Cleaning Naturally Around the Home Using Simple Ingredients.

Earth Friendly Cleaning Around the House

More and more consumers have become aware of the impact that chemical laden products have and the harm they can do to the environment. Cleaning a home with these products is merely introducing more toxins into your surroundings that not only harm the earth but can cause health issues for you and your family.

Are you looking for ways to ditch the chemicals and clean with more natural products? People have been cleaning naturally and effectively for centuries so why can’t you? And it’s not difficult and it’s cost effective plus you’ll feel better when cleaning your house.

When Life Gives You Lemons, Use Them to Remove Stains

We use lemons for drinks and food garnishes, but are they an effective stain remover? Lemon juice can help brighten whites and work to remove some stains and they do add a nice fresh lemony scent but it may be easier to use other bleach alternatives such as hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or baking soda.

Fresh lemon juice is the way to go instead of using the bottled form you buy in the store as those contain additives but fresh lemons require cutting and juicing which can be time consuming and not really cost effective (compared to the alternatives) as you would need to juice three or four lemons per load.

If you want to try lemon juice yourself to see how it works on whites, below are a few options.

Using Lemon Juice in the Washing Machine

For brighter whites and fresh smelling laundry:

1. Add laundry detergent to dispenser.
2. Start washing machine to fill tub with water.
3. When 1/2  full of water, add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup lemon juice (depending on size of load)
4. Add whites and wash as usual.

Soaking Dingy Whites in Lemon Juice

Sometimes our whites just get dingy looking over time or they were accidentally washed with darks:

1. In a large mixing bowl combine 3/4 cups boiling water and 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice.
2. With a clean pair of thick kitchen gloves on add white clothing to mixture and saturate item (you can also use a clean spatula to saturate item, just be cautious as water is hot).
3. Let sit 45 to 60 minutes.
4. Wash as usual.

Removing Fresh Pasta Sauce Stain with Lemon Juice

Who doesn’t love a fresh noodle dishes with pasta sauce? And how many times has it made its way to the tablecloth and/or napkins?

1. Cut a lemon in half.
2. Remove any clumps of pasta / pasta sauce.
3. Turn stained area over and from the back side squeeze lemon juice over the stain then rub the lemon around the stain. Repeat until you see the stain is being removed.
4. Rinse under water and if any stain remains squeeze more of the lemon juice then sprinkle salt over the remaining stain and rub the lemon over that.
5. Rinse and stain should be gone. Wash as usual.

Just remember with any stain removal process you use, do not put clothing items in the dryer until you know the stain is gone as the heat from the dryer can permanently set the stain.

How to Cleaning and Remove Stains from Countertops

There are so many varieties of materials used to make countertops today you may be confused as to which method is best for the type of countertop you have in your kitchen.

Cleaning and Removing Stains from Wood Countertops

Wood countertops are vulnerable to warping and cracking if not cared for correctly, therefore they should be sealed for protection and one option is to use food grade oil or wax.

To clean these types of countertops, clean as needed throughout the day with nonabrasive cleaners such as warm water and a touch of white vinegar and always wipe dry. If there is any stuck on food residue, gently use a spatula to remove prior to cleaning.

To remove stains, sprinkle with salt and gently use half a lemon to rub over the stain. Remove the salt and lemon juice with water and white vinegar as mentioned above.

Cleaning and Removing Stains from Marble and Granite Countertops

For these types of countertops do not use anything abrasive or acidic to clean or you risk permanently damaging or etching the stone. Marble and granite are tough but they do need to be resealed regularly to protect them from stains and scratches.

For everyday cleaning all you need is a touch of mild dish soap mixed with warm water. Dry with a microfiber cloth.

To remove oil based stains make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain then cover with plastic wrap and tape down edges. Avoid putting anything on this area as it will need to sit overnight (possibly longer depending on the stain). When finished, rinse off the paste, repeat if necessary then clean with mild dish soap and warm water, wiping dry when finished.

To remove water based stains follow the steps above only make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Spot test in an inconspicuous place first to make sure these methods don’t affect the finish or color of the stone.

Removing Burned Food from Pots and Pans

Burnt pots and pans are never a fun thing to clean. I thought it was a good thing when my kids took an interest in cooking and that it would give me a little more time for other things. I was so incredibly wrong. They may like to cook but I spend more time in the kitchen cleaning and removing burnt food out of the pots and pans.

Cleaning with Coarse Salt

One natural way to clean pots and pans is with coarse salt. It works like a charm.

• Rinse the pot out to remove any loose debris.
• Pour a cup of water into the pan and slowly bring to a boil.
• As it starts to boil, use a spatula to loosen bits of burned food. When finished dump contents down the drain.
• Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with coarse salt.
• Cut a lemon in half and scrub away.

