I had a letter from Mindy. She is from the Portland area and is getting psyched for spring cleaning. Mindy is looking for a green way to clean her home. Yes, “green” is the buzz word for the masses, however, it is cheaper and often times works better than the commercially available products. I had to do the research and am having difficulty finding “washing soda” locally. Maybe our local grocers can help us out. I have some left from a long ago purchase and will tell you, it works amazingly well. With these ingredients, you will be able to clean your home for the spring cleaning ritual we all sooo “enjoy”. Yes, there is an amazing satisfaction in finishing your spring cleaning, stepping back with a sigh and telling yourself “job well done”. Of course, just wait until the kids get home.
Homemade Glass Cleaner
1/ 2 cup Lemon juice
2 cups water
1 spray bottle
Mix together in spray bottle-needs no rinsing-spray, wipe dry.
Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe
Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Toilet bowl cleaner
1/ 2 cup Baking Soda
1/ 2 cup Lemon juice or vinegar
Sprinkle baking soda into toilet bowl, follow with lemon juice or vinegar, let soak for a few minutes, scrub and flush.
All Purpose Cleaner
1/ 2 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar to a gallon of water
Add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil (such as lavender) for scent.
Use a spray bottle or a bucket.
All Purpose Grease Cutter
1/2 teaspoon washing soda
(Arm and Hammer makes one that used to be available locally)
A dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot tap water
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake until the washing soda has dissolved. Apply and wipe off with a sponge or rag.
Furniture Polish Recipe
Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
Shake well and apply a small amount to a flannel cleaning rag or cleaning cloth. Spread evenly over furniture surface. Turn cloth to a dry side and polish dry.
Add one cup of undiluted white vinegar to the laundry rinse cycle instead of commercial fabric softener. White vinegar softens clothes and cuts detergent residue—a plus for family members with sensitive skin.
These are just a few recipes I found-I have also tried several that call for ammonia. These are made so inexpensively, that it would be difficult to justify why you wouldn’t try one.
If you have a recipe for a cleaning product that you like, let me know.
Keep writing, have a great week, and we’ll talk more next time. Please contact me at susieqcooking@ainop.com or c/o Pioneer Times, P.O. Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730
