

Two weeks in advance

• Finalize the menu and make a shopping list.
  (Thursday, November 11 — 15 minutes)
  
  As you pin down your final menu, make a master shopping list. You can sort the list into two categories — non-perishable items you can pick up between now and Thanksgiving and perishable items you should pick up a day or two in advance.
  
  
• Make sure you have enough seating, serving bowls, utensils, etc.
  (Friday, November 12 — 15 minutes)
  
  While you're waiting for dinner to cook, scrounge around your cupboards. Do you have enough serving dishes to plate your Thanksgiving dinner? Are there ladles, tongs, and serving forks to match up with the foods you're serving?
  
  Make a list of any items you still need (including an extra card table or folding chairs!). You'll use the list tomorrow.
  
  
• Confirm your guest list.
  (Saturday, November 13 — 5 minutes)
  
  Send a quick e-mail this morning to confirm your guest list. You'll want to include four things in your e-mail: 1) remind folks when they should arrive on Thanksgiving day. 2) Include a list of "assignments" if people have volunteered to bring part of the meal with them. 3) Using the list you created yesterday (of items you need to borrow in order to serve dinner), ask your guests if anyone has the platters, chairs, or utensils you need. 4) Instruct your guests to RSVP and confirm whether they are still bringing the dish they were assigned. Also, ask guests to let you know if they can bring the serving items you still need.
  
  
• Confirm any outside orders.
  (Saturday, November 13 — 10 minutes)
  
  If you're ordering pastries, floral arrangements, or other goodies for your Thanksgiving dinner, spend 10 minutes calling the various vendors to make sure that you're order was received and will be ready to go in time for the holiday.
  
  
• Gather decorations.
  (Sunday, November 14 through Wednesday, November 17 — Less than 15 minutes/day)
  
  Spend 15 minutes on Sunday gathering your tablecloths, holiday decor, and centerpieces. For each of the next few days spend a few minutes tossing linens in the wash, dusting off decorations, and prepping centerpieces.
  

One week in advance

• Arrange seating.
  (Thursday, November 18 — 15 minutes)
  
  If dinner at your place is a less-than-formal affair, you can skip this step (and tomorrow's step, too)! If you want to have a pre-planned a seating arrangement, however, spend 15 minutes today to figure that out.
  
  
• Create place cards.
  (Friday, November 19 — 15 minutes)
  
  If you're planning on a seating arrangement, spend 15 minutes today creating your place cards. For instant inspiration, check out 5 easy DIY place card ideas.
  
  
• Freeze food.
  (Saturday and Sunday, November 20 and 21 — 15 minutes/day)
  
  Breads, pie crusts, many casseroles, and even stuffing can be made in advance and frozen to save prep time on Thanksgiving day. While the baking and cooking of these items undoubtedly takes longer than 15 minutes, prepping them for the freezer does not. Spend a half hour this weekend filling up the freezer.
  
  
• Clean the living room.
  (Monday, November 22 — 15 minutes)
  
  Don't think you can clean the living room that quickly? Follow our instructions for a party-perfect living room in 15 minutes. Then, make sure the rest of your family members pick up after themselves until dinner is served on Thursday.
  
  
• Clean the bathroom.
  (Tuesday, November 23 — 15 minutes)
  
  You know the drill — get another room clean and keep it that way. Handy hints for 15 minutes worth of cleaning can be found here.
  
  
• Empty the refrigerator and restock.
  (Wednesday, November 24 — 10 minutes)
  
  Spend 10 minutes this morning clearing out the fridge to make room for Thanksgiving food. Then, refill the refrigerator with any drinks or condiments that need to be chilled when served tomorrow.
  
  
• Make a mental run-through.
  (Wednesday, November 24 — 5 minutes)
  
  After the fridge is clean, take five minutes to run through the list of things that still need to be done. At this point, your list should be mostly whittled down to cooking and setting the table!

Thanksgiving Day

• Last-minute shopping.
  (Thursday, November 25 — 15 minutes)
  
  With the list you prepared two weeks ago, pop into the grocery store (go as soon as they open, if you want to keep this trip under 15 minutes!) and grab the last of the perishables you need for today's dinner.
  
  
• Give thanks and enjoy!
  

Unless you order in, there's no way to reduce all that Thanksgiving cooking to 15 minutes, but hopefully our Thanksgiving checklist will help you get ready for the big day with little fuss over the details.

Happy Thanksgiving!

15-minutes to a party-perfect living room

Today we tackle the living room. At most parties, guests hunker down in the living room, so to speed-clean it, follow these helpful hints to finish in about 15 minutes.

Clear out clutter. (5 minutes)
Here at the 15-Minute Party Planner, we love the "out of sight, out of mind" method of cleaning. First, grab a large basket (try a laundry basket or a shopping bag). Then, walk around your living room filling the basket with items that need to be relocated to other rooms. You may also want to remove table-top photographs, candles, or other knick-knacks, so that you have more space for food or decorations at your party. Once the basket is full, stash it in an unused closet, the basement, or another out-of-the-way room. You can sort through it after the party.

