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Does the mere thought of cleaning your home remind you of caustic cleaners burning your lungs, giving you headaches and making you feel nauseous? It doesn't have to be this way. There are natural, healthy alternatives to harsh, chemical cleaners.

KITCHEN

To clean your kitchen countertop, sprinkle lemon juice over the countertop, and let sit for 30 minutes. Next, dip a damp cloth in baking soda and scrub until clean. The stains will disappear and your kitchen will smell lemony fresh.

Use a damp cloth dipped in baking soda to scrub away stubborn stains on your stovetop.

To clean your coffee maker, run a mixture of 2 tsp baking soda mixed in 8 cups of water through the machine and say goodybe to bitter-tasting coffee.

BATHROOM

To make a tile cleaner, mix two parts baking soda and one part warm water.

Unclog a hair-filled drain with a mixture of equal parts of vinegar, salt and baking soda. Pour down the drain and let foam for 20 minutes. Flush with boiling water.

Remove rust stains on the tub or the sink using a paste made of borax and lemon juice. Apply to stain, let stand for five minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

To unclog a metal shower head, boil it for 15 minutes in 4 cups of water and one half cup of vinegar. To unclog a plastic shower head, soak in equal parts of hot water and vinegar for 30 minutes.

To clean the ring around the toilet bowl, make a paste of borax and lemon juice. Flush the toilet to wet the surface. Apply the paste and allow to stand for two hours. Scrub with a toilet brush.

WALLS

Erase fingerprints with art gum - available at art supply stores.

Remove crayon marks by rubbing gently with a steel wool pad full of soap.

CARPETS

Fresh stains: pour a little club soda on the spot. Let it set for a few minutes, then blot dry with a clean cloth. Repeat until stain is gone.

Older spots: combine 2 Tbsp detergent, 3 Tbsp vinegar and 4 cups warm water. Work mixture into the stain and dab with a clean cloth. You may need to repeat a few times.

Grease spots: cover with baking soda and press it into the fibres. Leave for one hour, then scrub with a stiff brush.

Soot: cover with a thick layer of salt. Vacuum.

Ink stains: cover with cream of tartar, then add a few drops of lemon juice. Blot with a clean cloth for several minutes, brush off, then rinse with plain warm water.

OTHER HLEPFUL TIPS

To clean a ceiling fan, find a pair of old, worn-out socks and put one on each hands. Dip your hands in warm, soapy water and run them over and under each blade.

A great all-purpose cleaner is 1 part vinegar and 1 part water. Fill a spray bottle with this mixture and use to clean mirrors, bathroom fixtures and tiles.

Living healthy is not just about eating healthy and exercising. It's about paying attention to the air you are breathing. Given all of the natural, healthy alternatives available, it is now possible to say a permament farewell to harmful chemical cleaners.

Learn more about this author, Karen Chamchuk.
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