Ditch the Disposables Challenge: Paper towels and household cleaners
So far things have been going well with the re-useable cloths instead of paper towels. I get out 2 each morning, one for cleaning the babies and one for spills and general cleaning. I use new ones each day for 4-5 days then wash all of them with a larger load, no need for a special load, which saves energy.
In addition, I have stopped buying many household cleaners. I have found that the cleaners made at home with simple ingredients that are cheap and readily available work just as well as, if not better than, store brands. My all-purpose cleaner of choice is a 50/50 split of white vinegar and water. For clogged drains I pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar, allow that to sit for a few minutes then flush down with a gallon of boiling water. I use Borax and washing soda when I wash the kids cloth diapers and I'm planning on making laundry detergent with them as well. Check out Earth Easy for tons of great non-toxic home care tips.
4 comments:
I will have to try some of your tips. I like the sound of the natural cleaners!
Just surfin' the blogs and found you. Just wanted to say Hi and nice blog!
I have been making changes like this for the last couple months. I am amazed how well vinegar and ammonia work.
Thanks, Carolyn! I too was surprised with vinegar; I wasn't about to have my house smelling like a salad bowl. heh. But once it evaporates there's no smell at all, a great deodorizer!
Karen, your great-grandmother always cleaned our windows with vinegar and water, and then dried them with NEWSPAPER!
Absolutely streak-free!
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