Come Clean: Mindful Cleaning With Natural Ingredients

The following are just a few of the countless 

examples of ways to use common,natural 

ingredients to clean and maintain your home.   

(Harsh chemicals need not apply)

For Your Home-

Bathtub scrub:

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/2 lemon

 Sprinkle the baking soda and squeeze the lemon juice into the tub.  Scrub and rinse.

Fruit/veggie wash:

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a small spray bottle.  Spray on fruits/veggies and rinse.

Microwave steam cleaner:

• 1/2 bowl water
• 1/2 lemon

 Add the lemon to the water and microwave on high for 2 minutes.  Wipe the inside clean.

Clean a stained cutting board:

• 1/4 cup salt

Wipe the cutting board with a damp cloth, then apply the salt.  Let the salt sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Brighten yellowed linens:

• 1 gallon water
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 tablespoon salt

Boil water and add baking soda and salt.  Add linens and boil for 1 hour.

 

"Forgotten load rescuer":

• 2 cups vinegar 

To refresh a load of laundry forgotten in the washer, start the washer again with hot water and no soap.  Add 2 cups vinegar.  After the first cycle add the normal amount of soap.

Open a clogged drain:

• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 quart boiling water

Pour salt in first, then follow with the baking soda.  Allow to sit for several hours, then flush with the boiling water.

For Your Body-

Remove a splinter:

• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
•  2 quarts warm water

Mix the Epsom salt in the warm water and soak the afflicted area for 15 minutes.

Body and face scrub:

• 1/2 cup sea salt
• 1/3 cup almond oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Combine all ingredients and apply to wet skin.  Rinse and pat dry.

Soothe muscle aches:

• 3 cup apple cider vinegar

Add vinegar to a warm bath and soak.

Salt, Lemons, Vinegar and Baking Soda, by Shea Zukowski. Metro Books, 2009.