Wipe down surfaces. (5 minutes)
You could get yourself into a dusting, mopping frenzy, or you could simply run a microfiber cloth over the tables, shelves, and other furniture in your living room. Microfiber cloths are designed for dry dusting, so you don't need to waste time searching for sprays and cleansers. Most microfiber cloths will also attract pet hair, saving you valuable vacuuming time.

Vacuum. (3 minutes)
The average living room shouldn't take more than three minutes to speed-vacuum. Now is not the time to worry about moving the furniture so that you can clean under the couch. Simply run the vacuum over the floor to pick up any obvious dust, dirt, crumbs, or pet hair.

Freshen up. (2 minutes)
Febreze Fabric Refresher is on the 15-Minute Party Planner's list of favorite products. A quick spritz over upholstered furniture, curtains, and carpets eliminates odors and freshens a room's scent. Our favorite Febreze Fabric Refresher? The Allergen Reducer, for its ability to freshen a scent while reducing your home's allergens.

Check out more of The 15-Minute Party Planner's ideas for quick-cleaning with articles like Speed-clean your kitchen in 15 minutes and Get your bathroom party-ready in 15 minutes.

Speed-clean your kitchen in 15 minutes

When you're expecting company, you can speed-clean your kitchen in mere minutes. Just follow these tips and you'll be party-ready in no time.

Clear out clutter. (4 minutes)
Clear off counter tops by stowing away any appliances you won't need at the party. By tucking away the food processor and the toaster, you'll have more room for food prep and easy-access to dishes. Fill a basket with any other miscellaneous items (stray cookbooks, mail, half-eaten boxes of cereal) that would get in the way of your party. Tuck the basket away and sort after the guests have gone home.

Wipe down surfaces. (4 minutes)
The 15-Minute Party Planner unabashedly loves Clorox cleaning products because of their ease and efficiency. Grab some Clorox Disinfecting Wipes and give a quick cleaning to all surfaces -- counter tops, stove tops, cabinet doors and handles, faucets, tables, and the handles and doors of your appliances.

Empty trash and recycling bins. (2 minutes)
By emptying your trash and recycling bins pre-party, you'll not only have a fresher-smelling kitchen, but you'll have more room for guests to toss their empties during the party. Want to keep your bins smelling fresh? Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of each bin to soak up odors.

Clean floors. (4 minutes)
No one likes to mop, but an all-in-one product like the Swiffer SweeperVac or Clorox ReadyMop makes the chore a little easier and quicker. Go over your floors quickly, then pop off the cloth and throw it away. There are no messy buckets of water to dump out and no dust pans to empty.

Light a food-scented candle. (1 minute)
Nothing makes a party more inviting then the smell of food wafting from the kitchen. If you don't have anything cooking when guests arrive, consider lighting a candle to add to the kitchen's appeal. Consider lighting a pumpkin candle for a Halloween party or a Christmas Cookie candle for your next holiday gathering.

Get your bathroom party-ready in 15 minutes

Whether you're simply busy with other aspects of party planning, or you find yourself suddenly expecting guests, getting your bathroom clean enough for company should take a mere 15 minutes. Here's how to do it:

Gather supplies. (2 minutes)
Grab disinfecting wipes (the 15-Minute Party Planner likes Clorox-brand wipes), a toilet brush, clean linens, a candle, and a basket of some sort and bring them to the bathroom.

Remove unnecessary items. (2 minutes)
This includes dirty towels and bathmats, extra magazines, and any medications or supplies you don't want to hanging around during the party. Put the extra supplies in the basket and throw the laundry in a hamper.

Clean the toilet. (2 minutes)
If you use a toilet brush with a disposable head (again, the 15-Minute Party Planner prefers Clorox Toilet Wands), clean up is quick. Plus, the head includes a disinfectant and it can be thrown away after use, doing away with the need to keep a drippy toilet brush stored in your bathroom.

Wipe down surfaces. (4 minutes)
Disinfecting wipes are quick and easy for cleaning. Simply wipe down all the surfaces in your bathroom: the mirror, counter tops, sink, door handles, toilet (top, handles, exterior), tub, and shower curtain (if it's not made out of fabric). You're not deep cleaning here, you're simply killing germs and making the bathroom look presentable.

Air out the bathroom. (1 minute)
Crack open a window and light a candle. You don't have to leave the window open long, nor the candle burning all night, but both will help to freshen your bathroom.

Replace linens and supplies. (2 minutes)
Hang new towels and replace the bathmat if necessary. Make sure soap dispensers are full. Replace any close-to-empty rolls of toilet paper. It's also nice to leave additional toilet paper and tissues where they are easily accessible for party guests.

Stash the clutter. (2 minutes)
If you'll be returning magazines and prescriptions to the bathroom after your guests leave, simply stash the basket of extras in a closet until the party is over. Then, you'll have easy access to everything once everyone leaves. You'll also want to empty the trash, so that the room is fresh when guests arrive.

Voilà! A clean bathroom in hardly any time at all!