Another repeat today. I thought I’d share some green cleaning ideas. Last year I posted about this vinegar spray that works great for glass and stainless steel. And you can also use vinegar as a weed killer — just pour it directly onto your weeds on a dry day. My weeds were dead just hours later, but you must be careful not to get it near the plants you want to keep!
I don’t use the vinegar mixture to clean my counters anymore, but prefer to use a little Dr. Bronner’s castile soap mixed with water for kitchen counter tops, sinks and other solid surfaces. I use baking soda to clean sinks, tubs and toilets. I have not attempted natural laundry detergent because I’m afraid to aggravate my already temperamental front-loading washing machine, but I’d like to try. You can save a lot of money on cleaners by going natural.
Great tip about weed killer. I made the detergent and my front loader hated it!!! I think it is affecting the fabric softener dispenser. Crazy! Those front loaders can be horribly temperamental!
I LOVE Dr. Bronner’s soap! It can be used for absolutely everything: dishwashing detergent, toothpaste (not very tasty, but it gets the job done), and even laundry deterget. Just a capful for an entire load of laundry. I have even used it to get red wine stains out of white carpet. No lie.
We’re pretty hooked on the many uses of vinegar…my husband says “that’s the smell of clean!”.
good stuff…a little in your dog’s water is supposed to keep them free of fleas! amazing!
Just curious…why did you switch to the Dr. Bronner’s for your countertops?
thanks!
-anna
Great ideas! Love your blog! :-)))
Hey! I’m going to try that on some icky weeds! Thanks!
a great washing machine natural detergent is Charlie’s , it comes in liquid or powder….works wonderfully and gets cloths really soft and clean, without softeners scents and chems…my son has allot of allergies and this is the best natural deturgent we have tried!
http://www.charliesoap.com/products.asp?cartID=B3AA732FB4F94919AF5A0E3174870026
sorry about the typing doing it one handed with a very squirmy boy on my lap
– linnie
Looooove Dr. Bronner’s! And vinegar, too. 😉 Good tips!
will definitely try vinegar for my weeds! also love using dr bronners as a shampoo and body wash, but will also try it out for cleaning my countertops as you suggested. i love the almond scent, but have only see it at some targets.
i’ve never tried charlie’s detergent but like using grab green. it’s powder detergent/stain remover/fabric softener all rolled in one, and comes in a dissolvable pack thats so easy to use. i order it online in bulk: grabgreenhome.com
Interesting…..vingear as weed killer….Who Knew. Thanks for the information!!
Monica
Hi,
I know of a really good Green Cleaning Company that offers the most affordable,reliable and professional house cleaning services in Ottawa.
Have given the url above
They did a great work for me.Im sure they will do the same for you.
Thanks