Cleaning cues

Ok, so I am completely opposed to almost all cleaning products on the market, and am entirely sceptical when they claim to be "natural". So what do I endorse??

Firstly, and obviously, microfibre cloths are the way to go. Microfibre cloths are made from fibres that are 1/100th the size of a strand of human hair. The fibres in the cloths are split in such a way they trap dirt, dust and moisture. They have the capacity to collect tiny particles and can hold up to 7x their weight - which means they loosen AND collect dirt and grime, rather than just moving it.

However, I appreciate some jobs are just too big and the microfibre cloths need a helping hand. But this is not when you reach for the anti-bacterial spray or the strongest smelling bathroom cleaner. There are healthier, and cheaper alternatives.

Below is a list of things that you should have in your cleaning cupboard (and please note that although these are all natural products, they should still be kept out of reach of children and used with care. Natural products can still cause reactions in some people... but it is satisfying to know that some of these products are often used in cooking as well - can't say I've ever considered putting pine-o-clean in my sponges... have you!?)

Vinegar has been around for hundreds of thousands of years and has many uses - culinary, medicinal and environmental. It has antibacterial and disinfectant properties and is fabulous for cutting through soap residue.

• Add 1/4 cup of vinegar to a bucket of hot water to mop your floors (add a few drops of your favorite essential oil as well if you like).
• Fill a spray bottle with 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water and keep in your kitchen to clean bench and stove tops.
• Wipe down bathroom surfaces with 2 cups of vinegar mixed in a bucket of warm water to prevent mildew from forming.
• Soak a towel in vinegar and wrap it around your showerhead over night to remove build-up. Remove the towel and run water through it the following day.
• Dilute 1/4 cup of vinegar in a bucket of boiling water. Pour into and scrub your toilet to clean, deodorise and disinfect.

Bi-carb soda is made from soda ash - naturally mined and refined. It can be added with vinegar or water to help lift grime. It can also help in eliminating odours.

• Sprinkle bi-carb on your kitchen sink and drain, then spray or pour some vinegar over it. The reaction between the two will lift grit, grime and benchtop stains. Wipe well with a damp cloth.
• Keep an open container of bi-carb in your fridge to eliminate odours.
• Use a damp cloth with some bi-carb sprinkled on it to make a scouring paste for the bath, shower, oven or fridge. Rinse well.
• Sprinkle bi-carb onto carpet spills. Allow to settle, then vacuum.

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral. It also disinfects. It is not harmful to washing machines, plumbing or septic tanks. It is extremely useful in the laundry for hand washing and stain removing, deodorising bins, fridges and sinks, attacking mould and removing stains from carpets.

• As a fabric softener use 1tbsp of borax for every 4.5ltrs of water in your washing machine
• Sprinkle in areas infested with ants or cockroaches (please be aware if small children are in this area)
• Use 1 part borax to one part washing soda to use for dish washing.

Essential oils are very handy for adding to a bucket of hot water to mop the floor or clean the toilet with. They leave a natural and pleasant smell throughout the house.

A fly swat!!! Insecticide sprays used to repel or kill flies and insects are made up of poisons that are believed to accumulate and stay in the fatty tissue of our bodies and can cause hormonal problems, sterility and damage our skin and respiratory tract. When you spray fly spray or the like around it might kill the annoying creature, but it also settles on your skin, bench tops, cutlery etc etc.

Cleaning costs you your time, it shouldn't cost you your health.... !

Comments

[Sam]

Steam cleaning is the best method of cleaning in an environmentally manner. Most shops sell them or you can google them to find an on line store selling them. Price wise they vary but when you think how much you will save in cleaning product costs and your time as they speed up the clenaing process they are worth every penny. They can also be used to steam clean carpets, ovens fridges and much more. We sue them to steam clean mattresses as they kill bacteria and allergens that a hoover cannot remove.
Some of our office cleaning contracts are now asking for a monthly clenaing of there kitchens and bathrooms to complete sanitise the areas and produce a healthier cleaning environment.

http://www.cleanerlondon.com/.