Chemicals in Household Cleaners
Metals are not the only things that pollute the water. Certain house cleaners contain harsh chemicals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia, that are dangerous to the marine wildlife when discharged into the water. When the chemicals reach the water, they can cause algae blooms. Algae use most of the oxygen in the water and block the sunlight from other plants and marine animals, which can cause deaths. In order to prevent this from happening, we ask you to try out these natural cleaners in your home!
Bathtub Cleaner Using Grapefruit and Salt
Materials
1 Grapefruit 1/4 cup coarse kosher salt Directions 1. Halve Grapefruit: 1 medium to large grapefruit will clean your entire bath or shower from top to bottom, including all the fixtures. Simply cut it in half with a knife and you'll be all set. 2. Sprinkle With Salt: Using 1 grapefruit half at a time, sprinkle the top liberally with salt. Wet your bathtub and sprinkle the remaining salt around the bottom. 3. Get to scrubbing! Scrub your grapefruit around your shower or tub, making sure to slightly "juice" the citrus over each fixture and lifting it every few seconds to pick up fresh salt from around the tub instead of just pushing it around. You can also use the rind on stubborn areas. 4. Rinse: When all is said and done, simply rinse away the pulpy bits and the salt and your shower is as good as new. |
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Burnt Pan Cleaner Using Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Water
Materials
1 cup of vinegar 2 tablespoons of baking soda 1 cup of water (give or take depending on the size of your pan) 1 scourer Directions 1. Fill the bottom of the pan with a layer of water. 2. Add the vinegar. 3. Bring the pan to the boil. It should be looking a bit cleaner already. 4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the baking soda. Expect fizz! 5. Empty the pan and scour as normal; if necessary add an extra bit of dry baking soda. 6. If there are any super stubborn marks that don't come off with scouring, make a paste of baking soda and a couple of drops of water. Leave the paste on the marks for a while and return to clean as normal. 7. Ta-da! Now you can put your feet up and enjoy the many hours you saved yourself standing over the sink. |
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Wood Polish Using Lemon, Olive Oil, and Water
Materials
1 lemon 1 tbs Olive oil 1 tbs Water 1 small container with air-tight lid 1 strainer 1 microfiber cloth Directions 1. Cut lemon in half and squeeze juice into container. I recommend straining the pulp and seeds. 2. Add tablespoon of olive oil. 3. Add tablespoon of water. 4. Tighten lid and shake until emulsified. 5. Pour small amount of polish onto cloth and begin wiping-down your furniture. |
You can search the web for additional recipes or visit the websites below:
<http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/20-diy-green-cleaning-recipes-141129>
<http://www.rodalenews.com/homemade-cleaning-products?page=0>
<http://www.keeperofthehome.org/natural-cleaning>