Cleaning Burnt Food from Non-Stick Cookware

After removing as much food and debris from the pan as possible then add a layer of warm water to the pan and sprinkle with baking soda and make a paste. Scrub gently with a sponge or nylon brush that is safe for non-stick surfaces. Let this sit overnight, gently scrub again and rinse. Repeat if necessary.

Removing Soap Scum

Soap scum is one of most people’s biggest pet peeves. It seems to get noticed especially when you are getting ready to step into the shower and find that icky ring around the tub. Don’t worry, arm yourself with this natural method to clean the shower and tub and keep it clean.

Note: Do not use on granite, marble or any natural stone as it contains vinegar which is slightly acidic and can damage the stone.

• In a spray bottle mix together a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water.
• Spray the soap scum and surrounding area well.
• Use a scrubby pad or scrub brush to clean the area.

One proactive approach to keep soap scum at bay is to keep a squeegee in the shower and wipe down walls and tub area when finished. In between regular cleanings this disinfectant cleaner can be used prior to getting in the shower to keep the area clean.

Natural and All Purpose Cleaner Recipe

This is a very easy recipe to make and only takes a few ingredients. I use this for basic cleaning up of messes on counters, floors, cabinets, doors, light switches and the like. This is not a disinfectant cleaner, just a basic all purpose cleaner.

Mix together one teaspoon each of borax and liquid castile soap, then add in a half teaspoon of washing soda and 2 cups warm water. Gently stir to combine all ingredients. It’s optional but you can add in about 15 drops of your favorite essential oils for a nice clean scent. Pour into a spray bottle and label.

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Homemade Laundry Starch and How to Use It.

Making Laundry Starch and How to Use It

Who doesn’t like a crisp white shirt? While a heavily starched shirt may not be as comfortable as a more natural feeling (and softer) one, it does give off a certain look that can’t be beat when trying to make a good impression.

Using starch was much the norm during the 16th century when aristocrats used it to stiffen the collars and cuffs of their garments. Since then, starching shirts has risen and fallen in popularity as fashions and trends change. Today, laundry starch is most commonly used on dress shirts worn by professionals although there are some that like to starch their everyday wear as well.

How Much Starch To Use?

Do you prefer your clothes lightly starched or heavily starched? Tablecloths and napkins crisp for the holidays? This is a completely personal preference that has absolutely no bearing on current fashion trends. Basically, the crisper you want your shirt to look (and feel), the more starch you use.

The final look of your shirt also has to do with the kind of starch you use and how you use it. Adding starch to the washing machine can also give your clothes that starched look just like spraying it onto already laundered shirts and ironing.

Professional starching tends to offer a crisper look but having your work shirts professionally cleaned and starched can be very costly, and in a time when people are trying to cut back on non essential expenses, learning how to make laundry starch yourself – and use it – has become an inexpensive alternative.

If you are unsure how the starch mixture will react to a particular garment, do a test spray somewhere inconspicuous first.

Methods of Using Starch

The two methods of using starch on clothes is either to spray on the starch or to use starch in the wash. So, spray vs. washing of the starch, which is the best method? If you are new to starching, you may want to try both methods and see which works best and feels best for you.

Also, some fabric respond better to starching than others such as natural fabrics, cotton, linen, and organic fabrics. Thicker fabrics will not absorb the starch as well and some combination fabrics won’t starch well either. So keep that in mind.

Using Starch in the Washing Machine

Again, some people love to add starch to the washing machine which can also add a nice crispness to clothes, while others prefer to spray the starch on their shirts, collars and cuffs for more control. Since you are adding starch to the wash, use a warm to hot cycle and make sure the clothes you are washing are clothes you want to be starched.

Adding Starch to the Final Rinse Cycle

Depending on the amount of clothing your washing and the desired crispness you’re looking for will depend on how much cornstarch you dissolve in water. A good place to start is 2 tablespoons cornstarch to 1/2 cup cold water, stir to combine. For heavier starch add 1 tablespoon more and stir. Just remember, this should be a liquid not a paste.

To add the starch, you will need to stop the wash on the final rinse cycle (if you’re like me and may forget, set a timer loud enough to catch your attention) then add the starch to the fabric softener compartment. Restart the wash and let it go through the rinse cycle. Remove items and let hang dry until almost dry then iron.

If you do put your things in the dryer after using the starch in the final rinse cycle, it will probably soften the fabric and not be as starched as you want.

Ironing with Starch

Mixing up your own batch of laundry starch may seem like something difficult to do but in reality, it is very simple and inexpensive.

