Who knows of alternative household cleaning methods?

Question

For instance, I use baking soda to clean a lot of things. What can I use to clean tiles/windows/floors/etc. that isn't a toxic chemical/commercial cleaner?

Answer 1

Rubbing alcohol works great as a glass cleaner too, it drys faster than vinegar and doesn't smell as bad. I have used table salt to scrub the sink or tub when baking soda doesn't quite get it done. I have heard that club soda removes stains but never tried it. You can rub a half a lemon on surfaces to clean and sterilize - I think it has natural bleaching qualities. Direct sunlight is good. Plain hot water or steam will sterilize, but a small amount of bleach won't hurt anything (I'm talking like a tablespoon in a gallon of water). Oh yeah, if you want to remove sticky goo from a hard, non-porous surface like glass or a counter-top, try rubbing the glue with something like Skin-so-Soft or petroleum jelly (even some hand lotions will work), let stand a few seconds and wipe away. Just a tiny bit goes far - repeat as needed until goo is all gone - then you can use some of the nasty smelling vinegar to clean up the residue.

Answer 2

Check out this site www.saferforyourhome.com this is a very reputable internet/catalog company offering all natural, chemical free household and laundry cleaning products that actually cost less per use than regular store brands and work better too, I've been a customer with this company for over 2 years and will never go back to those other harsh products. email me at [e-mail] for info on how you can purchase these products direct from the manufacturer

Answer 3

Give Freshana a try. Totally organic but works on everything. It's amazing stuff.

Household cleaning products are one of the absolute worst culprits of body damaging chemicals in our homes.

They are the only 100% Organic, patented safe and effective microencapsulating cleaning products in the world and are trying to change the way people look at “organic.” No longer do you have to give up quality for safe cleaning.

http://FreshanaOrganic.com

Answer 4

I keep saying that I'm going to hire me a Cleaning Lady! Now that would be a great alternative. But I can't bring myself to spend the money on something I can do myself...the hardest part is making the time to clean thoroughly.

There's some great suggestions here...good luck!

Answer 5

My sister uses vinegar for a lot of things in terms of general cleaning.
I guess you can dilute it or use it full strength.
I can't stand the smell of it myself.
Check out Vinegar usage on the website. Might provide answers.

Personally, I've only used in my dishwasher

Answer 6

I use vinegar for most things and also hydrogen peroxide its great for keeping things healthy and also windows and its not expensive. for really sterile stuff 180 proof alcohol from the liquor store, but its expensive and I just keep it around if I want to really do some sterile work.. I even add the vinegar to my laundry.. make sure you just use the white vinegar not the apple cider.

Answer 7

I use a mixture of 2 cups of water, one cup of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Fill a spray bottle with this and use it for everything (windows and mirrors included).

Answer 8

I use diluted vinegar to clean my windows. It's not toxic and it's cheap.

Answer 9

For windows use vinegar.
here are some other suggestions on this link, scroll down past the toxic chems list.
http://es.epa.gov/techinfo/facts/safe-fs.html

http://www.care2.com/channels/lifestyle/home

Answer 10

vinegar