The benefits of Vinegar

Vinegar would be the most popular alternative household cleaning product on the market. Also recognised as Acetic Acid, vinegar can be found in most kitchen cupboards. It can be used for most cleaning applications but most stains are acidic so vinegar will not neutralise these stains because vinegar is an acid itself, even with this in mind, vinegar is always a good option to try on most stains.

For most cleaning applications a mixture of 10% vinegar mixed with water (basic solution) will be suitable. It is unlikely you will need a stronger mixture than this, you will need to use weaker concentrations for individual tasks.

Some simple precautions when using vinegar should include wearing rubber gloves due to the drying effect it has on the skin. Also, although a relatively safe product the fumes from vinegar can irritate the nasal passage and the air way so avoid breathing the vapour or wear protective gear.

Vinegar can be purchased anywhere from the local supermarket to the corner store. No-Name brands can be found for around $2 per litre and these are ideally suited to cleaning applications.

Some of the many uses around the home for vinegar include:

  • One of the most common uses for vinegar is as a window cleaner. Several commercially available window cleaners contain vinegar along with other ingredients including synthetic chemicals in many cases. You can use a basic solution of vinegar as a general purpose window cleaner suitable for most window cleaning tasks. Use paper towel instead of cloth rags to avoid lint. Paper towel can be added to the compost heap if using a simple water and vinegar cleaning solution.
  • Lime and scale build up in coffee makers, kettles or tea pots can be dissolved with vinegar. This is a one of only a few times I recommend using full strength vinegar. Soak for a short period of time, swirl around and discard. Rinse several times before reusing the appliance to remove any vinegar contamination.
  • Vinegar can be used as a mild bleach on light stains. Though it is not suitable for extreme staining or stains that have aged before treating.
  • Tiled or Vinyl floors can be cleaned using a basic vinegar and water solution. Use a rope head or cloth mop not a sponge mop as the vinegar can dissolve the sponge head quickly.
  • Vinegar and baking soda will help clear drains. Add a couple of table spoons of baking soda down the drain and follow up with half a cup of vinegar. The effervescing action will help block drains and also acts as a deodoriser.

Vinegar is an ideal first option before moving on to harsher cleaners. In many cases Vinegar will get the job done on the first go, sometimes on the second or third. Vinegar also has the potential to prevent stains from adhering to surfaces with regular repeated uses.

© Eric J. Smith

September 26, 2010  Tags: , , , , , , ,   Posted in: Organic Home Cleaning  No Comments

The benefits of the Humble Vacuum Cleaner

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Vacuum cleaners are the base of a home cleaning program. They are designed to clean dirt and dust from carpet and hard floors on a regular basis. Vacuum cleaners have become so popular we often just use them without ever thinking of the benefits they provide in addition to there most common use.

Vacuum machines have come a long way in the past 50 years. From the old dusty bagged models to bag-less and now high tech models, vacuum cleaners now have more user friendly options for emptying and maintenance as well additional uses on various fabrics in the home.

Attachments are available for various applications including cleaning curtains, window tracks and door runners.

Some vacuum cleaners are suitable for both wet and dry applications which are great for cleaning wet spills as well as typical dry pick-ups.

Vacuum cleaners come in 3 basic types. Upright, Pull Along and Hand Held.

Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Upright Vacuum cleaners are suitable for most hard and carpeted floor surfaces. They are particularly useful for regular cleaning such as daily living area cleans. Upright Cleaners lack the ability to get into small areas and along walls.

Pull Along Vacuum Cleaners

One of the more versatile vacuum cleaners, Pull Along Cleaners can get into areas where upright cleaners can not. They pack away into small areas and can be easily transported across 2 or multi storied buildings. Pull Along Cleaners were one of the first original vacuum cleaner designs many decades ago.

Hand Held Cleaners

Hand Held Vacuum Cleaners have improved in design over the years. These are great for bringing out when small spills happen that do not require a major clean-up. The strength and battery longevity rivals that of many pull along and upright models in a compact easy to use cleaner.