Home Made Laundry Starch Recipe

All you need is:

• 1 pint (2 cups) of cold water
• 1 tablespoon of corn starch
• Spray bottle

This recipe is so easy to mix and use you will never want to pay the high price of sending your shirts out again. Simply mix the cornstarch and water together in a spray bottle (label the bottle so you don’t forget what it is). Before each use be sure to shake well and then spray to your liking. It really is just that easy.

For longer shelf life, you can store your starch in the fridge. Just shake before using the next time.

1. Once you’ve made your laundry starch, get a freshly laundered shirt (check for any special instructions on the label) and spray the starch as lightly or heavily as you desire. If you like your starch heavy in the collar for example, spray and iron a few times versus one heavy coat.
2. Spray sections as you are ironing, don’t spray everywhere all at once.
3. In order for the starch not to flake or become sticky, allow it to sit and penetrate the fabric about 30 seconds (maybe more depending on how much you used) before ironing.

If you decide you no longer want to starch your things, using these home made recipes, you should have no problem washing the starch out. Start by soaking the item in the washer with a little baking soda (again, the amount of baking soda you use with depend on the size of the things you’re soaking) added then launder as usual.

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Learn How you can Easily Make Your Own Laundry Starch.

How to Make Your Own Spray Laundry Starch

If you love the way your shirt looks after getting it back from the dry cleaners, you’ll be happy to know that you can recreate that look at home with your own homemade laundry starch.

Homemade laundry starch is easy to make, better for the environment than store-bought products and generally won’t harm older or synthetic fabrics. Remember to test the starch in an inconspicuous area to make sure it will not damage the garment.

Now let’s take a look at how we can make the laundry starch with just a few ingredients.

Spray Starch Ingredients

You’ll only need three items. It really is that easy!

• 2 cups cold water
• 1 tablespoon organic cornstarch
• One spray bottle

While it’s best to use distilled water and organic cornstarch, you can use regular tap water and cornstarch if you prefer. Bear in mind, however, that more than likely tap water will have mineral deposits, and non-organic cornstarch is most likely made from GMO corn (if that matters to you).

Preparation

I collect a variety of old Ball jars, I got to say I’m a bit obsessed with them. So, I mix the water and cornstarch in a Ball jar first. In my opinion, it’s much easier to shake and mix the ingredients rather than using a bowl. Make sure the cornstarch is completely mixed, no lumps left.

Optionally, you can also add in 2 drops essential oil for fragrance if you like. Lavender, rose, lemongrass, grapefruit, rosemary, spearmint, cedarwood or bergamot are some nice options.

Depending on what you are using the starch on may depend on whether or not you want to add essential oil to the mix. I don’t know that I would add essential oil if I were using it on a silk garment or a white collar (as it could slightly discolor the item when heated) but I may add it if I’m ironing sheets, napkins, tablecloth or dark colored items.

To be sure, you may want to test first in an inconspicuous spot.

When you’ve finished mixing the ingredients together, transfer to a spray bottle.

Making the Starch Stronger

If you’d like to make a stiffer homemade laundry starch, all you need to do is add more cornstarch.

Start with an additional teaspoon. Shake well. It may take a time or two before you find the best amount that works for you, but you’ll find the perfect ratio of water and cornstarch to meet your individual needs.

How to Use Your Homemade Laundry Starch

If you have a knit sweater that you would like to stiffen up a little, turn it inside out, spray where you want the starch, cover with a clean, light colored towel and press. Sometimes all it might need is the collar and cuffs pressed.

When starching dress shirts, lay the section of shirt on the ironing board you’ll be working on first, spray a wide spray (not too close and not a stream spray) over the section you’re working on, then iron in a straight motion (not circular) from one end to the other. Allow the starch to soak into the fabric a bit first before ironing.

Read the care instructions on your garment for heat settings and make sure you are ironing on a clean surface.

Storing Unused Starch

You should be able to store your homemade liquid spray starch just fine in the laundry room for a couple of weeks or you can stash it in the refrigerator. Just make sure you label the container clearly.

As there are no preservatives, it will go bad over time. If you notice it getting darker in color or growing mold, toss it. It’s best to only make as much as you think you will use over a couple of weeks.

If stored, shake before using again.

Your Homemade Starch Will Easily Wash off Clothes

One of the nice things about making your own homemade laundry starch is that it’s all-natural and comes off easily in the wash.

Simply launder your clothes as you normally would. The cornstarch will neither stain nor contaminate other clothes.

What Happens If a Residue Is Left Behind on My Ironed Items?

If you notice a white residue left behind on linens or clothing items, you may need to clean the iron. Over time starch and minerals from water can leave a residue on the iron. Be sure to clean the surface of the iron to help keep everything you iron looking their best.

Now didn’t I tell you just how easy this was going to be? Have fun using your homemade laundry starch.

