Scouring Powder & Spray Cleaners You Can Make At Home
Strong chemical cleaners are a modern ‘convenience’ that Granny managed to do without. The various expensive chemical soups that are used to ‘clean’ surfaces can leave you wondering if it’s really worth the expense.
A clean home CAN be had by using a few basic ingredients that save you money and help you avoid caustic chemicals. You can use the following four formulas in a multitude of cleaning applications.
SCRUBBING POWDER
This is a nice, non-abrasive cleaner that can be used by applying it to a wet sponge and rubbing in a circular motion. Baking Soda works well by itself, but I add a couple of ingredients to increase the water-softening action and germ fighting qualities: mix ½ measure of salt to 1 measure of Borax and 2 measures of Baking Soda. This will take care of some stubborn stains. For storage and convenience, I keep mine in a shaker container with a tight-fitting lid.
VINEGAR SPRAY & RINSE
Used with your homemade scouring powder, this mix will foam as you clean. Mix white vinegar and water in equal parts. Place your solution in a pistol-grip sprayer. Spray surfaces you’ve used the scouring powder on, wipe with a damp sponge and rinse. This really shines ceramic surfaces. Vinegar is a good degreaser and discourages bacterial. This spray can be used alone to clean glass as well as wipe down counter tops and tables. Used as a spray after showers and baths, your vinegar spray can help discourage the growth of mold.
GLASS, METAL & HARD SURFACE CLEANER/DISINFECTANT
Equal parts water and rubbing alcohol is a good solution for wiping down surfaces you want free of streaks and germs. An additional two Tbsp of vinegar should be added to each cup of this blend. This dries quickly and doesn’t leave behind spots. This is good for use on light switch plates and knobs that see a lot of ‘hand traffic.’
SPRAY TREATMENT FOR MOLD & SOAP SCUM
Hard water can lead to a problem with soap scum and mold. Place one part Hydrogen Peroxide with two parts water to make an effective leave-on application. Store in a spray bottle that you use to mist affected surfaces. After an hour, use your scouring powder to finish the job.
This article is for the information of the reader. Utilize these methods at your own risk and using your own discretion. Discover more tips about homemade cleaners that you can make yourself at http://learnandlivewell.blogspot.com/