I try to keep my home as chemical free as possible. At every opportunity, I try to reduce toxins and pollutants that are introduced to my home and family. Cleaning products are a big source of harsh chemicals with unpronounceable names. They are expensive and not always as effective as simple items from your kitchen cupboards.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild abrasive. It can be used as a base for gentle scouring cleansers and as a deodorizing agent. Washing with a paste of baking soda helps remove mildew. It is also the perfect carpet freshener. Sprinkle on your carpet then allow to sit for 15-20 minutes before vacuuming up.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another cleaning powerhouse. A half cup in laundry can be used to brighten clothing. It is an excellent degreaser. Mix a few tablespoons of lemon juice with a couple cups of water to make a pleasant smelling glass and surface cleaner.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a must have cleaning supply. It is a versatile, powerful cleaning agent. It cuts right through soap scum, cleans grease and plows through grime. It is one of the best deodorizers out there. A cup in the laundry leaves clothes soft as can be and completely deodorized. Vinegar also keeps colors from running within the laundry. Vinegar mixed with water makes a great glass cleaner. One cup of vinegar to a gallon of water is excellent on no-wax floors. It is also a great cleanser for cutting boards. Vinegar and salt mixture removes coffee and tea stains from china. Vinegar also will deodorize a dog after a skunk spraying!
Borax
Borax is another great cleaner. Found in the laundry aisle, it can be a great toilet bowl cleaner. Sprinkle some in the toilet bowl and allow it to sit before swishing it clean. Clean the bottom of your dishwasher by putting a ¼ cup in the bottom of your dishwasher. It also is a great floor cleaner! Three tablespoons per gallon of water for vinyl and tile flooring.