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Earth Friendly Cleaning Products.

Clean Using Earth Friendly Cleaning Products

The harsh cleaning products that we buy to keep our homes clean are not just toxic but many have been linked to physical problems as well.

But it’s easy to keep your house clean and be good to the environment using earth friendly cleaning products.

The best earth friendly cleaners are vinegar, borax, baking soda, lemon, mineral oil, baby oil and hydrogen peroxide. These are not just effective but natural cleaners that will help keep the house clean and germ free.

You will save a small fortune by using these basic cleaning supplies so you can toss your toxic commercial alternatives goodbye.

Cleaning with Vinegar

I love vinegar. We use it extensively at Mrs. Clean. White vinegar is a natural and eco-friendly cleaning solution and a great way to clean various surfaces throughout the home.

All Purpose Cleaner

To clean with white vinegar as an all purpose cleaner, mix equal parts of plain white vinegar with water and put in a spray bottle. You can use this to clean glass surfaces, some countertops as well as appliances.

Cleaning Stainless Steel

To clean stainless steel surfaces, dampen a clean cloth with undiluted white vinegar and wipe in the direction of the grain. Rinse and dry.

Cleaning Floors

Many types of floors can be cleaned using a mixture of water and vinegar. Mix 1 cup vinegar with a gallon of warm water. Dry thoroughly when done.

For wood floors, use about 1/2 a cup of vinegar to one gallon of warm water to clean wood floors. Dry thoroughly when done.

Do not use on natural stone.

Cleaning the Dishwasher with Vinegar

Place a cup of vinegar on the top rack of an empty dishwasher and run a hot water cycle to help remove mineral buildup.

Natural Deodorizer

Vinegar is a natural deodorizer, disinfectant and germicide. It is acidic and cleans streak free without leaving a residue like soap leaves behind.

Avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces such as marble, granite, or unsealed surfaces as it can damage the stone.

Cleaning with Borax

Borax is a natural mineral that is used extensively in commercial cleaning products. A common brand is 20 Mule Team. Borax is a multipurpose cleaner, it is an effective and eco-friendly alternative to many commercial cleaning products. It is a water softener and conditioner and helps your laundry detergent work better so you can use less.

Use Borax as a Laundry Booster

Add 1/2 cup of borax to your regular laundry detergent to help brighten whites, remove stains and deodorize.

Clean Tile Grout with Borax

Make a paste of water and borax, about the consistency of toothpaste, and apply to grout lines. Use a toothbrush to scrub, let sit a bit, then rinse off.

Cleaning with Baking Soda

You can use baking soda all by itself, or in conjunction with water to create a fantastic abrasive cleaner that gets rid of dirt and grime.

Baking soda is also a natural deodorizer. When made into a paste, it works great to scrub caked on gunk. You can put it in the washing machine with your regular laundry and deodorize your clothes, plus it gives your detergent an extra boost of power.

Using Lemon Juice to Clean

Lemons smell great and they have an antiviral and antibacterial effect.

A half a lemon tossed in the garbage disposal will deodorize and clean buildup that may be causing odor. Lemon juice will also bleach away and remove stains, especially when placed in the sunlight.

Cleaning a Cutting Board with Lemon Juice

Rub half a freshly cut lemon over the cutting board to help remove stains and neutralize odors. Rinse with water.

Using Baby Oil or Mineral Oil

Baby oil and mineral oil are the same thing. Baby oil just has a fragrance added to it. Mineral oil is different from other oils as it’s extracted from the earth and it does not go rancid like other oils we use in food like: vegetable, canola, olive oil, etc.

Shine Up the Toaster

Mineral oil cuts through dirt and grease which is why it’s a great way to shine some appliances. Add a small amount to a clean cloth and polish surface. It’s a great way to remove fingerprints.

Removing Stickers and Label Residue

Apply a small amount of oil to the residue left behind after removing labels or stickers. I use my fingernail to scrub the surface. Let sit for a while, then wipe away residue. May have to repeat the process.

Only use a small amount- a little goes a long way.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide When Cleaning

Hydrogen peroxide might be my favorite homemade cleaner ever. When stains or residue remain after cleaning, an application of regular household strength hydrogen peroxide will usually do the trick.

I’m not a chemist but hydrogen peroxide is water with an additional element. That’s H2O2 vs H2O. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer and it works amazing as a bleach without the harmful effects like chlorine bleach has.

Hydrogen peroxide changes to regular water when exposed to sunlight, so you need to keep whatever you are working on out of direct sunlight. That might mean you place a towel over the area you are cleaning.

You don’t have to rinse hydrogen peroxide because it has no residue, just pour it straight on the stain, cover it and check it in a couple hours.

