02/07/2020
We offer clients non-traditional or traditional products when cleaning their homes. Cleaning vinegar is one that can be used in all rooms in the home when utilized properly. Dilution is most important due to acidity. Here are some natual recipes.
All-Purpose Cleaner
For mild cleaning, mix 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 4 to 8 cups hot water in a spray bottle. For a stronger solution, use 2 tablespoons borax, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 2 cups hot water. Add a few drops of essential oil to any mixture to give it a fresh scent.
woman cleaning mirror
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Glass and Mirror Cleaner
Combine 3 tablespoons vinegar with 4 cups water for a mild cleaner. Make it stronger by using half vinegar and half water; or 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 4 cups warm water. Shake to dissolve the cornstarch before spraying. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth, then do a final wipe with a dry cloth to avoid streaks.
man cleaning kitchen counter
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Kitchen Sanitizer
Soap and warm water will clean dirt from surfaces in the kitchen, but if you want to sanitize to kill harmful germs like salmonella and E. coli, you’ll need to use hot vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and let it sit on the surface for at least 1 minute. Here’s how: Heat 1/2 cup white vinegar (5%) or hydrogen peroxide (3%) to 150 F, put the mixture into an empty spray bottle, and spray it onto surfaces. Let it sit for 1 minute, then wipe dry.
cleaning sink
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Another Kitchen Sanitizer
Here’s a different way to sanitize surfaces: Combine 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup club soda, and 2 drops tea tree oil. Spray it onto surfaces and wipe clean. This mixture works to disinfect only if it’s made fresh. Even 24 hours later, it doesn’t kill as many germs.
garbage disposal
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Freshen Up the Garbage Disposal
If your garbage disposal is starting to smell, run it with some ice and a squeezed orange, lemon, or lime. The ice will help sharpen the blade, and the citrus peels will give off a fresh scent.
microwave cleaner
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Microwave Cleaner
To get rid of food odors or hardened food splatters in the microwave, mix 6 tablespoons baking soda or 1/2 cup lemon juice with 1 cup water in a microwave-safe glass container. Microwave the mixture until it boils, then leave it inside with the door closed until it cools. The steam will loosen the grime and make it easy to wipe down the inside of the microwave.
bathroom sink cleaning
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Clean Your Drains
To prevent or clear out backups in your drains, dump 1/4 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Cover and let sit for 15 minutes, then uncover and pour in 8 cups boiling water. You could also use 1/2 cup borax followed by 8 cups boiling water. For a bad clog, use a plumber’s snake tool with boiling water.
toilet scrubbing
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Scrub the Toilet
For light cleaning, mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 cup vinegar and pour it into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 3 to 30 minutes, scrub with a toilet brush, and flush. Scrub with 1/2 cup borax mixed with 1 gallon hot water to get out tougher stains. For heavy-duty cleaning, sprinkle 1 cup borax around the basin and spray with 1/2 cup vinegar. Let it sit overnight, then scrub and flush.
shower mildew
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Tackle Mildew in the Shower
Put 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup vinegar into a spray bottle and fill it with hot water, then spray it in the shower or bathtub and scrub. For a daily spray to prevent mold in the shower, mix 1/3 cup rubbing alcohol with 1 cup water. Shake it up, and spray it on without rinsing.
gleaming bathtub tile
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Scrub the Tub and Tile
Use a sponge to wipe the surface with vinegar, then sprinkle baking soda or non-iodized salt, scrub with a damp sponge, and rinse well with water. For another option, combine 1 2/3 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup castile soap (liquid), and 1/2 cup water. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and use the mixture to scrub the bathtub or tile area.
blur cleaning glass
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Don’t Mix These
Although vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are great sanitizers on their own, never combine the two in a container. This creates a chemical called peracetic acid, which can burn your skin and is dangerous to breathe in. The same goes for ammonia and bleach -- mixing them or using them in the same space can create toxic fumes.
