Safer cleaning methods for your home!

Here are some simple, Eco friendly recipes and cleaning methods for you to try at home. Each one uses ingredients that are easy to find around the house – and are very cost effective too!

Oven cleaning – oven cleaners are highly toxic, but many of us still use them in our homes. Very harmful to the skin and eyes, and full of ingredients such as: ethylene glycol, potassium hydroxide (lye) and petroleum distillates. We know how much of a pain it can be to clean major appliances such as ovens – but a little bit of patience and a little bit of elbow grease is sure to make them spotless. Instead of those harsh and dangerous cleaners out there, try a simple mixture of water and baking soda. Make a paste with the two ingredients and coat the inside of your oven. Simply wait overnight and scrub off the grime with ease (make sure you are wearing gloves)! Finally, use a damp cloth or sponge to remove leftover bits, and enjoy your safely cleaned oven.

Clogged drains. We hate them. But, is pouring bottle upon bottle of dangerous chemicals down the drain really helping you – or is it simply harming you? Sure, it may sometimes do the trick, but then you are left with remnants of chemicals and a terrible chemical odour that is dangerous for your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Try a simple drain cleaner of baking soda and boiling water. Pour one quarter to one half cup of baking soda down the clogged drain and follow immediately with 1-2 cups of boiling water. If the problem persists, try repeating the steps with vinegar in place of the water. and tightly cover up the drain to allow the fizzy chemical reaction to focus on unclogging the drain. Afterwards flush the drain with boiling water to wash the clog away!

Windows and mirrors are prone to streaking, smudges, and other buildups. An easy alternative to those stinky and headache inducing cleaning sprays are easily found around your home.  A simple mixture of water and white vinegar (or lemon juice in place of vinegar if you don’t like the smell). Mix 1 litre of water with 1 teaspoon of vinegar and pour into a spray bottle. Once you’ve spritzed the surface, use newspaper rather than paper towel to scrub with – this will eliminate any streaking!