Green Cleaning Recipe Ideas

Countertops

• Mix 1 cup water, 1 cup apple cider or white vinegar and 1 teaspoon baking soda in a spray bottle to use for cleaning kitchen counter tops. Spray the mixture on counter tops and wipe clean with a dry rag. For fragrance, add 10 drops lemon or orange essential oil to the mixture. Shake well before using.

Windows and Mirrors

• Clean windows and mirrors with vinegar and water. Put 2 tablespoons white vinegar into 1 gallon water and mix well. Pour into a spray bottle to clean windows and mirrors. Spray on the mixture and wipe clean with paper towels. If the smell of vinegar is annoying, use lemon juice or club soda instead.

Floors

• Add 2 cups white or apple cider vinegar to a 3-gallon bucket of water. Mix well, and use the solution to mop the floors. For linoleum or wood floors, add one-fourth cup vegetable oil to add shine to the floors. For hardwood floors, mix one-fourth cup white vinegar with 4 cups warm water. Put into a spray bottle and spray on the floors. Wipe clean with a cotton mop. Use this same mixture to clean wood furniture.

Bathroom

• Use baking soda and water to create an abrasive to clean toilets, tubs and bathroom tiles. Sprinkle baking soda on the tub, toilets or tile. Scrub with a moist sponge until clean. For tougher grime, use kosher salt instead of baking soda to help scrub it away. Spray lemon juice and vinegar on stains or mildew. Wipe clean with a damp rag. Instead of bleach, make your own disinfectant by mixing 2 cups water, 3 tablespoons liquid soap and 30 drops tea tree oil. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and use to clean the bathroom.

Carpets and Rugs

• For fresh spills, lift any away solids still on the carpet. Pour a small amount of club soda on the spill. Blot the spot with a dry rag. The carbonation helps bring the stain to the surface for easier cleaning. For large spills, pour cornmeal on the spill. Allow it to stand for about five minutes, then vacuum up the mess. After cleaning the spots, use a spot cleaner to finish off any stain left behind. Mix one-fourth cup liquid soap or detergent in a blender with one-third cup water until foamy. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle and spray directly on the stain. Rinse with a dry rag and vinegar until the stain is gone.