Bag-less vacuum cleaners are the most common though bagged models are still in use. Regardless of whether your cleaner is a bagged or bag-less they need to be emptied on a regular basis to maintain a quality suction capability and to prevent the build up of dust in the hose or pick-ups. Bags can be either paper or cloth. The paper bags are usually thrown away bag and all. The cloth bags can be emptied multiple times making them a more environmentally friendly and financially better option.

When the time comes to replace your vacuum cleaner, always check for brand and quality before price. Cheaper versions are available but the more you are prepared to pay, the more you are prepared to pay for your initial purchase the happier you will be in the long run. Cheaper cleaners may work well for a short time but will quickly show their value after repeated uses.

© Eric J. Smith

September 25, 2010  Tags: , , , , , , ,   Posted in: Organic Home Cleaning  No Comments

The benefits of Steel Wool

Steel wool would be the most popular non-chemical cleaning product in the kitchen. It has many uses around the home as well as in the garage and workshop. It can be purchased from Supermarkets, Hardware stores and major retail outlets.

The wool comes in many different grades suitable for a variety of tasks. Pre-soaped steel wool pads are the most common for cleaning jobs in the kitchen. Stainless wool is also available which lasts an exceptionally long time. Traditional steel wool rusts quickly when in regular contact with water.

Steel Wool In The Home and Kitchen

  • Steel wool can be used for most scouring tasks in the kitchen. All plain steel and aluminium pots and dishes can be cleaned with it.
  • Cutlery can be polished with a superfine wool pad
  • Chrome plated and stainless steel oven and roasting racks can look like new after a scouring with fine or medium grade steel wool. A steam cleaner can be used to assist with softening toughened grime and removed with steelwool.
  • Steelwool is excellent for cleaning stubborn stains from glass and chrome including mirrors. The glass on doors of wood heaters and ovens can also be cleaned with it.

Steel Wool In The Workshop

  • Fine steelwool can be used to clean wood surfaces before staining or varnishing.
  • Buffing varnished surfaces between coats is also ideal for fine wool.
  • Polished wooden surfaces can be brought back to life by re-polishing with a fine grade of steel wool as the buffing agent applicator.

Steel Wool In The Garage

  • The wool is excellent for cleaning chrome on cars as well as mirrors, windscreens, and glass in general.
  • Removing stains and rust from automotive paintwork during pre-paint clean ups is an ideal task for steelwool.
  • Tools can be cleaned and protected by scrubbing with wool which has been dipped into an oil or other lubricant. This greatly increases the life of your garden and workshop tools.

Although its a very versatile cleaning product, steel wool does have its disadvantages.

  • Use caution when using on soft metals.
  • Do not use on painted surfaces that will not be repainted. Scratching will be permanent in the painted surface.
  • Wearing rubber gloves is advisable to avoid small pieces of metal digging into your fingers. This is common and can be very painful.
  • Standard wool can rust easily and quickly. Several ideas have surfaced over the years for how to prevent this. The best method I have found is to soak the steelwool pad fully covered in water and replace at least once per week. The stainless steel version of the wool lasts much longer but is substantially more expensive.

© Eric J. Smith

September 25, 2010  Tags: , , , ,   Posted in: Organic Home Cleaning  No Comments

The benefits of Steam Cleaners

Steam cleaners have become the must have appliance in the home. They are effective in cleaning almost anything around the house while killing germs. This greatly reduces the number of chemicals needed in the home, providing a healthier safer environment for babies and kids of all ages.

Steam cleaners now come in many styles for a variety of uses. Hand held units are great for cleaning around the kitchen. The stove, bench tops, oven trays, taps and almost any item in the kitchen. Most jobs around the home will be done with the hand held unit. These come with a variety of attachments for almost any application

Steam Mops were designed to cover large areas of hard floor surfaces including lino, vinyl, tile, timber and most other hard surfaces. Most of these units are designed to include a simple add on “slipper” to adapt the unit for use on carpeted floors. This conversion makes cleaning carpet on a regular basis an easy job.

