Green Cleaning

By: Anne Consroe

As you clean your house this holiday season, keep in mind that it is possible, and possibly even more effective, to clean your house “green.” Many environmentally friendly products exist on the market, but some people do not know a few simple kitchen ingredients work just as well.

I recently had a nasty clogged drain in my bathtub. One half cup of baking soda poured down the drain followed by one half cup of white vinegar, allowed to bubble for a few minutes and followed by two quarts of boiling water, does just the trick. But be careful not to use this remedy after trying commercial drain cleaners, as this may result in toxic fumes.

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, and cleans like an all-purpose cleaner. Diluted 1:1 with water, vinegar can be used on most surfaces. Use it in your toilet for water rings, on bathtub surfaces, sinks, and tile floors. Use in your kitchen and almost everywhere in your house.

Windows can be cleaned by mixing one part white vinegar to three parts water. This solution also helps with fogging glass, and reduces ice build-up on car windows.

Tarnished copper can be cleaned up with a paste made of vinegar and salt. Vinegar can also come to the aid of lime deposits around faucets. Cover the lime with vinegar-soaked paper towels, leave on for about an hour, and scrub. Clogged shower heads can be soaked and boiled in ½ cup vinegar and one quart water for 15 minutes.

Simple household tricks using ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, salt, or lemons (try throwing half a lemon down your garbage disposal to freshen) are usually on hand, are cheaper than conventional cleaning products, and are better for the environment. Happy cleaning!