Easy Tips for a Cleaner "Green" Apartment

Article by: S. Carson

Have you always wanted to learn how to clean “green” or environmentally friendly? If you run out of cleaning supplies, instead of running to the store, look in your cabinet for these easy solutions. If you are not sure it’s right for the surface you are cleaning, test on a small area first.

Safety Tip: Never combine ammonia-based cleaners with chlorine bleach or products containing bleach, such as powdered or liquid dishwasher detergent. Before doing any mixing, please read the product labels first.

For rust stains on porcelain or enamel sinks and tubs:
Use ½ of a lemon and ½ cup of borax. Dip the lemon into the borax and scrub the surface and rinse. This is not safe for marble or granite.

For cleaning greasy messes:
Mix ½ cup ammonia with enough water to fill a one gallon container. Use ammonia that has a detergent already in it for tough grime. This is great for oven hoods and grills. Dip sponge or mop in solution and be sure to rinse well with water.

For an all-purpose glass cleaner:
2 cups water, ½ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup rubbing alcohol, optional: 1 or 2 drops orange essential oil for a great scent. Use for windows and mirrors. Mix ingredients and add to spray bottle.

Multi purpose cleaning solution:
Mix 4 tablespoons baking soda with 1 quart warm water. A great solution for cleaning kitchen counters, appliances and for deodorizing the refrigerator.

White ring on your furniture remover:
Mix non-gel toothpaste with baking soda. Use a damp cloth and rub the toothpaste mixture with the grain of the wood to buff over the ring. Wipe off with a clean dry cloth. Polish as normal. Do not use on unfinished wood, lacquer or antiques.