There you have it! A list of environmentally friendly cleaning products; that you may already have in the house, that clean, sanitize, reduce odors, deodorize and remove stains.

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How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent.

Make Your Own Home Made Laundry Detergent

Most people make their own laundry detergent at home because they want to save money, they have an allergy to a commercial detergent or they’re concerned about the environmental impact of commercial soaps.

To make your own homemade laundry detergent, you’ll need the following things then follow the steps below:

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• A bar of mild soap, like Ivory or Fels Naptha
• ½ cup of washing soda, which you can find in the laundry detergent of the grocery store
• ½ cup of Borax
• Water in each of the following amounts that will be used in this order: 6 cups, 4 cups, one gallon plus 6 cups

Tools Needed:

• A cheese grater
• A two-quart saucepan that you dedicate to making the detergent in – in other words, don’t heat soup in it too
• A two-gallon bucket or pail

Laundry Detergent Preparation

1. Grate the Ivory or the Fels Naptha and place it in the saucepan. If you prefer not to use a cheese grater, slice the soap into slivers. (If you choose a bar of the Fels Naptha, grate 1/3 of it. If you choose the Ivory, grate the whole bar.)
2. Add the first 6 cups of water to the saucepan and place on the stove on low heat. Stir frequently while the soap melts, until it’s completely dissolved. Make sure to keep your eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
3. Stir in the washing soda and the borax. Stir until both the washing soda and borax are completely dissolved in the soap and water mixture.
4. Remove the thickening mixture from the heat.
5. Add the next 4 cups of water to the two-gallon bucket or pail. Add the soap mixture from the saucepan to the bucket and stir well until it is well mixed. Add the final gallon plus 6 cups of water to the bucket and stir well.
6. Allow the newly created laundry detergent to sit for 24 hours before using it and don’t forget to label it.

Adding a Fragrance

If you prefer a scented laundry detergent, you can add ½ to 1 ounce of essential oil to the detergent when you add the final gallon plus 6 cups of water. Essential oils like lemon and orange are the most common. While they won’t get your clothes any cleaner, they will add a fresh clean scent.

Using the Laundry Detergent with a Regular Wash Load

When you make your own homemade laundry detergent, it will have a gel-like consistency. The above formula is low sudsing, so it won’t create a lot of suds and you should have no problems using this in an High Efficiency (HE) machine.

This is a benefit, however, as too many suds reduce the ability of the detergent to clean. They’re also difficult to rinse out. If your laundry load is heavily soiled, use ¾ cup of the detergent. Otherwise, use ½ cup. Just add it to the basin before adding the clothes.

Pre-Treating Stains

You can also use your homemade laundry detergent to pre-treat stains. Just rub a small amount of the gel into the stain and let it sit overnight. Wash the next morning according to the directions on the label.

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Homemade Brick Cleaning Solution

There are many places around the home where brick can be located, a patio, a walkway, an outdoor barbecue, the brick around the fireplace, etc.

Maybe it’s getting close to the Christmas holiday and you want to clean the brick surrounding the fireplace of dirt and soot before Santa comes?

Maybe you are sprucing up the backyard and want to clean the patio for all the outdoor barbecues you’re planning?

Whatever the reason, there’s no better time to learn how to make your own homemade brick cleaning solution.

Cleaning Indoor Brick

There are two major types of indoor brick dirt: dust and soot. I love the soft glow and comfort from a fire in a fireplace. Having clean brick around the fireplace adds a nice touch to your home, especially in the colder months when it’s in use more frequently.

Vacuum the Dust

To get rid of the dust, simply vacuum the brick around the mantle, hearth and sides regularly, at least try and do this. Regular cleanings will save you from having to do some major cleaning down the road.

By cleaning the brick often, you’ll also reduce the amount of soot that clings to it when you light a fire.

I use a shop vac for this chore. Not only will you be vacuuming up dust but possibly soot and brick dust which can be fine and abrasive.

Be sure your vacuum has a filter and collection bag in place. If you don’t have these items on the shop vac it can cause performance issues and also release dust back into the room.

Cleaning Soot from Brick

If you are cleaning soot from a fireplace, the best way to go is start with the mildest solution first and then work your way up.

Below are the things you’ll need:

• Rubber or latex-free gloves
• Eye protection
• Bucket
• Old, clean cloth
• Drop cloth
• Stiff or hard-bristled brush

The Cleaning Process

Lay the drop cloth in front of the fireplace to protect the floor from water runoff then put on the gloves and eye protection. When cleaning, work from the top of the stain and work your way down.

If you clean your brick on a regular basis, all you might need is warm water and a scrub brush to clean the brick.

