Posted on May 23, 2014 by Miller and Smith Blog Team
We all know the Spring brings with it lots of showers to usher in the best and most colorful highlights of the year. It’s the time of year that is synonymous with springtime and, for homeowners, that annual deep housecleaning. Most notably though, we celebrate and respect the greater home we all share on Earth Day. This spring, you can honor Mother Earth by going greener at home. Try swapping out your cleaning products for natural methods using these recipes and ingredients you may find in your kitchen pantry or medicine cabinet. Not only are they the cheaper alternative, but they will keep your home fresh and safe for people, pets and the planet Earth we call home.
Ingredients:
Recipes:
• TUB AND TILE CLEANER
Combine 1 2/3 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup vegetable oil-based liquid soap in a jar or spray bottle and add 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoons vinegar. Shake before using. Apply with a cloth or sponge and rinse well.
• SCOURING POWDER:
Combine 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup borax, and 1 cup kosher salt in a jar. Sprinkle on area to be cleaned, wipe with a sponge, and rinse.
• TOILET BOWL CLEANER:
Mix 1/4 cup borax or baking soda and 1 cup vinegar in the toilet. Let it sit for 15 minutes (or longer, if necessary), scrub, and flush.
• GLASS CLEANER:
In a spray bottle, combine 1/4 cup vinegar and 4 cups warm water. Use to clean glass or mirrors with a dry cloth or piece of newspaper.
• DRAIN CLEANER:
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into drain followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let it sit and fizz for 15 minutes, then rinse with hot or boiling water. May need to repeat or leave baking soda and vinegar in overnight.
• FLOOR SANITIZER:
In a bucket, mix 1/2 cup borax with 2 gallons hot water. Apply with a mop or sponge. Rinsing is not necessary.
• SOAP SCUM REMOVER:
Sprinkle on baking soda, scrub with a cloth or sponge, and rinse. Vinegar or kosher salt also work.
• CALCIUM OR LIME REMOVER:
For calcium or lime deposits on a chrome faucet, soak a towel in vinegar and wrap it around the faucet. Let it sit for a couple of hours or overnight.
• MOLD OR MILDEW REMOVER:
Mix 1/2 cup borax and 1/2 cup vinegar to make a paste. Scrub with a brush or sponge and rinse with water. For tough mold, let it sit for an hour before rinsing with water.
At Miller & Smith, we feel an environmental responsibility to build homes that honor Earth every day. By promoting cleaner water and conservation through the use of Flowguard Gold CPVC pipes and fittings, and low flow showerheads, faucets and toilets. We eliminate unnecessary energy use through the use of Energy Star refrigerators and dishwashers and use environmentally friendly products whenever possible. That responsibility doesn’t stop after a home is built, construction waste is taken to a local plant where it’s recycled for the most efficient use of resources. We’re in the home business. And the home we all share is no exception.