By Rishma Lalani, Itsabelly Canada
As parents we are always looking for ways to do something better, faster or cheaper. One of the ways we achieve some of those goals in our household is by using safer alternatives to commercial cleaning products. The first step (after you have removed all the “other” products from under your kitchen sink) is to assemble a kit of key ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Salt
- Lemon Juice
- Olive Oil
- Castile Soap
- Borax
- Containers/Spray Bottles/Labels
Now you are ready for your do-it-yourself cleaning mixture. While there are many useful ones, here’s a few of my favorites:
– All Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1 Teaspoon Borax, ½ Teaspoon baking soda, 2 Tablespoons vinegar, ½ Teaspoon liquid castile soap. Then gradually add 2 cups very hot water.
– Window Cleaner: Mix ½ Teaspoon liquid castile soap, 3 Tablespoons Vinegar, 2 Cups water. Mix well and add to a non-aerosol spray bottle.
– Furniture Polish: Mix 1 Cup olive oil, ½ Cup Vinegar (or lemon juice if you prefer the smell). Shake well and apply to cloth.
Lastly, store your cleaning mixtures in air tight containers/spray bottles and label them for future reference.
Interested in learning more? Check out these great on-line resources; Guide To Less Toxic Products ; David Suzuki Foundation; or contact your local Itsabelly Baby Planner.
today to see how you can make your home a little greener cleaner.
As I finish writing this I can just hear my grandmother saying to me…”I told you, this is the way we did it when we were young, simple and cheap.” There is something to be said for listening to our elders and doing things the good old fashioned way…trust me your families’ bodies and the environment will thank you for it!
