Fewer Products

• Avoid using unnecessary cleaning products. Instead of air fresheners, simply open the windows to air out your home once a week. Many hard surfaces, including tables, countertops, and floors, can be effectively cleaned with just warm water and a drop or two of dish detergent. Use a microfiber cloth to pick up dust and remove greasy fingerprints from furniture and glass throughout the home without the use of cleaning products.
  
  

General Cleaning

• Clean toilets, tubs, and sinks by wetting, sprinkling baking soda on the surface, and scrubbing with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly, and wipe a second time with vinegar to remove odors, if needed. Sprinkle baking soda anywhere odors are a problem, such as trash cans or diaper pails. Use two tablespoons of vinegar in a quart of water to clean glass. Create a general, all-purpose cleaner with 1 tablespoon each ammonia and liquid detergent in 2 cups water. Add 4 to 6 drops of essential oil to any cleaner for a fresh fragrance.
  
  

Special Tasks

• You might feel compelled to use strong, commercial chemicals for certain cleaning jobs around the home, if you do not realize that safer, effective methods exist. Clean smelly or slow-draining sinks and basins with 1 cup of salt poured down each drain, followed by boiling water. Full-strength vinegar applied to the oven and left to soak for at least two hours removes burned-on food. Vinegar works as a degreaser in the same manner when used full-strength on any hard surface in the kitchen.