After cleaning with plain water, if there is still some soot left, refill the bucket with clean warm water and add a little dish detergent (use a detergent that works at cutting grease and about 1 tablespoon per gallon of water), swish the water to mix in the detergent.

Cleaning a Light Amount of Soot from Fireplace

For a job that may require a little something stronger, Simple Green may get the job done. Spray Simple Green on the brick and scrub with the brush. Let this sit about 5 minutes.

Completely rinse the scrub brush of all traces of the Simple Green. Fill a bucket with warm water and rinse the brick by dipping the scrub brush in the water and go back over the Simple Green until all traces are gone. Be sure to rinse the brush in the water after each time you scrub the brick.

Cleaning a More Heavy Amount of Soot from Fireplace

If you have a heavy amount of soot on the fireplace, try the recipe below; adjust amounts according to your needs.

Brick Cleaning Solution

• Two ounces of dish washing soap
• Two ounces of kosher salt (you can use regular salt if you don’t have kosher salt)
• Mix the dish soap and the salt in the bucket
• Add enough water to make a creamy paste

Apply the cleaning solution into the brick using the scrub brush. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub again then rinse the solution from the brick.

Heavy Duty Brick Cleaner

If the soot doesn’t come off with the dish soap and salt solution, add in 1/4 cup of ammonia to the cleaning mixture.

The ammonia will be much more harsh on the brick, so be careful. Test the mixture first on an extra brick or one that is hidden in the back of the fireplace.

Ammonia can be strong so be sure to have a window open if you use it.

Cleaning Outdoor Patio Brick

Before you clean your outdoor brick, pressure wash the patio using a lower pressure spray, this may be all you need to remove most of the mold, mildew and dirt from the brick and make the actual cleaning and scrubbing easier.

If you have old brick and you are concerned that a pressure washer might damage the brick or chunk out pieces of the mortar, you can wet the patio and use a push broom to clean or contact a professional.

Cleaning Solution

• Add two tablespoons of borax to every gallon of water.

Cleaning Process

Using a hard-bristled long-handled brush, scrub the patio.

Work in sections by pouring a bit of the solution on the brick and then scrubbing.

If you have rust stains from a dripping faucet or hose, use a commercial rust cleaner like Zud instead of the borax mixture.

Rinse with the hose when you’re done using the cleaning solution.

Removing Mold and Mildew from Outside Brick

If mold and mildew won’t come off with the power washer or the borax, try using Stain Solver Oxygen Bleach which is non-toxic and should not harm your plants. Follow the instructions for mixing and the process for cleaning.

If the brick has a heavy amount of mold and mildew, you are going to have to scrub good and hard and it may be best to work in manageable sections. Rinse completely when finished.

If you take the time to clean your brick and do a good job, you’ll keep your brick looking good and keep it in good shape for years to come.

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How to Make Laundry Soap

There are usually three reasons people are interested in making laundry soap.

Saving money, reducing their allergies, and environmental impact.

You will save making homemade laundry detergent versus buying commercial products and you will eliminate some of those allergic reactions that can be caused by chemicals, dyes, and perfumes that are commonly added to products.

Whatever your reason for wanting to make your own, here are step-by-step instructions for making homemade laundry soap.

It’s fairly fast, easy and will clean your clothes as well as any commercial brand.

Soap Recipe:

Here is what you’ll need to get started making your soap.

• A two-quart sauce pan. Once you make homemade laundry detergent in it, don’t make mac and cheese or boil hot dogs in it. Keep this pan specifically for your new hobby.
• A bar of soap, such as Fels Naptha or Ivory
• ½ cup of washing soda
• ½ cup of borax
• Water in these three amounts: 6 cups, 4 cups, one gallon plus 6 cups
• A two-gallon bucket

Step 1:

Grate the soap and place it in the sauce pan. If you don’t want to use your cheese grater, simply cut the soap into thin slivers, although grating can be easier.

• If you’re using Fels Naptha, grate 1/3 of the bar.
• If you’re using Ivory, grate the entire bar.

Step 2:

Add 6 cups of the water to the sauce pan and heat, stirring as the soap melts until it’s completely dissolved.

Step 3:

Add the washing soda and the borax. Both washing soda and borax can be found in the laundry supply aisle of any large grocery or club store. Washing soda and baking soda are two different items. Stir until both are dissolved in the soap and water mixture.

Step 4:

Remove the mixture from the stove and add 4 cups of water to the two-gallon bucket. Add the soap mixture to the water and stir until everything is completely mixed together. Add the remaining gallon plus 6 cups of water to the bucket and stir thoroughly. Let the mixture stand for 24 hours before using.

Add Scent With Essential Oils:

If you like scented laundry detergent, add ½ to 1 ounce of a favorite essential oil to the bucket when you add the gallon plus 6 cups of water. While you can add any essential oil you choose, the most common are citrus oils like lemon and orange.

