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Consider Alternative, Natural Cleaning Items

Most Natural Products Can Be Found In Cupboard

POSTED: 8:24 am PDT May 18, 2004
UPDATED: 9:08 am PDT May 18, 2004

It's that time for spring cleaning, but you don't have to spend big bucks to clean your home. The best products could be found right in your cupboard.

Common items such as baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice can work wonders, getting rid of stains, odors, and even baked-on grease.

Mixing vinegar and water creates a spotless window cleaner.

Using natural products can also help reduce your risk for allergies. And it's not only easy, convenient and safe for the environment, but it also saves shoppers money.

"I'm willing to try something that's better or cheaper or both. I'm up for it," a shopper said.

Another simple solution is mixing Castile soap with baking soda.

The Castile soap is all-natural and the baking soda works as a soft abrasive to remove tough spots and scratches.

The peppermint-smelling paste can be used as an all-purpose cleaner to add shine to your sinks or stove tops.

"I think it's great because there is none of that chlorine that makes me wear plastic gloves when I use common cleaners," another shopper said.

Baking soda can also be used to clean and deodorize your carpets. It absorbs odors and leaves your carpet smelling fresh and clean.

If you prefer a potpourri scent, simmer a small amount of cinnamon, orange peel and clove. That will give off a pleasant fragrance in your home.

"You can cook it right on your stove top -- just like you would an aerosol can," grocery manager Rich Persinger said.

Cleaning your kitchen or bathroom may be a dreaded chore, but these homemade remedies are quick and easy.

All-Natural Spring Cleaning Tips

  • Natural cleaning is cleaning your home using cleansers made with natural ingredients that are free from chlorine bleach, ammonia and chemicals.
  • When you buy cleaning products, look for ones that are non-toxic, biodegradable, phosphate-free and chlorine-free.
  • Good examples are Castile Soap, dye-free sprays and cleaners and oil-based products.
  • Use natural fiber sponges.
  • Reduce paper use. Use rags instead of paper towels and cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.
  • Dip a cloth in warm water, then add castile soap and baking soda (the baking soda serves as a soft abrasive to remove tough spots and light scratches).
  • Simmer a small amount of cinnamon, orange peel, and cloves on the stove to give off a pleasant fragrance in your home.
  • Glass cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with one cup of water for sparkling windows and mirrors.
  • Carpet freshener: Sprinkle dry cornstarch or baking soda on the carpet and vacuum.
  • Mildew build-up: Make a paste of vinegar and salt, and apply to built-up area.
  • Furniture polish: Combine 1/2 cup lemon juice to 1 cup vegetable oil, olive oil, or mayonnaise. Apply to rag.

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