|
Green 2 Clean (G2C) is my solution to the ever growing problem of what to use, when you need to clean. The market is full of fancy packaged chemicals to clean with... along with so called plant based products that still include ingredients you can't pronounce or may never have heard of... and yet, if you're like me - you aren't falling for product promises. More and More we are looking for ways to help the environment. However some of us have more time then others... that being said... as a Stay-at-home-Mom I do an awful lot of cleaning up after two boys and husband... some days more than others. I am always striving to be a better Hearth Witch, help the environment and teach my children proper Earthly Edict. With that being said, I have decided to throw my own mix into the world wide web of information...
|
|
Why to use it... |
The shortest answer i can offer you without a lengthy and somewhat dramatic epilogue is... and it really is obvious... is that Bleach, Tarnx and other related products may do a really good job - doing what they do best (disinfecting & cleaning) but they are both harmful to the environment and to our selves. Tarnx is actually banned in California because of it's tendencies to cause cancer... and you must be very careful that Bleach doesn't come in contact with certain chemicals or even mold spores because the 'smell' that is produced can burn/damage your lungs... Now i ask you, is this what we want... to hurt our world and our selves just because we are mesmerized by TV commercials, product promises and fancy packages.... PLUS, many of these chemicals kill not only the Bad germs (which is good) but it will usually kill the good germs too (that's Bad!)... So, if you are looking to make a conscience change... please, read on...
|
|
Who can use it... |
Anyone can use these Earth Based Cleaning Solutions, and many people all ready do... but by the look of the cleaning aisle at the store... there is still allot of work to be done to change the way people clean. Everyone! but...Anyone with children and/or pets should be using non-harmful products... Did you know that many of the 'Disinfecting' cleaners on the market require that you wait up to 2 minutes or until it dries, before touching it... have you ever tried to mop a floor that a child didn't run through when it was still wet... or wipe down a table or counter that your child runs there hand over... i don't know about you - but the last thing i want are those harmful chemicals being soaked up into the bottoms of their feet or into the palms of their hands. Everyone! but...Anyone with sensitive skin, and those who are tired of wearing rubber gloves to clean just to keep the chemicals from irritating and burning their skin.
|
|
Where to use it... |
You can use it in the kitchen, in the bathroom, on the crib to disinfect it while the child is still in it, on the windows, in the car, on the floor, in the dishwasher (on the dishes), in the washing machine... and the list goes on and on...
|
|
|
So I bet you are wondering what kind of products i am referring to.. products i use frequently to clean: * Baking Soda |
|
WARNINGS... |
* These suggestions are safe for pets and children
|
|
Testing... |
I want to assure you that every Earth Based Cleaning Solution - listed on my site is tested in my own home with children and pets. I can not guarantee results or predict to list all the possible warnings and variables... SO, Please understand though they are tested in my home I can not be responsible for accidents, misuses or even the unknown outcomes... (just to cover my butt)... but i doubt you will have any issues as long as you use your common sense.
|
|
|
I suggest that you make a "toolbox" just for cleaning with rags, toothbrushes, scrubbers, a bottle of vinegar (just for cleaning - don't use the same bottle of vinegar to cook with), and a box of baking soda... ect. The Vinegar spray solution i have for you - has a long shelf life and makes a quick clean/disinfecting agent... so buy an empty spray bottle (NEVER reuse a chemical cleaner bottle!) and attach a label (see PDF link below) this makes cleaning so much faster than fumbling around. I use an empty and cleaned Parm. Cheese container for my baking soda - i find it makes it easier to shake out the amount i need.
|
|
Green 2 Clean: Household cleaning label |
Print off onto plain printer paper - cut out and attach to bottle with a small amount of tape on the corners - then take some packaging tape to cover the entire label and then some (this will keep the label from being ruined if it gets wet) There are 5 labels per sheet...click the image below to download the PDF file... 