Quantity To Use:

Your homemade laundry soap will have a gel-like consistency. This recipe is low sudsing, so don’t be concerned if you don’t see a lot of suds. Too many suds actually reduce the ability of the soap to clean and it’s difficult to rinse out completely.

• ½ cup per load, unless the clothes are heavily soiled, then use ¾ cup.

Pre-Treating Clothes Before Washing:

Just as you can pre-treat stains with commercial products, you can also pre-treat clothes with your homemade laundry soap. Simply rub a small amount of gel into the stain and let it sit overnight. Then, wash per the direction on the label.

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Skip the Chemicals and Perfumes Make Your Own Laundry Detergent.

How to Make Laundry Detergent

I have very sensitive skin and so do my kids. Too many times I have bought laundry detergent that irritates someone’s skin. By making my very own laundry detergent, I can control the ingredients that go into it. There’s no additional perfume. Our clothes are clean, and our skin isn’t irritated.

Homemade laundry detergent calls for just 4 easy ingredients and takes just a few minutes to make. It’s 100 percent cleaning ingredients, without any filler. It smells fantastic when you’re washing clothing, it simply smells clean- with no chemical perfume odor.

This is a cost-effective cleaning solution. You use less soap per load than commercial laundry detergent. Since we use soap in this recipe, there will be no detergent residue being left behind like in commercial laundry detergent. (All detergents leave a soapy residue behind). With no soap residue left on your laundry your clothes will be “cleaner” and cotton diapers will stay more absorbent.

It’s not just less costly, this is fantastic laundry washing soap that actually works and it’s much better for the environment too. And using the right ingredients, homemade cleansing solutions work equally well, and even much better, compared to their commercially made alternatives.

Powdered Laundry Detergent Recipe

This laundry detergent is so concentrated that you only use 1 tablespoon for a light load or 2 tablespoons for a heavy load. This homemade detergent will also remove staining far better compared to costly commercial laundry detergent. You might need to use more detergent per load than I specified if you have hard water or well water. (The same is true for any soap being used in hard water).

• 1/2 bar laundry soap (Laundry bar soap is made for washing laundry. Common bar brands are Octagon, Fels-Naptha or Zote)
• 1 cup Borax powder (like 20 mule team)
• 1 cup washing soda or 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup oxygen bleach powder (like oxiclean powder)

Mix the 3 powder ingredients together. After that, grate 1/2 bar of the laundry soap then mix it in to the powder mix slowly and gradually. It’s much easier to combine the bar soap in to the powder in small amounts rather than all of it at the end. Additionally you can process all of the ingredients together until the powder has a sand like texture.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbinate) and washing soda (soda ash) are not the same thing but they work the same way. Washing soda is 2 times stronger than baking soda. The recipe quantities have been adjusted accordingly.

Washing soda and Borax (such as 20 mule team brand) can be found in the laundry aisle at the grocery store. Of course baking soda is in the baking aisle. Laundry bar soap is a soap that is made for washing laundry. Common brands are Octagon, Fels-Naptha or Zote. These are also found in the cleaning or laundry isle at the grocery store.

Oxygen Bleach

Powdered oxygen bleach is made by combining hydrogen peroxide with soda ash or borax. When dissolved in water, the soda ash or borax releases the hydrogen peroxide. This allows it to remove stains and keep colors bright without damaging them in the way that chlorine bleach does.

Bar Laundry Soap

Laundry bar soap like Fels-Naptha are formulated to be low sudsing for use in the washing machine. It is an excellent stain remover and pre-treater working especially well on oil-based stains.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, (bicarbonate of soda, sodium bicarbonate) is a white natural crystalline powder. Baking soda is alkaline. As an alkallai it neutralizes acids and helps to break down proteins. Baking soda is an excellent deodorizer. When added to the water when washing clothing, baking soda will stabilize the pH level of the water which softens the water, making soap or detergent much more effective.

Washing Soda

Washing soda is a highly alkaline white powder that is great to remove stubborn stains from laundry. It makes water softer such as baking soda does. It’s not the same thing as baking soda, although the two compounds are similar. As an alkali it takes 1 part washing soda what it takes to do the same thing with 2 parts of baking soda. Washing soda is caustic, make sure you use gloves when handling.

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How to Clean Without Using Chemicals

There are many benefits to cleaning without chemicals.

Cleaning without chemicals costs less than buying a particular brand name chemical for your every cleaning need. It is also safer for the environment, and it’s safer for you, the family, and your pets.

If you feel that only chemicals can kill germs and thoroughly cleanse, take a look at these household items.

