Cleaning Tips for the Holidays
This holiday season, keep your family away from “Keep out of reach of children” or “Harmful if swallowed” labels. Clean the house with non-toxic ingredients, which I recently spoke about on WFMZ 69 News!
1. Get supplies. Buy in bulk if possible.
a. Spray bottles
b. Baking soda
c. Vinegar (White vinegar is an effective natural deodorizer and mild disinfectant)
d. Tea tree oil (known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties; *Note: tea tree oil is considered safe for pets in small concentrations up to 1.0% strength)
(If you are concerned about being tough on germs, you can’t go wrong with this Dynamic Duo combo)
e. Melamine based polymer sponge (aka Mr. Clean eraser)
f. Scrub brush
g. Old toothbrush
h. Microfiber cloths
i. Coffee filters
2. Essential oils are great for scent purposes, not necessarily for cleaning.
a. Citrus, lavender, rosemary, your preference.
b. Also make use of orange and lemon peels, rosemary plant.
3. Bathrooms
a. All Purpose Solution
1 cup vinegar
1 tbs baking soda
1 cup of water
10 drops tea tree oil
10-15 drops of essential oil or lemon rind/rosemary if desired
b. Use All Purpose Solution with microfiber cloths for shower, toilet, sinks
c. For soap scum use scrub brush and/or toothbrush with baking soda and scrub shower floor
d. For grime, makeup, or tough spots use Mr. Clean sponge - Not all-natural but does not have off-gassing.
4. Windows
a. Mix a solution of one cup hot water and one cup vinegar
b. Use coffee filters instead of paper towels to eliminate streaks
5. Kitchen
a. Use All Purpose Solution with microfiber cloths for counters, and appliances, floor
b. Mr. Clean sponge for toaster oven, any grimy spots and hard to get to places.
c. Baking soda and scrub brush for sinks, and grout on tile floors – make the most of old toothbrushes.
d. Lemon peels down the garbage disposal.
e. Use the microwave to disinfect wet dish rags, add lemon zest or lemon oil and heat for 3-5 minutes on high.
f. If it fits in dishwasher, throw it in, hot temperatures clean well.
6. Bedrooms
a. Keep closets fresh with baking soda
b. If your kids are like mine, they colored on walls.
Mr. Clean sponge works great
Sponge is great for grime, and walls, and furniture, but be careful, it will dull a shine.
c. Microfiber cloths and water for dusting.