The hustle and bustle of Christmas is behind us and the focus is on New Year’s Eve.  Are you  expecting company to join you in celebrations at your home?  As you get your house tidy, cleaning up after Christmas and before this weekend, take a look at your household cleaners.

Take a look at how many toxic chemicals you expose yourself and your loved ones to.  Chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, artificial colors and fragrances are hazardous to every member of your household, even the four legged ones!   There are many natural cleaners that you can buy at the store, but nothing beats making your own cleaner with ingredients you already have in your home.  These are better for you and the environment.  Here are two recipes for you to try out.

Tub and Tile Cleaner

• 1- 2/3 cup baking soda
• ½ cup unscented liquid soap (Castille, Dr. Bronner’s, etc)
• ½ cup water
• 2 Tbs vinegar
• Essential oils as desired for scent – peppermint, eucalyptus, pine or lemon
• 16oz squeeze bottle

Instructions:

• Mix baking soda and liquid soap in a stainless steel bowl.  Dilute with water.  Add vinegar.  Stir until lumps are gone.
• If the mixture is pourable, add the essential oils, mix and pour into the squeeze bottle.  If it is too thick, add a little more water slowly stirring until the consistency allows pouring.  Shake well before using.
• Keep tightly capped, as this cleaner will dry out.  Add more water and shake well if this happens.

To use:

• Squeeze onto tubs, sink, toilets, countertops, wherever you would use a soft-scrub type product.  Use with sponge or rag.  Rinse well.

All purpose cleaner

What you will need:

• 2 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon borax
• Purified or distilled water
• ¼ cup unscented liquid soap (Castile, Dr. Bronner’s, etc)
• Essential oils for scent if desired (lavender, grapefruit oil, etc)
• 16 oz spray bottle.

Instructions:

• Mix the vinegar and borax together in the spray bottle.  Fill the rest of the bottle (less ¼ cup) with VERY hot water.
• Shake until the borax is dissolved.  Slowly add the ¼ cup of liquid soap and essential oils.  Shake gently to mix.
• Now that you have made your cleaner how do you use it?  Spray it on countertops, hard surfaces, garbage cans, shower walls – wherever you would use the all purpose cleaner.  Wipe down with a clean sponge.