Tag Archives: green chemicals recipes

Alternative to bleach

1024966_-environment_concept-There are various greener and safer alternatives to bleach: vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, borax, washing soda, sodium hydrosulfite (salt & water) to name a few.

Hydrogen peroxide is a very popular choice. It is that gentle that is even safe to use as mouthwash! (Please be aware though and do not purchase stronger than 3% for these experiments). To use as a household green cleaner, always choose 3% label. Put it in a spray bottle and use as all-purpose spray or bleach alternative in the bathroom. It will fight off mold and mildew just as well. You can also use it as disinfectant. Apply a small amount to a cotton cloth and wipe away surfaces.

Want to go even greener than that? Replace bleach with lemon juice. Add a cup of lemon juice to your laundry cycle for an extra whitening boost. Pour lemon juice over stains to use as stain remover then, rub with salt and leave to dry in the sun for several hours. If you want to remove stain from hard surfaces, apply mixture of lemon juice and baking soda and allow it to sit for several hours. If necessary, re-apply. You can also use lemon or its juice to sanitize. Do not use lemon for cleaning marble though as this can lead to etching.

Vinegar is very effective alternative to bleach in damp an mold infected areas as it also disinfects and prevents re-appearances.

Even if you are a strong believer of ready made cleaning products and not the ones that you have to mix, peel or would rather use in baking cakes, you can always buy bleach/chlorine free alternatives and protect yourselves and your environment.

Recipes for home-made cleaners

Here are some recipes for home-made chemicals that will help you keep your home sparkling clean!

ALL PURPOSE CLEANER

1 teaspoon borax

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoon vinegar

1/4 teaspoon washing up liquid

2 cup hot water

Mix all ingredients and use on multiple surfaces when needed (you can use lemon instead of vinegar to leave a nice fragrance).

MICROWAVE CLEANER

2 teaspoon baking soda or lemon juice

1 cup water (on a microwave-safe bowl)

Heat for five minutes or until the liquid boils and condensation builds up inside the microwave. Wipe down.

GLASS CLEANER

1 litre water

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon washing up liquid

Mix all ingredients and add to a spray bottle. Use when required.

FURNITURE POLISH

1 cup vegetable oil or olive oil

1/2 cup lemon juice

Put ingredients in a spray bottle, mix well and apply a small amount to a cloth.

OVEN CLEANER

1 cup baking soda

Water

1 teaspoon washing up liquid

Sprinkle the oven with water. Cover with baking soda. Sprinkle with some more water. Let the mixture work for a while. Wipe with a cloth and finish cleaning the oven with a little bit of washing up liquid and a sponge.