Tipster Tuesday: Cleaning without Harsh Chemicals

Frugal Cleaning Tips:

Isn't it amazing how over the years we have become conditioned to believe that we need a special product for each cleaning task? We need special tile cleaner, kitchen sanitizer, bathroom sanitizer, bathroom brushes, kitchen brushes, shower brushes, shower cleaners, toilet cleaners. The list could go on, and on, and on. I know that the underside of my sink is full of "specialty" cleaners that I am trying to use up.

The truth is that a few basic products and a little elbow grease usually is all that you need to do a very effective cleaning job.

To help you understand how I have come up with some of my ideas, let me share some information about how things are cleaned. There are three basic goals to cleaning: dirt removal, deposit removal, and sanitization.

Dirt Removal: Dirt is easily removed by using a simple soap. Soap works to loosen built up particles from the surface they are trapped on. Soap also breaks down the cell membranes on certain viruses and bacteria. You can usually use any "surfactant" (aka soap) product to remove dirt. You will see some creative uses below.

Deposit Removal: Sometimes soap just isn't enough. There are some things that get baked on, dried on, and stuck that require a little extra help to remove. Frequently, conventional products resort to harsh chemicals and heavy abrasives to get the job done. Baking soda is a mild, non-toxic alternative that can be used in most cases. When baking soda is not quite enough, it is amazing what a nylon scrub pad and elbow grease can do.

Sanitization: Almost everything comes in an antibacterial form. The truth is that as long as an area is carefully cleaned, you will likely only need to disinfect on occasion. The use of a mildly acidic spray will go a long way. Vinegar, when diluted, is a very safe and effective disinfectant. Don't worry, the scent fades away rapidly as it dries.

Here are some ideas for your kitchen, bathroom and laundry that will help you keep your cleaner costs to a minimum. You'll be glad to have fewer bottles and cans taking up your space.

Kitchen:

• Wring out a dish cloth after you do your dishes and use it to wipe down your counters. The pile in the dish cloth will help pick up items, and you can rinse and re-use. This will save you paper towels and cleaning spray.
• For tough gunk on the counters, pre-wet the area and then sprinkle with a thin layer of baking soda. Use a moist dishcloth to gently work in a circular motion until buildup is gone. Caution: do not use this method on granite countertops of flat-top stoves.
• Stove burner catch pans that can be removed from the stove top can easily be scrubbed using a steel wool soap pad.
• Disinfecting counters is as simple as filling an empty spray bottle with 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of water. Spray thin layer on flat surfaces and allow to dry.
• You don't need special solution to mop either. Just put a squirt of dish detergent into the bucket and fill with warm water. Mop as usual.

• For grout or your shower/tub, see my tips HERE.
• For the toilet: squirt a small bit of cheap shampoo in the toilet and use toilet brush to clean. Flush and you have a clean toilet. If you are concerned about sanitizing, add a cup of white vinegar and allow to sit for a few minutes before flushing.
• Chrome and Fixtures: Make use of that used drier sheet to safely buff your chrome fixtures to a nice shine.
• Crevices and cracks: Dip a q-tip in rubbing alcohol to quickly and safely clean tiny areas.
• Counters: Wipe down with old wash cloth and sanitize with the vinegar/water spray used in the kitchen.
• Mirrors: Use regular water in a spray bottle and wipe thoroughly with lint-free cloth. If you prefer a more Windex-like alternative, fill an old spray bottle with 1 cup rubbing alcohol and 2 cups water. This will clean your mirrors just as well as the name brands!

• Laundry: Most wash can be done in cold water. Unless you are running a very soiled load, give it a try and see if you can do this. Also, try cutting your detergent use by using half the amount recommended. This will usually work just as well as using the full amount.
• Spot Treatment: Fill a spray bottle with 1/4 cup of laundry detergent and two cups of water. Use this spray to pre-treat stains. For set in or difficult stains, apply straight laundry detergent to stain and allow to sit before washing.
• Fabric Softening: Vinegar is an excellent sanitizer and softener. If you have a Downy ball, you can put a small amount of vinegar in it and throw it in for the rinse cycle. Your fabrics will be safely softened, without a vinegar smell.