Earth Friendly, "Do it Yourself" Cleaner and Polisher Formulas

Here are some guided tips on how to create your own natural formulas for household cleaning and polishing. These are great methods that are not only effective, but safe for you and the environment.

Drain Cleaner

For less sever drain cleaning, slightly heat a half a cup of salt with four liters of water and pour the solution down the drain. For more severe drain cleaning, pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then follow with half a cup of vinegar. The end results will be the breakdown of fatty acids into soap and glycerin, allowing any clogs to be washed down the drain. After fifteen minutes, pour some boiling water to clear residue. Do not follow up with boiling water if you have plastic plumbing. Also, do not attempt this method right after using a commercial product drain clog remover.

Oven Cleaner

Use a sponge with water to dampen the oven surface. Make a thick solution by combining ¾ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of salt, and ¼ cup of water. Spread the paste all over the oven interior, but avoid any openings. Let the formula sit overnight. The next day, remove the paste with a spatula and wipe the oven down. For tougher spots, rub the areas gently with fine steel wool scrubber.

Window Cleaner

Combine two teaspoons of vinegar with one liter or quart of warm water. Apply the solution to the window and use crumpled newspaper or a cotton cloth to wipe clean. Avoid cleaning windows if the sun is shining directly on them or streaks will appear.

Scouring Powder

For areas that want you want to avoid being scratched such stove tops and the refrigerator use baking soda. Use a damp sponge with baking soda and clean the surface.

Furniture Polish

For polishing varnished wood surfaces, combine a few drops of lemon oil with half a cup of warm water. Spray the solution on to a slightly damp cotton cloth. Use the cloth to wipe the surfaces. Use a dry cotton cloth after to dry. For unvarnished wood surfaces, combine two teaspoons of olive oil and lemon juice respectively and apply a little bit of the solution to a cotton cloth. Scrunch the cloth together to ensure that the mixture is spread over the cloth. When wiping the surfaces with the cloth, use wider strokes to evenly distribute the formula on the wood.

Source: http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm