The Maids of Portland, Maine

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Discover The Every Day Choices You Can Make To Create a Healthier and Safer Home For You and Your Family



Clean with 5 Basic ToolsWhite distilled vinegar disinfects and deodorizes.

Acidic vinegar disinfects, deodorizes, and dissolves hard water scale, gummy substances, and tarnish. It also pulls dirt from wood. As a fabric rinse, 1/4 cup of vinegar added to the washing machine’s rinse cycle removes detergent completely from clothes, eliminating that scratchy feel. Recent research also shows that vinegar is an effective weed killer.
•Lemon juice cuts grease and polishes metal.

Lemon juice, also acidic, lightens stains and cuts grease. For a laundry brightener, add 1/2 cup of strained lemon juice to the rinse cycle. To remove tarnish, rub sliced lemons on brass, copper, bronze and aluminum. This work especially well with baking soda sprinkled on the lemon.
•Baking soda has many cleaning and deodorizing uses.

Slightly abrasive and alkaline, this soda ash (a mineral) byproduct neutralizes odors and makes a good sink, tub, oven and countertop scourer.

Deodorize: Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge. Sprinkle it on carpets before vacuuming. Line kitty’s litter box with about 1 cup before adding litter.

To de-grease and sweeten sink and tub drains, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down drain followed by 1 cup vinegar; let bubble for 15 minutes; rinse with hot water.

For a "soft scrub," mix together baking soda and liquid soap. Make only as much as you need, as it dries up quickly.
•Washing soda is a stronger alternative to baking soda.

Found in the supermarket laundry aisle, washing soda is baking soda’s more caustic cousin. It’s stronger and also requires the use of gloves and more rinsing, so save for extra-stubborn stains.

To clean extra-greasy ovens, apply a paste of 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup of washing soda, and water; soak overnight. The next morning, lift off soda mixture and grime; rinse well.

Add 1/2 cup washing soda to laundry as a detergent booster.

Watch A Wake Up Story from Healthy Child Healthy World.

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