|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Philosophy | Cleaning
in General | Traditional Cleaning Traditional Cleaning Products Traditional cleaners are seldom pre-packaged for cleaning purposes, so they are sometimes called mix-at-home cleaners. They are rudimentary pantry goods that happen to be effective cleaners as well as doing lots of other things. For example, because of their acidic nature, lemon or white vinegar clean marvelously well when mixed with other household staples. Lemon juice and table salt clean silver, copper, and brass, and will also remove rust from clothing when set in the sun. When mixed with olive oil, lemon juice works well as a floor polish, and mixed into a paste with cream of tarter, it will remove blue/green water stains from sinks and tubs. When white vinegar is mixed in equal parts with salt it removes mildew, and added to water it is a good floor cleaner. Used straight it will remove stains from the coffee pot, and is a good fabric softener. On the opposite end of the spectrum are the alkaline chemicals, baking soda and washing soda. Baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate, is safe enough to ingest as an antacid, but tough enough to clean the oven when mixed with water and a little soap, or drainpipes when added to boiling water. Because it neutralizes or absorbs acid based odors, baking soda can be added to litter boxes, left open in the refrigerator or freezer, or included with the laundry detergent. Washing soda, which is sodium carbonate, is pretty heavy duty, caustic stuff so it must be considered a toxic substance and wearing gloves is recommended. However, because it doesn't off gas dangerous fumes, and manufacturing it is less harmful than the production of commercial equivalents, its use is a clear alternative to many commercial solvent formulas on the shelves. It is great for grease cutting and the cleaner of choice if there is an automotive mechanic in the house. However, it is too potent to use on waxed floors, aluminum or fiberglass. Borax is another cleaner that is used pretty much as it was mined from the ground. It functions as an alternative to bleach for brightening laundry, and acts as a disinfectant when mixed with water. It is useful as a toilet bowl cleaner when made into a paste with lemon juice. Possibly the best product for accidental spills on textile products is club soda. The vigorous bubbling action is great for removing stains especially from clothes, carpets, and upholstery. One traditional product that is manufactured specifically for cleaning purposes is soap. It is made by heating vegetable oils and/or animal fat or their fatty acids, and reacting them with a strong alkali like lye, in a process known as saponification. Soap making is an ancient one-step process that creates no waste and biodegrades completely. However, soap doesn't clean and rinse well in hard water, but detergents do. Therefore, soap is appropriate for bodycare products and light cleaning, while detergents are best left to the really tough cleaning jobs. Advice from expert Annie Berthold-Bond Tips from Union of Concerned Scientists Explanation of soap making Traditional cleaners worked well for the older generations for a couple of reasons. Their cleaning "recipes" were handed down over the years, so the balance of ingredients was perfected for particular situations and uses. Because most of us are new to concocting these cleaners, it's important to make up small trial batches and test them out where they won't do damage if the mix isn't just right. Jot down and save your notes on the proportions that work best, then label the container with the names and amounts of ingredients used. It is very important to boldly indicate the contents of a container storing a household cleaner. And, it isn't a good idea to reuse a receptacle that may contain traces of its previous contents, especially if it once housed commercial cleaners that might interact with the new combination, It is downright dangerous to leave the previous label affixed. Anyone committed to cleaning with mix-at-home products would do well to dedicate a specific and appropriate container to each cleaner and then label it clearly. Details about mix-at-home cleaners Environmental Protection Agency recipes: SOME HOMEMADE CLEANING RECIPES Oven Cleaner: Dishwasher Detergent: Linoleum Cleaner: Stove Cleaner: Tub and Tile: Toilet Cleaner: Laundry Presoak: Spot Stain Remover: Bleach for Laundry: Detergent Substitute: Fabric Softener: Waxed Wood Polish: Floor Polish: Silver Polish: Copper Cleaner: All-purpose Cleaner: Disinfectant: Drain Cleaner: Window Cleaner: Paint Stripper: Shoe Polish: Descaling Kettles, Irons and Shower Heads: List courtesy of the folks at the Earth Home web site: Stain Removal
List courtesy of the folks at Earth Home web site.
Copyright 2003, Cronig's Market
Privacy Statement |
