The Good, the Green, and the Clean: Sustainable Cleaning Methods Made Easy

Health concerns, rising grocery costs, and global warming. These are the realities behind today's headlines, and although they many seem overwhelming, there is something you can do about it. These 7 homemade cleaning combinations are made of ingredients that are cheep and easy to find (I'll bet you even have most of them already) and are sure to make your home sparkle!

1. White Vinegar and Water. At ¼ part white vinegar and ¾ part water, this gentle cleaner will leave your glass surfaces shining. Want to save even more resources? Use old newspaper for a recycled streak-free clean.
2. White Vinegar and Rice. Need to clean those hard to get nooks in your glass decanters? Swish a combination of ¼ part white vinegar, ¼ uncooked rice, and ½ part water to gently remove the problematic dirt.
3. Baking Soda, Water, and White Vinegar. Add ¼ part baking soda to ¼ part white vinegar and wait for the fuzz to subside. Once the bubbles have stopped, add ½ part water and combine to make a thick paste. This paste can be made in larger batches and is perfect for cleaning tubs, toilets, and countertops.
4. Baking Soda and Water. Combine ¼ part baking soda and ¾ part water to clean your coffee pot and blender, the baking soda will gently cleans and deodorize while the water flushes the dirt away.
5. Lemon. Rub a cut piece of lemon over wooden cutting boards to get rid of unpleasant smells. Combine a ½ cup lemon juice with a ½ cup water and cook in the microwave for 30 seconds. This will loosen up interior dirt for easy clean up and leave the appliance smelling fresh.
6. Lemon and Salt. After washing lacquered brass or copper in warm, soapy water, shine it up by dipping half a lemon in salt and rubbing gently. Remember to wash the brass after the lemon treatment, and try a toothbrush for those hard to reach places!
7. Homemade Potpourri. Avoid chemically produced fragrances by saving flowers from arrangements and raiding your pantry for yummy smells to make you own all natural air freshener. Try lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, limes, and lemons.

Making your own cleaning products can save your family money and lower your carbon foot print, all while making sure your home is free of harmful chemicals. I'm excited to bring you these green cleaning tips every week, and I hope you'll continue to join me as we explore the good, the green, and the clean!