by Alexandra Heep

Created on: April 13, 2009   Last Updated: March 25, 2011

With the dawning of a new awareness people are looking to implement green methods in their daily lives. Cleaning is no exception and most people are aware that some common items have natural cleaning power. However, a lot aren't sure what to use where and what the ratios are. Also, there are other alternative methods for cleaning that are not that widely known. Here are some easy ideas:

To clean your kitchen and bathroom floors, add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar per half gallon of water. To clean your microwave, use a white vinegar mixture. In a microwave safe container, combine 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Microwave on high until the mixture starts to evaporate.

The total time varies according to your type of microwave, but you can start at around three minutes. The goal is to get a nice condensation going inside your appliance. Carefully remove the container (water will be very hot) and wipe out the interior of the microwave. You can also use this same mixture as a general spray cleaner.

Now, if you combine vinegar with baking soda, it will cause a chemical reaction. Use this fact to your advantage and unclog your kitchen or bathroom drain without using a harsh drain cleaner. Do not mix these ingredients in a container, instead pour the 1/2 cup of baking soda into the clogged drain first, then follow with 1/2 cup white vinegar and cover the drain. After a few minutes, pour at least a coffee pot full of boiling water down the drain.

Baking soda is also an odor neutralizer, not just for your refrigerator but for the air as well. Mix 1 one part of baking soda with 6 parts of water in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray as needed and shake the bottle before each use. Another odor issue is usually tied to your garbage disposal. One wedge of lemon sent down periodically will take care of the smell.

Another unique use for baking soda involves using it for a carpet deodorizer. Pour a cup of baking soda into a glass container and add a few drops of tea tree essential oil, some lavender essential oil, and a few drops of citrus essential oil (mandarin, orange, or grapefruit). Mix well with a plastic spoon, sprinkle on your carpets, let sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuum. The tea tree oil kills fungus and mold, the lavender oil kills germs and bacteria, and the citrus oils have aroma therapeutic benefits. Essential oils can be found in many health food stores, or online.

Toothpaste can also function as a green cleaner. Use a dab of it on a sponge to clean crayon marks of walls. While toothpaste itself is not a green product (unless it's an organic type), used this way it keeps you from spraying harsh chemicals, or preparing soapy wash water that you have to pour down the drain to cause more waste and pollution.

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