Cheap, easy, and good enough to eat (well, almost)
by Annie B. Bond
People who enter a naturally cleaned home tend to love the way they feel. I hear this over and over again. I think it is because natural cleaning ingredients infuse the space with their subtle scents and natural, non-toxic presence. On some level, our bodies must brace themselves for a chemical onslaught when faced with mainstream cleaners. Here are four of my best kitchen cleaning formulas:
Oven Cleaner
Most people can hardly believe that all I use for cleaning the oven is baking soda and water, and that the project requires no scrubbing. I suppose we have all been so brainwashed by household products companies that we mistakenly believe we require powerful chemicals for cleaning. But most people don’t know that simple household minerals such as baking soda can clean like magic. The key is using enough of the mineral.
To clean my oven, I sprinkle baking soda all over the bottom until it is covered completely with about 1/4 of an inch of baking soda. Then, using a clean spray bottle, I spray the baking soda with water until the baking soda is thoroughly damp but not flooded. After that, this lazy cleaner goes off and does other things. When I think of it, I dampen the baking soda again if it is drying out. Before I go to bed, I do that again. When I wake up in the morning, the baking soda can effortlessly be scooped out of the oven with a sponge, bringing all the grime with it. That’s it! The only downside is that you need to rinse out the white residue left by the baking soda, but it sure beats Turkey à La Oven Cleaner, because there are no fumes!
Homemade Soft Scrubber
This creamy, frosting-like soft scrubber is my favourite homemade recipe of all time, and the best solution for cleaning the bathtub and the kitchen sink without synthetic fragrances or toxic chemicals. It also works well for Formica countertops and shower stalls. The softly abrasive quality of the baking soda provides the grit to scrub off dirt and soap scum, yet the recipe rinses off very easily.
Basic Soft Scrubber Formula
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• Enough liquid soap or detergent to make a frosting-like consistency
• 5 drops antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree oil, or rosemary (optional)
Pour the baking soda in a bowl; slowly pour in the liquid soap or detergent, stirring all the while, until the consistency reaches that of frosting. Scoop the creamy mixture onto a sponge, wash the surface, and rinse.
Silver Cleaner
I like to make my home as beautiful and welcoming as possible, and one way I do this is to polish all the silver so it reflects the light of candles. Here are the formulas I use to polish safely and without chemicals:
If you have a small job, the best silver polish is white toothpaste. Dab some on your finger, and rub into the tarnish. For bigger pieces, use baking soda and a clean, damp sponge. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Scoop the paste onto the sponge, and rub the paste into the silver. Rinse with hot water and polish dry with a soft, clean cloth. For badly tarnished silver, leave the baking soda paste on the silver for an hour or so before cleaning it off with the help of the sponge and hot water.
Mulled-Cider Air Freshener
I like to use this spicy air freshener during the holiday season—or whenever. It makes our home smell welcoming, and the best part of all is that you have mulled cider ready on the stove to offer friends and family at a moment’s notice. Here’s my favourite recipe for hot mulled cider.
• 2 sticks cinnamon
• 5 or 6 whole cloves
• 8 cups organic apple cider, or as needed
Choose a large non-aluminum pan (apples are acidic and can leach aluminum from the pot), and add the spices and organic apple cider. Simmer over low heat for 3-4 hours, adding more cider as it evaporates. When you are ready to drink it, strain out the herbs, and serve it in cups and mugs.
Annie B. Bond Author Annie B. Bond was named one of the top 20 environmental leaders by Body & Soul Magazine for her work drawing connections between the environment, personal health, and well-being. Reprinted from care2.com .
