What are some safe and natural products that can be used to clean a home or its

1. 93

   AliciaCposted 12 years ago

   What are some safe and natural products that can be used to clean a home or its contents?
   
   How effective are these products?

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2. 80

   msvioletsposted 12 years ago

   Vinegar, of course, is a natural disinfectant.  Combined with baking soda and elbow grease it's very effective at killing bacteria, baking soda helps scrub things clean very well but needs extra arm power. 
   I know some people who use vodka as a cleaning agent, too.  (It's antibacterial antimicrobial action works) 
   
   Chemicals just make cleaning a little easier on your muscles.

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3. 71

   debbie robertsposted 12 years ago

   Vinegar is brilliant stuff, I use it to break down soap residue in the bathroom and I keep a water spray in the kitchen full of vinegar to disinfect the work surfaces. Spray it and leave for five - ten minutes then wipe off...Not advisable for marble surfaces though!!...I dilute to wipe down wooden surfaces, dry with a piece of kitchen roll....It's also an effective air freshener, spray into the air and the smell of vinegar won't linger for long.
   I also put lemon in a small amount water in the microwave give it a zap for a couple of minutes, then let it sit for a couple of minutes to let the lemony steam break down any grease or food residue and it removes any lingering smells in the microwave too.

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4. 60

   catalystsnstarsposted 12 years ago

   Anything citrus is your friend. In addition you can also purchase extracts that you dilute with water and will do wonders for you.
   
   As mentioned already, vinegar is great for cleaning but unfortunately it has an unpleasant odor to it. Which is why I like the citrus idea.
   
   For washing clothes, you can actually use peroxide instead of bleach.
   
   For cleaning, i only trust Method and Seventh Generation because. Which reminds me, thyme oil or extract and peppermint.
   
   Also look into using olive oil for wood, that works just great as well, in fact oil oil can be used for your body and hair too.
   
   Pretty much, stay with the products that have the simplest, easiest to understand ingredients. I'd like to know though, the reason behind the question?

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5. 93

   AliciaCposted 12 years ago

   Thank you for your suggestions, everyone. Catalystsnstars, the reason for my question is that I’m concerned about the safety of my pets as well as the safety of the environment. I have two dogs, three cats and two birds (which are usually out of their cages and can fly) in my home. One of the dogs in particular loves to investigate everything with his nose and mouth and pick things up to carry them around. I do try to buy “green” cleaning products, but I’m interested in getting more ideas for safe products that are not likely to hurt pets or damage the environment. I’m also very interested in people’s experiences with these cleaning products, because I'd like to know whether they actually work, and what their drawbacks are.

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6. 81

   Marcy Goodfleischposted 12 years ago

   +3 (or 4?) for vinegar. Also the citrus tip. Both work wonders with cleaning; they're cheap, non-polluting and easy on allergies.

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7. 85

   Robie Benveposted 12 years ago

   Make your home a healthier place for you and your family by cleaning with white distilled vinegar. read more

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