Going Green Cheap - Kitchen Cleaning

With global warming in the media so much lately, more people are thinking about ways to go green. While high dollar changes such as a hybrid car may not be possible right now, small changes in our daily routine can help make a difference. And although businesses are starting to provide products that are more eco-friendly, often they are more expensive, and sometimes hard to find. But before you give up, or give in to higher prices, take a look at some products readily available in grocery stores that can help you go green, and help save money at the same time. Let's explore kitchen cleaning possibilities.

Baking soda - Where you would normally use a disinfecting scrub such as Comet you can substitute baking soda. This is good for cutting boards and countertops. To clean and eliminate odors in your microwave, put a bowl with ½ cup of water and two tablespoons of baking soda in the microwave on high for one minute. Remove the bowl and wipe with a damp cloth. Scrub out your blender by filling it half way with hot water, adding a tablespoon of baking soda, and blending for two minutes. You probably know already about keeping an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator to remove odors, but you can also use baking soda as a scrub to get rid of stains and persistent smells. To clean fruits and vegetables place them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons baking soda and water. Rinse before cooking or serving. Baby bottles and caps can be disinfected by being placed in a pot of boiling water with 3 tablespoons baking soda for 3-5 minutes. Nipples can be soaked in a large bowl filled with hot water and about 1 tablespoon baking soda. Rinse completely and dry afterwards.

Salt - Regular table salt can help remove stains from your coffee pot by putting 1 cup water and 4 teaspoons salt in the pot and swirling the mixture around. Rinse and wash as usual. For help in removing baked-on food in casserole dishes, add 3 tablespoons salt and 1 cup boiling water. Let the dish stand until the water cools, then wash it as usual.

Lemons - Putting lemon peels down your garbage disposal helps freshen the drain. After you place them in the disposal, run it briefly with warm water. You can also use lemons and salt together as a scrubber by cutting a lemon in half, squeezing the juice out onto your countertops, then putting salt on it and using it to scrub. Clean grease off cabinet doors by using ¼ cup lemon juice mixed with 1 quart of hot water.

Vinegar - White distilled vinegar can be used to clean the kitchen floor by adding ½ cup per quart of warm water. For a countertop and appliance cleaner, buy a spray bottle and mix a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water. Get rid of buildup in your coffeemaker by running 1 brewing cycle of cold water and 1/4 cup vinegar. Follow with a cycle of clean water. You can keep your dishwasher clean by running a cycle with a cup of white vinegar once a month in an empty dishwasher. To remove odors from the sink or garbage disposal, pour in a cup or more vinegar. Do not rinse out again for at least an hour.

Helping the environment doesn't require major lifestyle changes or spending more money. With a few basic staples you can be more eco-friendly and ease wallet strain at the same time.