Natural Household Cleaning Tips

Vinegar

Not only is white distilled vinegar economical and environmentally friendly, but it is very effective in killing most germs, bacteria and even mold.

• Baby Bottles: for glass bottles fill equal parts of vinegar and hot water let sit for roughly an hour then scrub with a bottle brush.
• Baby Toys: add some vinegar to soapy water and let toys soak before rinsing off and air drying.
• Children's board/vinyl books: use a cloth dampened with vinegar to wipe clean.
• Urine stained mattress: spray equal parts vinegar and water solution to surface and sprinkle with baking soda. Let dry, then vacuum or dust off.
• Disinfect/kill germs: spray full strength vinegar to door knobs/handles and wipe dry.
• Removing stale odors: wipe down walls with cloth or sponge mop with full strength vinegar.
• Pet urine: spray full strength vinegar to the stain and if needed sprinkle baking soda, let dry and vacuum.
• Toilet bowl cleaner: a cup of full strength vinegar left over night. Scrub with toilet brush and flush.
• Soap scum/bath film: full strength vinegar and follow up with a baking soda scour. 
• Vinyl/linoleum floor: 1 cup of vinegar to every gallon of water.
• Remove a label: soak a cloth with vinegar and cover the labeled surface for several hours to overnight.
• Grill cleaner: spray with equal parts hot water and vinegar.
• Rid home of fruit flies: fill a small dish with vinegar and leave out on counter.
• Foul smelling or stained plastic food containers: wipe surface with full strength vinegar.
• Remove odor and soap buildup from dishwasher: run empty dishwasher with one cup vinegar monthly. 
• Clean microwave: mix 1/2 cup water to 1/2 cup vinegar to microwave safe bowl. Bring to a boil inside microwave and this should help to loosen caked on food and eliminate any odors.
• Counter tops: full strength vinegar soaked cloth to clean surface. (DO NOT use on granite counter tops as the acidity may ruin the surface)
• Chrome sinks and faucets: make a paste of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 tablespoon vinegar to remove lime buildup.