Ingredients
There are some basic and inexpensive ingredients that we are going to need for these recipes. One shelf
of safe ingredients is much better than a shelf full of dangerous chemicals!
These are ordinary, environmentally friendly and safe ingredients.
Baking Soda
This is just sodium bicarbonate, a common ingredient used in baking and is also an effect, all purpose, non-toxic cleaner. It's effective at removing stains, mild scouring, deodorising. It can neutralise acid, soften hard water.
Beeswax
Beeswax is secreted by worker bees whilst building the honeycombs, it has a pleasant, natural smell. Traditionally used in wood polishes, because it gives a great shine. Beeswax could ignite is over heated - so please be careful.
Borax
Borax is a naturally occuring mineral, it's soluble in water. An alternative to bleach, it can deoderise, boost the cleaning power of soap, remove stains. It cleans, softens water and disinfects.
Castile and vegetable oil based soaps
Find a soap in liquid, solid or power that is biodegradable, free of dyes and non-petrolium based. Castile and other plant based soaps are a great choice and can be used to clean everything. Olive oil based soap is kindest to the skin.
Citrus Solvent
Citrus solvents cleans paint brushes, oil and grease and some stains.
Cornstarch
COrnstarch is derived from corn and can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs, and absord oil and grease.
Cream Of Tartar
This is a mild acid often used in baking and is used for removing tough stains.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be usedfor disinfecting and fragrance. As far bck as the ancient greeks people have used lavender, rosemary, tansy and other herbs for cleaning.
Essential oils need to be handled with care. They are volitile and must be kept away from children. Pregnant women and diabetics should seek medical advice before using essential oils.
Eucalyptus - great for grease cutting, it's also antibacterial.
Lavender - great cleaning properties and is antibacterial. No-one is allergic to lavender!
Lemon - this is antiviral and antibacterial
Hydrogen Peroxide
More gentle than chlorine bleach and can be used for sterilising and disinfecting.
Lemon Juice
The citric cid is a deodorant and can be used to clean glass and remove some stains. It's great for cleaning brass and copper.
Mineral Oil
Derived from seeds, it is an ingredient in severa furniture polish and floor wax recipes.
Olive Oil
Great for moisturising and conditioning leather furniture.
Salt (sodium chloride)
It is mild abrasive and bleaching properties. It is also a natural deodoriser.
Washing Soda (sodium carbonate)
It's a mineral. It softens hard water, can remove stubborn grease - it's an excellent cleaner. It can irritate skin so you need to wear rubber gloves with it.
Vinegar
Made from sour fruit juiec, grain or wine. It contains 5 percent acetic acid, which makes it a mild acid. It disinfects, dissolves grease and reoves stains.
White Vinegar
A great disinfecting tool. It also deodorisers, cuts through grease and removes stains.