Some of the cleaning jobs that can be done around the home include:

  • In the Kitchen – Steam cleaners can be used for cleaning grease from oven racks and cooking trays. The glass on the oven door can be cleaned with steam, not forgetting the inside of the oven itself. The sink, Taps and Bench tops can all be cleaned with steam.
  • In the Bathroom – All items in the bathroom can be cleaned with steam including the shower, shower doors or screens, shower recess, walls and taps as well as the basin and bathtub.
  • Baby toys – Steam is an excellent way to clean germs from chewable baby toys and anything that will be chewed on by kids.
  • The Barbecue – One of the hardest things to keep clean, steam takes care of the job with ease. Providing of course, it is cleaned regularly after each use. It is common to leave a Barbecue without cleaning it until its time to use it again. However, a basic clean should always be done after each use which will make the pre-use clean with steam a lot easier. This will also extend the life of your Barbecue.
  • Automotive – Steam is a good cleaner for Mag wheels, chrome and mirrors. It can be used to clean oil and grease from the engine bay as well as on car seats, covers, carpets and interior upholstery.

Steam cleaners are so versatile it would be ideal to include one in both the garage and the home. A word of caution – remember that steam is hot, in particular the point where the steam is immediately released from the unit. It cools down quickly but can still leave a nasty burn on ones skin.

© Eric J. Smith

September 25, 2010  Tags: , , , , , ,   Posted in: Organic Home Cleaning  No Comments

The Cleaning Benefits of Pumice Stone

Pumice stone is derived from volcanic lava and is used as an abrasive. It is useful for removing stains from hard surfaces that are capable of withstanding a coarse cleaning action. It can be used on its own or in combination with a cleaning agent. If using any form of caustic/toxic cleaning chemical always wear rubber gloves and breathing protection if recommended by the chemical manufacturer.

Pumice stone can be purchased from most hardware stores. You may also find small pumice stones at Pharmacies and health shops which are intended for abrasive rubbing on hard calluses and rough spots on feet.

There are many situations around the home where pumice stone will assist in lifting hardened stains and dirt.

  • Hardened stains on brickwork can be removed with a gentle rubbing with pumice.
  • In the kitchen Pumice can be used to clean cast iron Grills, Skillets, Fry pans and Cookware. Cast iron and aluminium BBQ hotplates can also benefit from cleaning with pumice stone. It is suitable for cleaning most cast products from food, grease and carbon build ups.
  • As with brickwork, concrete can be cleaned from hardened and stubborn stains with a gentle rubbing of pumice stone.
  • Porcelain toilet bowls, sinks and basins can benefit from cleaning with pumice stone. It is also suitable for the removal of mineral deposits around taps and drains.

The harshness of pumice makes it ideally suited to these hard surfaces. However, it is not suitable for use on delicate hard surfaces such as laminate, marble, enamel (such as stove tops), hard or soft plastics. It is equally not suited to cleaning any type of fabric including carpet.

To avoid harsh scratches pumice stone should be used wet. On extremely tough stains on hard surfaces using pumice in combination with a scraper such as a razor blade or paint scraper can help.

Pumice has other uses around the home in addition to cleaning. It can be used to clean and prepare surfaces for painting and to remove rust from metal. In Industry, Pumice stone is used to manufacture lightweight concrete which has a host of uses.

Cosmetically pumice can be used as an exfoliant and for soothing rough feet.

Be cautious of the material you are going to be cleaning is suitable for the harshness of pumice. It is a good hard surface cleaning material but it can be unforgiving if used on surfaces that scratch easily. If in doubt of the material you will be cleaning either test an area that will not be seen if it scratches or safer still, choose a safer cleaning material.

