|
|
Safe Cleaning ProductsWe can clean our house safely. There are some easy to remember rules that serve as a good starting point: If you can't pronounce it – you probably shouldn't be using it! If in doubt - leave it out! Prior to the chemical revolution that started post World War II, people used a limited number of simple substances to keep their house clean and pest free. People had available to them soap, baking soda, washing soda, ammonia, borax, alcohol, cornstarch, and other food ingredients. With these ingredients they were able to clean, deodorise, polish wood or metal, disinfect, remove stains, repel pests, clean pets, wash and starch clothes and linen, and many other domestic jobs. Not all of the substances were non-toxic eg ammonia, but people also had few other toxins in their environment. Very few substances are needed to clean our houses safely. The basic cleaning kit needs only:
Vinegar Vinegar is made from soured apple juice, grain or wine, and contains approximately 5 percent acetic acid – making it a mild acid. Vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits, grease, remove traces of soap, remove mildew or wax build-up, polish some metals, and deodorise. It can be used to clean brick or stone. It is normally mixed with water before use. Baking Soda Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. It is a naturally occurring material, present in most organic life forms. It can be made from sodium carbonate or soda ash. Next to vinegar it is the most useful non-toxic household cleaning product. It can neutralise acid, scrub shiny materials without scratching, deodorise, and extinguish oil fires. Like vinegar, baking soda has three major attributes that make it indispensable:
Cornstarch Cornstarch is made from corn and can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs and to starch clothes. Castille Soap Castille soap is a traditional soap made predominantly from olive oil. It is mild but effective and can be used in the laundry, bathroom, and kitchen. Borax Borax is sodium borate. It is a naturally occurring mineral compound best known as a laundry booster and water softener. It is also an excellent multi-purpose household cleaner with many uses. Lemon Juice Lemon juice contains citric acid. It is useful as a deodoriser and can be used to clean glass and remove stains from aluminium, clothes and porcelain. It is a mild bleach if used with sunlight. Specific Applications Fabric Softeners A safe way to soften clothes during washing is to:
|
|