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.
I will have to try some of your tips. I like the sound of the natural cleaners!
ReplyDeleteJust surfin' the blogs and found you. Just wanted to say Hi and nice blog!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteKaren, your great-grandmother always cleaned our windows with vinegar and water, and then dried them with NEWSPAPER!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely streak-free!