© Eric J. Smith

September 25, 2010  Tags: , , , , ,   Posted in: Organic Home Cleaning  No Comments

Toothpaste as a household cleaner

Toothpaste is a versatile cleaning product beyond its application as a tooth cleaner. The mildly abrasive cleaning action makes toothpaste suitable for many household cleaning jobs.

Toothpastes are manufactured from various ingredients designed to gently remove stains and blemishes from the delicate enamel coating on teeth. This makes toothpaste ideal for cleaning things around the home. There are also some applications outside where toothpaste can be used to clean and shine.

In addition to toothpaste itself being a good cleaning product, an old toothbrush makes the perfect application tool. Don’t get your toothbrushes mixed up though.

  • Delicate China – Stains appear on delicate china over periods of use. Tea and coffee have tannins which leave unsightly brown stains in the cracks and decorative embellishments that attract stains over a period of time. Using a toothbrush, toothpaste can be applied to gently remove these stains from these cracks and decorative swirls on tea cups and similar items.
  • Enamel Stove Tops – Stains build up around the cooking area of stove tops and oven doors. This surface scratches easily so it is best to use a delicate cleaner like toothpaste. Again, a toothbrush makes an ideal application tool.
  • Mag wheel cleaner – I discovered this by accident one day when I grabbed what I thought was the Mag wheel cleaner from the bench and put in the car detailing box in the boot of my car. When I went to clean the wheels I was half way through the first wheel when I realised the smell of the cleaner was more like toothpaste. I rinsed off the portion of the wheel I had already done only to find the wheels sparkling more than they ever have. I was hooked on this new cleaner and have used it ever since.
  • Jewellery – An excellent cleaner for delicate and intricate jewellery. Toothpaste can be mixed with a little water or used in its thick state depending on the type of jewellery being cleaned. A toothbrush is again an ideal application tool.
  • Taps and Tap ware – Chrome or enamel taps can be cleaned with toothpaste. A toothbrush or a hand and nail cleaning brush can be used to scrub the toothpaste onto the taps and simply rinse off with water. If any toothpaste residue dries on the taps it can easily be wiped away with a cloth.

What else can you think of that could be cleaned with toothpaste ? Try some different items around your home and see how it works. I would not recommend using on Glass (windows or mirrors), Timber, Fabric or similar items. Always test a small inconspicuous area before hitting the main area.

© Eric J. Smith

September 25, 2010  Tags: , , , , ,   Posted in: Organic Home Cleaning  No Comments

The Benefits of Old Fashioned Poultices

A poultice is a paste used to draw something out of an object. Poultices can be used for many things from medical poultices used to draw out infection or to assist with healing of ulcers and in some cases to help with bites and stings from venom injecting animals and insects. In this article we will look at poultices used as natural cleaning alternatives.

Kids will be kids and I was fairly typical of that. When I would fall over my grandmother would always tell me to put a poultice on it. As a kid who hadn’t yet reached double figures I always thought she was being rude in a kids kind of way. I have since learnt that a poultice can have many uses around the home and can be made from a variety of things to suit all kinds of things around the home.

For cleaning purposes, a poultice is a paste used to draw a stain from a hard surface. Bench tops like marble and laminate, granite, slate and similar rock surfaces as well as concrete.

Typical Poultices and their uses

  • Baking Soda and Lemon Juice – A typical poultice for use on kitchen bench tops such as laminate would be a paste made from Baking Soda and Lemon Juice. Simply place a required portion of baking soda in a bowl and add sufficient lemon juice to form a workable paste. Smear this paste over the stained area and leave for a period of time. Sometimes its best to leave it to dry. You should only mix enough poultice to use on the job at hand. The amount you need to mix will depend on the size of the stain, therefore providing examples of quantities would not be helpful.
  • Cat Litter and Alcohol (or turpentine) – There are several outdoor applications where this would make an excellent absorbent cleaner. Oil stains on concrete are unsightly and often require harsh scrubbing with caustic chemical cleaning agents to remove. A poultice made by mixing cat litter (perlite or clay based cat litter) with an alcohol or turpentine liquid can be placed over the oil stain and left to absorb the oil stain. The poultice can be left to dry and simply swept away. Heavy stains may require a second or third application.
  • Gypsum and alcohol – I have seen this combination used on porous stone. It is ideal for use on slate or granite floors or walls. On walls the paste should first be mad a little thinner than typical with a second thicker application added over the initial layer. On floors a traditional application can be used. The poultice should be periodically worked into the stain and when dry simply sweep away. If any gypsum is left in gaps or cracks in the object use a scrubbing brush to gently remove.

