It’s something we all have in common: Cleaning. What’s not common knowledge, though, is the power of natural, non-toxic and inexpensive cleaning materials. Consider Going Green and nixing the stinky cleaning cabinet all together! Check out a few of the basics:

1. House Cleaner: The most magical of all begins with a V -Yes, Vinegar. Fill an empty spray bottle with 1/3 Vinegar ½ H20 and 1 T. dish soap. This magical liquid can beautify most surfaces in your house – it’s especially good for mildew, floors, mirrors, windows and countertops. Any V smell dissipates once it dries. Rubbing alcohol also works well on windows and Baking soda does wonders for the toilet, tub, countertops and oven interior (mixed with salt). Sodium Percarbonate is a superb Bleach alternative.

2. Furniture and More: Polish your furniture and shoes with mere Olive Oil and lemon juice and freshen the air or de-clog your drains with vinegar and baking soda. Hydrogen Peroxide does the trick for red wine stains and more and lastly, Peanut Butter can remove the tough residues like paint or sticker residue.

3. Everyday: How many ingredients do your everyday body soap and shampoo have in them? Castile soap, hard or liquid, is simple olive oil based soap, amongst others. Check the net for recipes to make your own soaps, toothpaste, laundry detergent, house cleaners and much more.

By Mary Closser