I’ve promised to disclose what products my family uses, in hopes that it can spur you on to live a healthier life. And since I’m pretty frugal, these options don’t break the bank. Ready to learn how I keep things clean?
Kitchen
My go-to all-purpose kitchen spray is Shaklee’s Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate in a squirt bottle, diluted with water. (I only need 1/4 teaspoon of cleaner for a 16-ounce bottle of water.) I mop my floors with castile soap and water, or Murphy’s Oil Soap and water. And, right or wrong, I use Dawn Pure Essentials dish soap and Finish powder dishwasher detergent … when I remember, I use Bar Keeper’s Friend on my stainless steel pots and pans.
It’s been a long time since I’ve cleaned my oven, and I need to find a natural recipe. Any suggestions?
Bathroom
Recently, I’ve been using peppermint castile soap, diluted with water, to clean my sinks, bathtubs and floors. I also use a squirt of castile soap and a sprinkle of baking soda to scrub my toilets. (You can read more about my castile soap experiences tomorrow.) Whenever I’m done cleaning now, Big Brother walks into the room, sniffs, and loves to say, “Ahhh! Minty fresh!” I never thought I’d want a peppermint scented bathroom, but it really is so refreshing … especially when I think back to how my bathroom used to smell with commercial cleansers.
Before my experimentation with castile soap, I used Murphy’s Oil Soap and water for mopping the floors. And I used to sprinkle Borax in my toilets, then scrub them clean.
I like using Shaklee’s Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate, diluted with water, as an all-purpose spray.
I remove soap scum and mold from my shower by spritzing rubbing alcohol. If I need to disinfect surfaces in the bathroom, I use hydrogen peroxide.
Laundry
I make my own laundry detergent out of Fels Naptha, Borax, and Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda. (By the way … I quadrupled my recipe last month, and I think I made enough detergent to last two months!)
To remove stains, I wet the stain with water and rub on a bar of Fels Naptha.
Other cleaning products
My cleaning arsenal includes the Shaklee concentrate, castile soap, Borax, baking soda, Super Washing Soda, Murphy’s Oil Soap, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and salt. I haven’t found a natural method of washing windows that’s effective, so I still use Windex. Do you have any tried and true window spray recipes you wouldn’t mind sharing with me?
Where to shop
Want to try some of the cleaning products I use? You can buy Shaklee cleaning products online or from a distributor. Castile soap
If you enjoyed this post, you may be interested in reading Kitchens and bathrooms: Do you know the safest ways to clean them?
Disclosure: Ordering from some of the links in the post may result in a commission for www.accidentallygreen.com.
Photo credit
vegadsl/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Latest posts by Hilary Kimes Bernstein (see all)
- The Day I Realized Healthy Choices Don’t Guarantee Health - July 21, 2015
- Avoid Synthetic Bug Sprays with All-Natural Repellents - July 16, 2015
- The Day I Learned I Could Cook Real Food - July 13, 2015
I was able to find an organic window and mirror cleaner. I could not believe how clean it got the bathroom mirror and NO STREAKS!!! :) It is called “Green Shield Organic” and I bought it from Big Lots. I know that their items rotate but some are stocked regularly so you may be able to find it.
I can’t wait to try the castile soap!
My cleaning arsenal is pretty much the same as yours! The only thing I haven’t tried for cleaning is hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol, but I will. I also use castile soap or Murphy’s oil soap for wiping my wood furniture and cupboards. Just be careful to squeeze your rag well so as not to make it too wet. If it is too wet, just use a soft dry cloth to wipe excess. I too would like to find a Windex substitute. Since I’ve been using milder, natural cleaning products I can’t believe how the smell assaults!
I’ve read for the oven -just baking soda/water mix, leave over night and wipe off in the morning! (however, I have not tried it yet, maybe I better try and then check back with you!) -Tori
When we lived in our old place, I cleaned our over with whatever cleaner I bought. I felt like I was going to die from fumes. We have a self cleaning over now and I haven’t had to use any cleaners on it yet. I’m wondering if simply vinegar and water would work? I don’t think vinegar is combustible? (though I’m not sure, so don’t try this at home) :)
I use vinegar and water on my windows and mirrors. Rubbing alcohol works well for me also.