Materials and their coatings can differ so always test an area before plunging in to remove stains with a poultice. Any alcohol should be Isopropyl Alcohol or Denature alcohol. Only use Turpentine in outdoor applications.

© Eric J. Smith

September 25, 2010  Tags: , , , , , , , ,   Posted in: Organic Home Cleaning  No Comments

The Benefits of Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has long been used as a kitchen and general purpose cleaner. Along with other members of the citrus family including Oranges and Limes, Lemon acts as a deodoriser in addition to its cleaning ability. Lemons are amongst the most versatile of fruits.

In days of old Lemons were often used for cleaning. Lemon oil and lemon rind were also commonly used as cleaners. All of the best chemical free cleaning methods used today were tried and tested by our grandmothers and grandfathers of yesterday. Commercial cleaning contractors are also using many natural alternatives including Lemon juice as safer chemical free options to traditional cleaners in domestic homes and units.

Before you begin cutting into the lemons in your fruit bowl there are a couple of considerations. Juice from lemons may tarnish some metals if you do not rinse the item thoroughly after cleaning, Fabric should be spot tested before cleaning and be aware that the sugars in lemon juice will leave a sticky coating on the surface being cleaned unless it is thoroughly rinsed to remove the lemon juice.

The juice from Lemons  can be used as a tannin releaser making it an ideal cleaner for coffee and tea stains as well as other tannin type stains. The application of lemon juice on these types of stains would depend on the surface that is being cleaned. On hard surfaces such as bench tops a lemon can simply be cut in half and rubbed over the stain. The acids in the lemon will work to release the tannin therefore removing the stain.

  • On clothing, it can be added directly to the stain (after spot testing the fabric) before adding to the wash.
  • The juice can also be added to other natural household cleaning options to make cleaning solutions for a variety of situations.
  • Mixing lemon juice with vinegar to form a poultice which can be used to clean hard surfaces such as bench tops.
  • An abrasive cleaner can be made by sifting wood ash and mixing with lemon juice to form an abrasive paste which can be used to clean metal utensils, scratch proof ceramics and similar items.
  • Lemon juice makes an ideal cleaner and deodoriser for refrigerators and freezers.
  • Poultices and pastes should be made as required and used within 24 hours.

Fresh lemons are the best and have the highest acid content however, lemon juice which can be purchased from the local supermarket is an ideal back-up. Lemon essence is a (usually) synthetic flavouring used to flavour cooking. It is not usually suited to cleaning processes but may be suitable for a deodoriser in microwave ovens, refrigerators, freezers etc. Fresh and Organic is always my preferred choice.

© Eric J. Smith

September 25, 2010  Tags: , , ,   Posted in: Organic Home Cleaning  No Comments

The Benefit of Alcohol Based Cleaners and Solvents

Alcohol makes an excellent household cleaner. Denatured or isopropyl alcohol can be used as a selective cleaner around the home on a variety of surfaces.

Alcohol of this type can have a drying effect on the skin. It is recommended you wear protective rubber gloves when physically handling this cleaning product.

Some of the the things around the home worth having a go at cleaning with Alcohol include:

Grass stains

Rubbing alcohol on grass stains on clothes can help prevent the stain from penetrating the fibres and sticking to the material permanently. Grass stains on Lino, Vinyl or tiled floors can be easily removed by adding a few drops to a cloth and rubbing the stained area until the mark is gone. Carpet can also be cleaned in a similar way. Before using on carpet or textile (clothing, linen etc.) test a small area to make sure it does not discolour the fabric.

