DIY Network

Green Cleaning Green Cleaning From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-119

When it comes to cleaning, less is more. And cleaning without toxic chemicals is known as "green" cleaning. Green cleaning is a new name for an old way of cleaning. Often the cleaners are on your kitchen shelves, and frequently the cleaning recipes have been handed down from your grandmother; sometimes, however, they are entirely new products. Cleaning green is just a different way of thinking about what you put on the surfaces in your home, what you breathe and what you touch. Now for some questions!

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Figure A

Q: What's the best cleaner for wood floors (figure A)?

A: Tea is all you need to clean wood floors. Brew two teabags in hot water and cool to room temperature. Use with a mop or a cloth on the floors. Rinsing is not needed.

Q: How do you clean silver?

A: Apply white, nongel toothpaste to a damp cloth and work into the silver. The mild abrasive in the toothpaste will clean the silver. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Q: How do you remove household odors naturally?

A: Bring a cup of water and 1/4 cup white vinegar to a boil, then let it simmer for 30 minutes to an hour to remove odors.

Figure B

Natural Cleaners

There are five natural cleaners no home should be without (figure B):

• Baking soda A mild, natural abrasive; can be used for cleaning without worrying about scratching surfaces.

• White vinegar A mild acidic product; won't destroy surfaces; works great for soap scum.

• Lemon juice Nature's bleach and disinfectant; a great natural stain remover and deodorizer.

• Borax A natural laundry additive and booster.

• Club soda A great stain remover.
  

Figure C