Switch to natural cleaners?

We have all heard how everyone is switching to natural cleaners. I often use vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to clean in my home but I also love my bleach! I have no problem with natural cleaners as long as they work and do not cost a small fortune.

When I was told that Clorox had come out with Green works, a natural line of cleaners I was interested. I saw it at WalMart yesterday for a under $3 so I grabbed a bottle. I tried it on a few things today and was not impressed at all. So unimpressed that I did my own little cleaning experiment using it and my other two favorite cleaners that are not "green".

I started by throwing some red drink mix and coffee on my counter. I let it set for about 30 minutes then i grabbed all my cleaners.

Here are the results.....

I was very disappointed with the cleaning power of the Clorox Green Works and I will not be buying it again. I am willing to try others but for now I will stick with my bleach and Fantastik.

:) Yes, I know that I spelled Clorox wrong on the picture. :)

Challenge #2

Time to tackle the bathroom.

Keep a caddy under the sink with all the supplies that you need. You will save lots of time by having everything you need in one place.

A good list of things to keep in your caddy includes

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Toilet brush
Soft Scrubbing Cleaner
Air Freshener
Glass Cleaner

Bleach

Bathroom Cleaner or Wipes
Sponges, Paper Towels, Cleaning Cloths
Scrubbers
Gloves
Silver or Metal Polish

1. Pour some toilet clean or bleach in the toilet but do not clean it.

2. Start by gathering all dirty clothes and throwing it in the hamper.

3. Throw any trash laying around into the trash can and remove the bag. You can put several bags in the can and just grab out the full one. You have a new one waiting under it.

4. Wipe down the tub and sink area with a disinfectant wipe. This should not take long if you keep the tub fairly clean. If you tub is really and do a through cleaning then learn to stay on top it. The key is to not let things get out of hand to begin with

5. Grab the toilet brush and clean the inside of the toilet. Use wipes to clean the outside, seat, and etc.

6. Clean the mirror

7. Grab any items that do not belong in the bathroom and put them in a box or bag. You can keep a nice basket in the bathroom to hold these items as they accumulate. I suggest stashing it in a cabinet because no one wants to see your clutter.

8. Put everything that belongs in the bathroom in it's proper place. It also helps to teach you family to put it back there when they are done using it. ;)

9. Sweep and Mop.

10. Spray some air freshener.

Breathe!!! You just cleaned your bathroom and burned quite a few calories.

Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda is a common item that can be found in most households. It is also very inexpensive and has many uses. I will add more uses for baking soda to this list in the future.

*To fill in a small hole, mix a bit of baking soda and a bit of white glue until you have a paste, then use your fingers to ply the paste to fill in the hole.

*Apply a paste of baking soda and water to soothe and cool a sunburn.

* Adding a pinch of baking soda to beans as they're cooking and it will reduce their gas-producing properties.

*Make your own baking powder, stir and sift together 2 parts of Cream of Tartar to 1 part baking soda and 1 part cornstarch.

* Wash fruits and vegetables in a pot of cold water with 2-3 table-spoons baking soda. The baking soda will remove some of the impurities on the fruit.

* Clean your wooden or plastic cutting board clean by scrubbing it with a paste made from 1 tablespoon each baking soda, salt, and water. Then rinse thoroughly with hot water.

* Make your own dishwashing detergent by mixing 2 tablespoons baking soda with 2 tablespoons borax.

* Remove crayon marks from the wall using a damp rag, dip it in some baking soda, and lightly scrub the marks.

*Deodorize rugs and carpets with homemade carpet freshener. Pour a large box of baking soda in a zip lock bag and add some fragrance oil. Mix thoroughly and sprinkle on carpet. Let it set for 15 minutes then vacuum it up.

* There is an easy way to remove tar from your car. Make a soft paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply to the tar spots with a damp cloth. Let it dry for five minutes, then rinse clean.

* Deodorized cat litter is to expensive when you can make it yourself. . Just put a thin layer of baking soda under the bargain-brand litter to absorb the odor or mix baking soda with the litter as you're changing it.

Washing Machine Tip Time

* Over time your washing machine will build up soap scum. To clean it add one cup of white vinegar to an empty washer and run a small load cycle using the hottest setting. Your machine with run smoother and your clothes will come out cleaner.

* Add a 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash when you add your regular liquid detergent. The baking soda will give you whiter whites, brighter brights, and odor free clothing.

* Hard water can cause clothes to become dull or dingy after several washings. Add a couple of pinches of ordinary table salt to the washer with the detergent and your colored clothes will come out much brighter.