SimpleLiving Topics

BACK TO BASIC COOKING Strawberry Buns & Spreads GREEN MONEY SAVERS Say Hello to Spring and Goodbye to the Dryer! NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS FAMILY - NATIONAL TV OUT WEEK! ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANERS FOR THE HOME They are cost effective and safe the planet! Debbie’s Bio I have many roles but my favourites are being a mom to my incredible two year old son, an aunt to my wonderful nephews and a wife to an awesome husband who encourages me everyday. I love being at home with my son and to be able to watch and participate in many of his life journeys. I enjoy taking long walks in forested areas and grabbing a free minutes to write in my journal. I am a woman that dives into many new adventures. I love to sing and dance but many walk out the door with my singing performances. As well, I love to participate in activities that energize the mind, body and spirit. My desire to write simple living articles was the lack of information on natural homemade products. I did a great deal of searching and experimenting before I felt confident to write about alternatives to commercial products in the home. This search has been great and continues to feed my mind with wonderful ideas to decrease commercial products in the home and increase products made from nature and the heart.

Green Money Savers

Environmental Cleaners For the Home

My husband, son and I are about to move to our first home. In less than 2 weeks we will be putting our roots down into a new community. Many of our friends are in the same position as us. They are running to the nearest stores and spending hundreds on cleaners for their new home. Not us, we know all the trade secrets to keep the home looking and smelling great with inexpensive and friendly cleaners.

General Cleaners For the Home

Window Cleaner: Fill a clean spray bottle* with club soda. Spray on those windows and wipe clean with a rag*

Floor Cleaner: Combine 2 cups of vinegar with 6 cups of warm water. Clean those floors and let dry. Best to clean the floors with a rag.

Tub and Tile Cleaner: Combine 2 cups of baking soda with enough water to make a smooth thick paste. Apply the paste to the tub or tile and let sit for 20-30 minutes. Rinse off with a soft rag moving in a circular motion. Once the paste is off spray the tub or tile with a 50/50-vinegar/water rinse. The rinse will remove any residue and disinfect the area as well.

Wood Cleaner: Combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour a small amount of the mixture on a clean dust rag and rub the mixture into the wood in a circular motion. You may also place the mixture in a spray bottle* and spray onto the wood surface. Wipe the area with a clean rag in a circular motion. Be sure not to use too much of the wood cleaner or you will be wiping away the excess for hours. Less is more.

Carpet Cleaner: Sprinkle non-scented or scented baking soda* on the carpet and let sit for 15 minutes or longer depending on your carpets’ cleanliness. Vacuum the area as usual. If your carpet is dull, sprinkle table salt on the carpet and let sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum. Your carpet will have a new sparkle with the salt cleaner.

General Household Cleaner: Clean counters and walls with a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water. Scent the mixture with a couple of drops of essential oils. Tea tree oil is a great disinfectant.

Deodorizer: Sprinkle non-scented or scented baking soda* on the bottom of garbage cans to absorb odours and spills. Keeps the container smelling great until the bag is changed.

Dusting Rag: Wet several rags and let dry until almost dry. The rags should be slightly damp. Keep the rags in a closed container for use in the future. These rags are great for picking up dust particles. You may also use fabric softener sheets for a quick duster.

Air Filters: Place scented or unscented fabric softener sheets in your air vents. These work wonderfully for capturing air borne pollutants.

Air Freshener: Keep those windows open to let air circulate through the home. Place a drop or two of essential oils on your light bulbs. The heat of the bulb makes the oil release its scent.

Never reuse old plastic commercial containers. Buy new containers at your hardware center and reuse them.

Scent baking soda by placing 3-5 drops of essential oils in 2 cups of baking soda. Mix well and let air dry before storing for future use.

These cleaners are great to work with because they are environmentally and people friendly. Always use caution with any cleaners and use common sense.