Ink

Ink seems to be attracted to the material in a white business shirt. If you are in the unfortunate situation of finding a pen has leaked its contents all over your clothing Rubbing alcohol may help lift the stain. Be careful however, you may end up bleeding the stain throughout the area making it worse than it was to begin with. When the stain has lifted rinse the alcohol from the garment and wash independent of other clothing to remove any excess alcohol.

Dyes

Dyes such as hair dye will stain anything they come in contact with. Soaking towels or protective coverings in a mixture of alcohol and water may help remove dye stains. Alcohol may also remove dye stains from hard floors, bench tops or other areas where a spill is likely to occur.

Glass

Streak free windows can be achieved by mixing denatured alcohol in a 50:50 mix with water. Using a spray bottle (similar to a commercially available window cleaner) simply spray windows as you normally would and wipe over with a piece of paper towel or lint free cloth. This mixture can be used both indoors and outside. Be careful around window sealing rubber as the alcohol may loosen some types of silicone or may smear black rubber seals which could stain window trimmings or, timber weather boards and brickwork.

Grease and grime

Isopropyl alcohol is ideal for removing grease and grime from several types of material. It can be used to clean surfaces prior to painting with enamel based paints. Grease and tar can also be removed from automotive paintwork with isopropyl alcohol.

When using Denatured or Isopropyl alcohol as solvent or household cleaner always test to ensure no further staining will result from its use. Some stains such as ink may cause further running of the stain. Since the item is probably damaged anyway (due to the stain) its always worth a try. But don’t expect miracles. Prevention, as the saying goes, is always better than cure.

© Eric J. Smith

September 25, 2010  Tags: , , , , , ,   Posted in: Organic Home Cleaning  No Comments

Safe and Effective Spot Cleaners

Spot stains will inevitably pop up from time to time in the general running of your home. From a simple spill of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine to mud marks from a traipsing child after a muddy game of football, stains appear in all types of household surfaces from carpet to walls, clothing and upholstery.

There are many natural things around the home that can be used for removing stains from various surfaces. A quick look in your pantry will find at least one or all of these items – Lemon (juice and rind), baking soda, vinegar and salt. These things can all be used as spot cleaners to avoid the use of synthetic toxins disguised as safe household cleaners.

  • Lemon juice makes an excellent stain remover and the juice can be rubbed directly on stains. Mixed with a little salt, lemon juice can remove stains such as wine from almost any fabric.
  • Salt and vinegar will remove stains from bench tops and also makes a good cleaner around the stove and oven. Salt and Vinegar will also remove fire stains from the glass on heater doors. Some material such as linen or pure cotton should not be spot cleaned with vinegar according to some researchers views.
  • A poultice can be made using baking soda and water and applied to stubborn stains in carpet and fabric upholstery. It is wise to test a small area prior to using it in a visible location.
  • Salt can be applied to many liquid spills. Getting to this quickly is often the best way to avoid having to remove stubborn stains at a later date.
  • Have you ever fallen to sleep with chewing gum in your mouth and found it stuck to your clothing the following morning? There is a simple trick to removing this chewing gum from your clothes without the need for any spot cleaning. Simply place the item of clothing in the freeze for 12 to 24 hours. When the chewing gum is frozen, simply pluck I off. This might require re-freezing for a further 24hours or so until the chewing gum is all removed.

In addition to these common household spot cleaning agents never underestimate the power of plain water for attacking simple stains and marks from household items. Warm water and a sponge can remove at least 50% common stains without the need to investigate possible alternatives.

Red and Brown stains are traditionally the worst and hardest to clean (Mud, Faeces, Red wine, red cordial etc.). These stains require immediate attention to help reduce the chance of stubborn staining which would then require harsher treatment and potentially harsher chemicals.

© Eric J. Smith

September 25, 2010  Tags: , , , , ,   Posted in: Organic Home Cleaning  One Comment