These days, most consumers are trying to buy at least a few products considered green or eco-friendly. But what’s a consumer to do with so many different companies now jumping on the bandwagon and flooding the market with supposedly green products. With the increased costs of these products, many consumers start to feel bad because they can’t afford these products. The reason most of us want to buy these products is to reduce the amount of toxins and poisons we expose our families to. It’s only common sense that a product that recommends using in a well-ventilated area or wearing rubber gloves to use couldn’t be healthy for our families. So, buyer beware……and be aware!
You need to be consistent by reading labels before you buy anything. There are no regulations on these products, in other words, no watchdog to keep us safe. And, you will find that many companies are continuing to include chemicals in their “clean” products and possibly just changing the name. They raise the price, call it green and continue to rake in the profits.
There is a solution for the everyday consumer though, and that’s to make your own products. It’s an easy process, doesn’t take a lot of time and can often be made for a very minimal cost. I would like to share with you a few common products that are safe to use anywhere in your home and especially won’t harm children or pets.
Product Recipes
Best All-Purpose Cleaner
-2 teaspoon of castile soap
-5 tablespoons of vinegar (just use the cheap white vinegar)
-2 teaspoons of borax
-1 teaspoon baking soda
- Mix with 4 cups of hot water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of essential oils for kicks. You can use a mixture of two or just one. Oils that I’ve tried are lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, sweet orange or peppermint (eucalyptus and lavender go nicely together).
- I also add about a 1/4 of a teaspoon of tea tree oil for its anti-septic benefits.
Now, load your cleaner into a spray bottle, and use it on anything besides glass. (Original recipe from http://tinyurl.com/cxq9zss)
All Natural Drain Cleaner
- Mix ¾ to 1 c. baking soda into drain.
- Pour ½ c. vinegar into drain. Immediately cover drain with plug or plate, not allowing anything to escape.
- Let sit for at least 30 minutes, not using drain during this time.
- Remove plug and run hot water into pipes for 2-3 minutes.
- For really tough clogs, you may need to repeat. I find, though, if you use this procedure on a regular basis, it will keep your drains fresh and clear.
These are just two of the products I use and I do have more, if you are interested. But, as you can see, there is very little cost for the items going into these cleaners and they do work. I’d love to for you to share any products that you personally use.
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