Common ‘green’ cleaning solutions

Green is the new black. Well maybe not in the streets of Milan but certainly in the world of cleaning solutions. There is a definite consumer shift away from the caustic, fumy, chemical based cleaners that we grew up with. In its place are naturally derived cleaning solutions that are not only good for the environment and our health but also damned good cleaning agents.

• Eucalyptus Oil
  Eucalyptus oil is derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree and is an excellent deodoriser and smell neutraliser. It is also very effective in removing marks such as those left by stickers. Eucalyptus oil also has a disinfectant property and even manages to repel some insects and has even been known to be effective in deterring those dreaded lice.
• Household Vinegar
  The properties of vinegar, in particular the acetic acid component, enable it to cut through common household grease. It is also a valuable bathroom cleaning solution as it effectively removes calcium deposits from basins and toilet bowls as well as leaving glass mirrors sparking clean.
• Cornstarch
  Cornstarch is one of those less common pantry items but nevertheless, if you are looking for green cleaning solutions that do not harm you, your kiddies or the environment, then you might learn to love corn starch. It is particularly effective in lifting stains from carpets as well as removing greasy stains. Unlike many of its competitors, cornstarch is odourless and as such doesn't leave you inhaling all sorts of unknown chemicals like some other cleaning solutions.
• Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate)
  Washing soda, also known as sodium Carbonate is another of those all-purpose cleaning agents. From the washing to the bathroom, to the kitchen, to the garden, washing soda has the ability to cut through grease, disinfect and remove stains. Washing soda is terrific when preparing for painting, magical as a drain cleaner, great for polishing silverware, brass and pewter and ideal for cleaning down the barbeque. A word of warning though that washing soda should never be used on aluminium.
• Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda)
  Baking soda, also known as Bicarbonate of Soda is one of those ingredients every good baker has in their pantry. Not only does it assist in the baking process but it also has the added benefit of being both a fabric softener and stain remover. Baking Soda is another good deodorising agent whilst also having polishing properties. Who knew a pantry staple had this whole other life as a green cleaning solution?

So next time, try examining the contents of your pantry and cupboards for natural cleaning solutions before embarking on expensive alternatives.