by Usha Krishnan

Created on: March 06, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2011

If you're planning to use natural and safe household cleaning products, then the first thing to do is stock up on some essential ingredients. Buying in bulk will probably work out better, and most of the products can be stored indefinitely in sealed airtight containers. The following are some useful ingredients to keep on hand:

• Borax
• Baking Soda

• Cornstarch
• Vinegar
• Lemon Juice
• Olive oil

Remember to always test products on an inconspicuous area first, as different material react in different ways. You can add your favourite essential oils for fragrance. While most ingredients are mild and non-toxic, ingredients like Borax can be harmful to children and pets if ingested, so keep all products under lock and key.

All the following recipes are easy to make and very effective around the house.

ALL PURPOSE CLEANERS

• Dissolve 4 tbsp baking soda in 1 quart of water to make a general cleaner. For stubborn stains, make a thicker paste and scrub gently.

• For a cleaner and disinfectant, combine 1 tbsp borax, cup lemon juice and 1 cup hot water. Let it sit awhile to cool and then use to spray clean kitchen counters and bathrooms.

GLASS CLEANERS:

• For a streak free mirror or window, use equal parts vinegar and water combined in a spray bottle.

BATHROOM CLEANERS:

• For a sparkling toilet bowl, sprinkle baking soda into the bowl and squirt some vinegar. Brush gently.

• Drains should be cleaned frequently, even if they are not used often. Make a mixture of cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar and pour it down the drain. Let it sit for a bit and then flush clean with hot water.

• For stubborn stains and tub rings, use vinegar full strength. Apply on with a damp sponge and scrub clean.

• Hard lime deposits around faucets can be softened for easy cleaning by covering them with vinegar soaked paper towels. Leave them on for 1 hour and then scrub clean with a small toothbrush.

KITCHEN CLEANERS

• Use vinegar and salt with a little water to scrub sinks and steel fixture sparkling clean.

• To clear oven spills, while the oven is still warm sprinkle baking soda over the spill. When it cools, scrape away the mess and clean a few times with a solution of baking soda and water. For stubborn stains, you may need to let the baking soda sit overnight.

• To bring back the sparkle in your pots and pans, especially ones with burnt

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