Step Two: Toss Those Stinky Toxic Cleaners!!

Okay people, hopefully by now on day 2 of our lesson plan, you’re ready to roll into the second step of ‘Starting Your More Natural Lifestyle!’ Today, we’re going to discuss getting rid of those commercially-toxic cleaners that not only accumulate (and take-up valuable space under so many of your sinks and broom closets) but additionally, they’re just plain horrible to expose you and your family (and Fido) too!  So, our first order of business is to learn a little about the ingredients we’re about to mix together so that we can concoct our naturally-strong home cleansers with a little background know-how.  Then be sure to read on for the fabulous natural-alternative cleaning recipes that will have your home sparkling the color ‘green’…

-Baking Soda: Perfect for cleaning since it can act as both an acid and base, which means it’s terrific for dissolving grime in no time!

-Vinegar: Eradicates stinky odors and because it is a natural acid it busts through dirt like nobody’s business.

-Hot Water (for floors): I don’t want you to scald yourself (in the event the hot water spills) so please use common sense with the temperature of the hot water).  But hot water makes cleaning easier because it helps lift away grime and grease and also kills nasty bacteria.

-Lemon Juice: Amazing, fresh scent and best of all, it’s a natural acid that can helps naturally breakdown more of that gross gunk in your home.

All-Purposeful Cleansing Spray: This spray is perfect for countertops, toilets, sinks, etc. (Just try to avoid spritzing it on your grout since it can affect the integrity of the grout overtime).  For those super stubborn gunky areas, allow the mixture to set on the specific area before scrubbing.

Awesome Bathtub ‘n Sink (Porcelain) Scrub: Now, here we have a terrific alternative to those harsh and noxious sprays that so many people utilize to clean these areas.  Just take a bowl that you’ll designate as your ‘Awesome Bathtub ‘n Sink Scrub’ bowl, and begin adding baking soda, a little liquid (dish) soap (G.B. Proud foot’s Natural Liquid Soap is perfect…hollah!), and a squirt of lemon juice.  You’re looking to create a paste-like texture.  Apply paste to the grimy area and begin scrubbing.  For really stubborn grime, once the paste has been applied, you can allow this mixture to set (approx. 10-20 mins.) prior to rinsing.

Beyond Easy Mirror & Glass Cleaner: In a spray bottle, mix 2 teaspoons of vinegar to 1 quart of water.  That’s it!  Since this recipe is so easy, you’ll love how well rested you look in your fabulously gleaming windows and mirrors (whoo-whoo!).  Take it one step further and use that old newspaper one more time by swapping the newspaper for yet another paper towel.  No ink will transfer and you’ll be repurposing that newspaper one more time.  Love it!

Fabulous Floor Cleaner: Combine 2 gallons of hot water, ½ cup of white vinegar, ¼ cup of liquid (dish) soap (again, any of G.B. Proudfoot’s Natural Liquid Soaps are perfect for the job). Slosh it together with your mop and go to town on those floors!

By adding these simple cleaning recipes to your regiment, you will be much better off in the pursuit of a natural lifestyle.