Changing of the seasons

It is the middle of September, so autumn can't be far off. This past Monday gave us a hint of the cool weather that lies ahead. Now is a good time to get some fall housecleaning done before the snow flies. It is no fun to be hold up during bad weather in a house that isn't fresh, clean and cozy.

However, cleaning the house from top to bottom with toxic cleaners isn't the way to go. If you never have tried using natural cleaners, why not give them a try? Most are made with simple ingredients that you probably already have around the house and are gentle and non toxic.

Some common housecleaning ingredients:

• Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) – Mild abrasive, odor neutralizer, cleaner, water softener. Baking soda has a high pH and is therefore able to neutralize odors by changing their pH instead of just masking them.
• Borax (sodium borate) – Found in the laundry detergent section of the grocery store, borax is an alkali that is toxic if swallowed, but has strong cleaning powers: cleans, deodorizes, softens water, and disinfects
• Washing soda – “SAL” soda, sodium carbonate decahydrate, is a mineral. It cuts grease, removes stains, can be used to clean walls, sinks, tubs, and tile. Found in the laundry detergent section, it’s made by Arm & Hammer. (Caustic! Wear gloves.)
• Cornstarch – Use to clean windows, carpets and rugs as well as for polishing furniture
• Hydrogen peroxide – Antiseptic useful in kitchens and bathrooms and also a bleach alternative.
• Lemon juice – Bleach alternative, also has deodorizing qualities.
• Liquid soap – Unscented castile soap made from of vegetable oil can be found in many health food stores, it’s a good base for all-purpose cleaners. (For areas where hard water is common, buy biodegradable detergent instead.) Alternately, save soap slivers and make your own liquid soap by combining them with water.
• White distilled vinegar – Good for removing mildew, cutting grease, dissipating odors, and removing stains and wax build-up
• Distilled water – Better for mixing with your other ingredients that tap water which may contain some minerals or chlorine depending on your local water supply.
• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol – Disinfectant.
• Bleach — Alternative disinfectant and stain remover. Chlorine bleach is toxic but used judiciously can be very effective. Never combine bleach with other substances.
• Salt – Use as a mild abrasive.
• Super fine steel wool – Restores luster to some surfaces such as stainless steel sinks.

We all know that white vinegar and water makes an excellent cleaner for windows and surfaces such as kitchen counters and bathroom fixtures. Another easy way to clean in the bathroom is to mix up a little liquid clothes detergent with baking soda into a paste and use that to scrub tiles, tubs, sinks and toliets. It is gentler on your skin than harsh chemicals and smells lovely. It leaves porcelin shining and beautiful and you won't leave the room choking on chemical smells.

There are many websites out there that have recipes for natural cleaning solutions. I think you will be amazed at how well they actually work. Your wallet will thank you as well because you won't be spending money on all sorts of cleaners. The information in this blog post is from www.demesne.info/Sustainable-Living/Greener-Cleaning.htm.

Remember: Store ALL cleaning solutions in clearly marked bottles or containers away from children or pets. Though less toxic than other cleaners, some ingredients are poisonous and can still hurt or kill humans and pets.