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A Clean Sweep: Going Green When You Clean

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

There’s been a lot of talk lately about “going green”. And, for those like me who CAN’T tolerate the smell of (most) harsh scents and chemicals (too hard on the sinuses and allergies), natural alternatives sound and smell like a fabulously fresh idea.

Here are some expert suggestions.

1. All-purpose cleanser:

· Combine salt and vinegar for an all-natural surface cleaner
· Add some baking soda and vinegar to a damp sponge for cleaning and deodorizing kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

2. Deodorizer:

· Strategically place partially filled saucers of vinegar in the room.
· Boil 1 tablespoon of vinegar in 1 cup of water to rid the house of unpleasant food and cooking odours.
· Use baking soda for absorbing odours.

3. Cleaning up crayon marks:

· Marks made on the floor can be removed by rubbing with some toothpaste on a damp cloth. However, avoid using this mixture on wallpaper or porous surfaces.

4. Eliminating grease spots:

· Immediately pour some salt on the spotted area to absorb the grease and prevent staining.

5. Getting rid of scratches:

· Remove scratches by mixing equal parts of vegetable oil and lemon juice and rubbing against scratches with a soft cloth until they disappear.

6. Laundry starch:

· Dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 2 cups of cold water and place in a spray bottle. Make sure to shake well before using and label it so that you don’t mistake it for a homemade cleaner.

7. Oven Cleaner:

· With an oven that is still warm or slightly heated, add some salt to grimy areas. Dampen first with water if they are dry, then apply salt. Let oven cool and scrape off grime, then wash and clean.
· Spray “dirty” areas with water or vinegar-water and add a layer of baking soda. Rub gently with some fine steel wool and wipe, rinse, and dry.

8. Toilet bowl cleaner:

· Sprinkle some baking soda into your bowl then add a little vinegar and scrub with a toilet brush. This mixture both cleans and deodorized, but be sure NOT to mix the combination with store-bought cleansers, it will only create toxic fumes.

9. Glass surface cleaner:

*Combine equal amounts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Wipe of with newspaper streak-free results.

Long Island Safety Articles > A Clean Sweep: Going Green When You Clean

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