|
|
GREEN 2 CLEAN: CLEANING SOLUTIONS |
Make Suggestions... If you would like to suggest or recommend a 'Green 2 Clean: Earth Based Cleaning Solutions' please email me at: raynestorm3579@gmail.com. (All suggestions will be tried and tested before being added to my list. Please be sure to include your name to be listed with your solution.)
|
|
AIR & FABRIC REFRESHER |
YOU WILL NEED: plain WHITE VINEGAR in a spray bottle, (optional) ESSENTIAL OIL - I like Lavender (This is real Essential Oils like you would find in a Health Food place not a Super center). WARNINGS: TO CLEAN: If you would like a fragrant disinfectant cleaning solution you can add drops of essential oil to your vinegar spray bottle. I use 1 drop per 1 ounce of vinegar. Now simply spray the solution into the air, onto couches, dog beds, cat towers, on curtains, rugs and so much more. DON'T over saturate fabrics, and allow things to air dry completely. DON'T spray animal areas if the animals are currently using that space. NOTES: "But my kids say that the house smells like french fries!" Don't worry, yes - at first when you spray you will smell the vinegar, but once the vinegar dries the smell will disappear - leaving your house smelling more like a freshly aired house instead of stinky aired out shoes. |
|
TO DISINFECT! |
YOU WILL NEED: plain WHITE VINEGAR in a spray bottle, (optional) ESSENTIAL OIL - I like Lavender (This is real Essential Oils like you would find in a Health Food place not a Super center), and CLEANING RAGS/WIPES. WARNINGS: TO CLEAN: If you would like a fragrant disinfectant cleaning solution you can add drops of essential oil to your vinegar spray bottle. I use 1 drop per 1 ounce of vinegar. Once your surface area has been cleaned of any stuck on messes and crumbs, simply spray your vinegar onto the surface and wipe clean. Change wipes/dish clothes frequently. NOTES: When I disinfect - raw meats or in the bathroom - I use Baby Wipes, I know it may seem wasteful... but i have a hard time with the thought that i am just spreading germs around by using a regular misused cotton cleaning rag... other wise i use washable dish clothes. |
|
DRAINS, TEA KEETLES, MICROWAVES & COFFEE POTS |
YOU WILL NEED: plain WHITE VINEGAR, BAKING SODA, LEMON JUICE and a Dish Cloth/Wipe. TO CLEAN... * TEA KETTLES: Mix half water & Half Vinegar into your tea kettle, add an 1/8 of a cup or so of Lemon Juice (BTW: Refrigerate lemon juice after opening). Turn on your tea kettle and let it boil until it screams. Pour out (See DRAINS below) - Repeat if necessary (it never usually is) - Rinse and Dry completely. * COFFE MAKERS: Mix half water & Half Vinegar into your coffemaker, add an 1/8 of a cup or so of Lemon Juice (BTW: Refrigerate lemon juice after opening). Turn on your coffeemaker and let it function normally - so that it ends up into your coffee pot. (chances are if you have hard water - you will have floating things in your pot). Pour Out (See DRAINS below). I highly recommend you repeat this process one more time. Pour out - Now run straight water through your coffeemaker to Rinse it out. Let it dry completely before brewing your next pot. * DRAINS: While cleaning your Tea Kettles/Coffee Makers, pour some Baking Soda into the drain - once your vinegar/lemon juice is HOT - pour it into the drain - on top of the baking soda... repeat as necessary. (BTW: if you can remove any hair or other from the drain before beginning - you should) * MICROWAVES: In a microwave safe container, add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of plain WHITE VINEGAR to the dish and place in Microwave. COOK uncovered for 3 minutes on HIGH (or until boiling) - DO NOT REMOVE!! - once the microwave is done - let the container set for 2 more minutes - undisturbed. Using a pot holder you can now remove the dish - just set it near by (you may need it for tough spots). Using your wipe wipe down the inside of your microwave. It should be really easy. (I have exploded and re-cooked enough messes in my microwave to swear by this cleaning solution)... Rinse your wipe under hot water as necessary - and continue to wipe to clean your microwave. For REALLY TOUGH stuck on food - CAREFULLY dip part of your wipe into the EXTREMELY HOT Vinegar and gently work at the spot... it should come off now. Continue to rinse your wipe frequently as you clean. Once clean - you can disinfect the inside/outside by simply spraying a PLAIN WHITE VINEGAR solution into/onto your microwave and wiping it clean with a clean wipe. NOTES: I Love Multi-purpose products - Don't you?! |