These household solutions can provide you with a safe alternative to the chemicals you might be using now to clean and disinfect your home. For a greener clean, think about adding natural ingredients.

Baking Soda:

Baking soda is excellent for deodorizing and neutralizing odors. Baking soda can:

• Remove stains
• Soften water and lessen the need for laundry detergent
• Cut or soak up grease
• Remove burnt on food
• Applied directly to a most surfaces, it can be used rather than a scrubbing cleanser
• Removes odors from rugs and carpets. Let it sit on the rug for a little while to give it time to work before you vacuum it up.
• Make it into a paste and try it on stains

Here is a general cleaner using baking soda to clean most surfaces.

• 1 quart water
• ¼ cup baking soda

Vinegar:

Vinegar is an excellent household cleaner and can be used on most surfaces (except marble) and many fabrics. Vinegar can:

• Kill most molds and mildews if used full strength and allowed to dry
• Clean windows – Mix 1 ¼ tablespoons of vinegar to a cup of water and add a couple of drops of liquid detergent
• Clean ceramic and tile floors – add ¼ cup of vinegar to one gallon of water and watch grease and dirt wash away

Vegetable Oil:

• Can be used as a furniture polish replacement
• When combined with vinegar or lemon juice it can be used to deep clean wood. Use a 2:1 solution of vegetable oil to vinegar or lemon juice. Put in spray bottle.

Borax:

Mix 1 cup borax and 1 cup of baking soda to make a dish washing detergent. Mix together and use about 2 tablespoons per load.

Rubbing Alcohol:

Great for cleaning chrome. Mix an small amount of rubbing alcohol to water.

Soften and Brighten Fabrics:

By adding ¼ cup of baking soda to the wash cycle or the same amount of white vinegar, these soften and remove cling.

To Help Kill Bacteria, Mold and Viruses:

Use white vinegar to clean most kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

To Clear Drains:

Pour baking soda down the drain and follow with vinegar.

When the drain has unclogged, wash it all down with water.

A plumbers snake is a mechanical alternative to toxic drain cleaners if the baking soda and vinegar refuse to work on a particularly tough clog.

To Freshen the Air in Your Home:

There’s nothing better than opening the windows, when the weather allows, and let in some fresh air.

If the weather is not particularly pleasant, try pouring a box of baking soda into a bowl to remove odors from the air.

Another quick way of freshening your home is to save citrus peels and put them in a bowl on the kitchen counter.

These are just a few ways to use non-chemical cleaners – most of which are found in every home.

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Homemade Window and Glass Cleaner Recipes

I know that cleaning windows is a chore we sometimes put off but clean streak-free windows do make your space bright and cheery!

Making your own homemade window and glass cleaner is relatively inexpensive and just as good or better than the products you buy in the store.

As a matter of fact, you may very well have most of the items you need on the pantry shelf and if you haven’t played chemist since your sophomore year in high school, following one of these recipes will surely bring back fond memories.

So, let’s find out how we can naturally eliminate dirty fingerprints, grime and dirt.

Natural Cleaning Recipe Using Vinegar and Water

White vinegar is a powerful acidic cleaner that dissolves dirt, grease and grime. It’s a natural ingredient in homemade products that your grandmother may have passed down to your mom and mom to you.

It’s an all-around great all-purpose household cleaner. It’s also non-toxic, which means it’s safe to use around children and pets.

To make your own window and glass cleaner with white vinegar, mix the following in a large spray bottle.

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 spray bottle
• 1 label

That’s it. A 50/50 mix of both. After cleaning, dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth.

I like adding about 10 drops essential oil to the mix for a nice scent. Although the vinegar smell dissipates quickly, the essential helps cut the smell.

Using Ammonia, Rubbing Alcohol and Dish Soap

If you’ve been using a commercial window cleaner, you may not know it but they can leave behind a film on windows and glass.

The first time you use a natural homemade cleaner will require a little extra cleaning power to remove the film. This is a great recipe for just that.

• 8 cups water
• 16 ounces rubbing alcohol
• 1/2 cup non-sudsy ammonia
• 1 teaspoon Dawn dish washing liquid
• 1 spray bottle
• 1 label

In a gallon container add 6 cups water, rubbing alcohol and ammonia. Shake a little to mix ingredients, add in the Dawn dish soap and the rest of the water.

Gently shake to mix ingredients then pour into spray bottle.

Rubbing Alcohol and Vinegar to Clean Windows and Glass

Here’s another recipe to try that can also cut through dirt and grime and the rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly reducing the chance of streaks.

• 3/4 cup rubbing alcohol
• 3 Tbsp white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 spray bottle
• 1 label

Make sure to label all spray bottles after making the cleaning solutions and keep out of the reach of children.

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