Earth Matters by Jacqueline Milner – Looking for an Eco-friendly Multi-tasking solution this New Year? – January 1, 2009

Looking for an Eco-friendly Multi-tasking solution this New Year?

I was visiting a friend recently and as my reputation as an ecologically minded person precedes me she asked what cleaning products I used in my home?

Well that question prompted me to look into more environmentally friendly solutions to replace at least one of the products I was using.

So I share with you some simple ways simple distilled white vinegar can be used to freshen and clean your home and mine.

Now we have always used vinegar in our home to unclog and freshen up our coffee maker however my concern has been what kind of effect vinegar may have on our septic system.

My research has shown that using vinegar for household cleaning does not have a detrimental effect on the septic system so this will most certainly entice me to use some of the solutions that I share today.

Here are a few tips that can be used in any regular cleaning routine around the house. Keeping a spray bottle of an equal part vinegar and water solution on hand can be used for any general house cleaning task. Try this for glass, counter tops, as a degreaser; it may also be used to remove mildew and water spots. I have also heard salt and vinegar mixed make quick work of mildew removal. It has been suggested using straight vinegar makes quick work of mold removal.

Are you finding your drains are slow to empty that sink of water? Put ½ cup salt, ½ cup baking soda in your sink drain, followed by 1 cup white vinegar. Let sit overnight.  Finish with a pail of hot water the next day. This works to unclog and re-freshen drainage pipes. I have tried this one and would encourage you to try this the next time you require a drainage solution.

The combination of baking soda and vinegar mixed 1:1 followed by gentle scrubbing may also be used to freshen and clean our toilets. Economical, earth friendly and accessible by all. Using these simple products alleviate the possibility of your family inhaling fumes from harsh chemicals which may be present in some other alternatives.

Having worked in the service industry for many years, I have experience with using vinegar to clean windows followed by a shining with old newspaper. Leaves a wonderful fresh, streak free finish. Vinegar is often used to shine silverware before being used.

For many establishments this is routine before cutlery is placed for client use. Did you know you can take wallpaper off with vinegar? Use 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water. Spray it on the wall and let it soak in then remove paper with a scraper.  Having taken off wallpaper before, I would suggest using a steamer with the vinegar water solution.

How about those pet accidents? Use one part water to 2 parts vinegar on the spot your little furry friend made then wipe up or soak up. Kills the smell too. Having problems removing that sticky label or bumper sticker?  Soak a cloth in vinegar than cover your label with the cloth until the vinegar soaks in. The vinegar should make quick work of this sticky task.

Vinegar is an economical all purpose household cleaner. It is easy on the pocket book and widely available. Using a simple product such as this can help us be kinder and more respectful to the world we live in.

Happy New Year Everyone!


1 Comment

  1. Thank you in your be of assistance!

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