|
Laundry Detergent & Rinse Agent |
YOU WILL NEED: a Box of BORAX and plain WHITE VINEGAR TO CLEAN: In your washing Machine... as your Washing Detergnet use the approproate amount of BORAX - as it is listed on the box. Then in your Rinse/Softer dispenser use 1/2 cup of Vinegar (for an average load size). NOTES: Borax is great for people who have sensitive skin and for those who have hard water! The vinegar helps to rid your clothes of the dingy everyday - unseeable grim and smells you collect on your clothes everyday - helping them to stay fresher longer. |
|
MIRRORS |
YOU WILL NEED: plain WHITE VINEGAR in a spray bottle, and a soft cotton TOWEL/RAG or crumpled NEWSPAPER. TO CLEAN: Spray Vinegar onto Mirror, then using rag or newspaper rub vinegar into the mirror in circles until dry. NOTES: One more great purpose for Vinegar! |
|
REAL SILVER |
YOU WILL NEED: TOOTHPASTE (paste not gel), plain WHITE VINEGAR in a spray bottle, an old toothbrush and a soft cotton TOWEL/RAG. TO CLEAN: Add toothpaste to toothbrush and softly scrub in a circular motion on your silver. Then spray a little vinegar onto your toothpaste covered silver and wipe clean with the cotton rag. Repeat as necessary. Once clean - be sure it is dried completely before displaying or storing. NOTES: You can clean it with toothpaste all at once before wiping it down with vinegar or you can do it in smaller sections. I use this solution on my Silver Trays, I try to clean them monthly/bi-monthly. I suggest you store your silver in an air tight case/container... i used the zippered bag that my sheets came in. |
|
STOVE / COOKING RANGE HOOD (VENT)For older models and those that are not stainless steel |
YOU WILL NEED: LEMON JUICE (real 100% juice), and a cleaning RAG. TO CLEAN: Pour your Lemon Juice straight onto a rag ans staraight rubbing in small circles. Rinse out your rag as necessary and pour a little more lemon juice onto it to continue cleaning. Repeat this process until the hood is Grease free. WARNINGS: NOTES: Lemon juice is great for cutting through grease. Refrigerate Lemon Juice after opening. Use Lemon Juice to help clean pans or tupperware that are have stuck on grease / or feel greasy even after being cleaned. |
|
STUCK ON SOAP SCUM! |
YOU WILL NEED: A box of Baking Soda, and a Scrubber. Plus, water or warmed white vinegar to rinse with. (I usually by the cheap two pack of scrubbers and cut them in half - double the product for the same price)... I usually only need 1 scrubber (that is half a scrubber) per tub/sink. TO CLEAN: (Specifically the Shower doors and Tub walls) Wetten down your surfaces to be cleaned. (it helps to have a removable head on your shower or a big cup will work too) ...Now, Pour a bit of baking soda onto your scrubber and scrub in small circular motions all over your area. If your scrubber feels dry - run it under the water to moisten the scrubber and pour a little more baking soda on to it to. Once you are done scrubbing (which really is no more scrubbing than I did when i used 'Scrubbing Bubbles' - and it claims to do the scrubbing for me)... Then with the shower head or cup, rinse off your doors.BTW: When i clean the doors - i actually stand in the tub / and usually manage to get wet - it's a good thing i don't melt! LOL) ... If if didn't come clean the first times i suggest you scrub it up again leaving a baking soda residue all over the doors/walls. Then either with a Cold or Warmed Vinegar - spray your area and maybe scrub the tough areas again as the vinegar makes the baking soda react and bubble. NOTES: Vinegar works better when it is warm. You can either warm it slightly in a microwave safe container and then add it to your spray bottle or you can heat it up in your tea kettle (allow it too cool some or it will melt your bottle) and then add it to your spray bottle. BTW: Boiling Vinegar in your tea kettle is a great way to clean out your tea kettle and even clear clogged drains - while microwaving vinegar cleans microwaves. Mark your box of Baking soda - so that it is exclusively Mark your box of Baking soda - so that it is exclusively for cleaning only!!! Maybe take a cleaning bucket/or storage container and leave your Earth Based Cleaning Solution products in it - for easy cleaning... since the products overlap any ways - you might as well store them all in one place. AND the best part is you don't have to lock them up from the kids because they contain no harmful chemicals... BUT i do suggest you keep them out of reach of young kids unless you truly enjoy cleaning up messes. |
|
WALLS |
YOU WILL NEED: LEMON JUICE (real 100% juice), one or two REAL LEMONS (sliced with the peel on), a cleaning bucket filled about half way with WARM WATER, plain White Vinegar and a cleaning RAG. TO CLEAN: After filling your cleaning bucket half full of warm water add to it... 3 cups of vinegar, 1 cup of Lemon Juice and your sliced lemons (slightly squeezing a bit of juice into the warm water before tossing the lemon slices themselves, to it. Using your rag, gently rub your wall to clean. No need to rinse. Rinse your rag when necessary / refreshen your rag in the lemon, vingar solution as necessary. Try not to slop it onto the walls. Wring out your rag before wiping. WARNINGS: NOTES:
|
|
|
YOU WILL NEED: a cleaning bucket filled 1/2 with WARM WATER, a large ONION cut into sections/quarters and 2 soft cotton TOWELS/RAGS (one for cleaning and one for drying)... if you have wax crayons on your windows (young children) use a scrubber too. TO CLEAN: Fill your bucket with warm water. Throw in your onion chunks. With your one rag, dunk it into your onion water and wring out the rag. Then wipe/rub your window to clean it. Finally, using your other rag, dry it. I found it most effective to rub in circles to clean it and then dry it using a variation of up and down / side to side motions. NOTES: Don't slop the onion water onto your windows, and it works best if you clean in sections. If your second rag / or drying rag starts to get wet - it WILL start to leave streaks on your window. For the wax crayon on my windows - i used a scrubber dipped in the onion water first, scrubbed the crayon off and then rubbed it clean with onion water - before finally drying it. This will leave you with absolutely clean windows. You can use this solution on your mirrors too!! WARNINGS: IN CONCLUSION: While i was testing out this onion solution... and rubbing wax crayons off my windows... I turned to my steel front door to clean off the wax crayon from there too. (If you have children you know - that when you turn your back, even for a moment, children just have a way of getting into things / creating a mess)... so with that being said - with the same onion water solution and a scrubber - that wax crayon cleaned my steel door like brand new!!!! (BTW: the wax crayon marks had cooked through three summers and was frozen there for three winters too.... and yet - it came clean. Believe me, NO store bought cleaner could remove it - and i should know i've tried!!) Thank you Evelien, for this wonderful Earth Based Cleaning Solution. |
|
WOOD FURNITURE POLISH |
YOU WILL NEED: extra virgin olive oil, 100% lemon juice, (optional) ESSENTIAL OIL (This is real Essential Oils like you would find in a Health Food place not a Super center), you will also need a cotton RAG and A SMALL resealable/with cover BOWL. WARNINGS: TO CLEAN: Mix 1/4 cup of Olive Oil with 2-3 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice, and about 9 drops of optional essential oil. Lightly Dip your rag into the solution or carefully drizzle it onto your rag. And begin dusting. Always clean with the grain of your wood. Don't put too much on your rag, or you will spend alot of time rubbing it into the wood. NOTES: I suggest you clean your rag by hand in the sink, allowing it to hang dry completely before using again as your dusting rag.
|
