August 13, 2014
6 Ways to Green Clean With Baking Soda
Bicarbonate of Soda. Most of us know it as baking soda. We keep a box or two stashed away for those times when we’re hungry for home-made bread or other recipes that require it. Did you know, though, that baking soda isn’t just an ingredient? It’s actually a very effective and eco-friendly cleaning agent that can help you keep your home green and clean between visits from Greenapple House Cleaning.
How does it work? While baking soda is a strong (and non toxic) cleaning agent on its own, it often works best when combined with vinegar. Baking soda can gently wear away dirt and stains, and when it is mixed with vinegar, the more bubbly carbonic acid is formed. This makes it easy to get out tough stains and corrosion.
Want to use baking soda for something other than keeping odors at bay in your refrigerator? Here’s how.
Cleaning With Baking Soda
Toilet– Even when toilet bowls have resistant coating on them, they can easily stain. The problem is, you don’t want to use a strong cleaner to get rid of those stains, as chemicals can quickly wear down the enamel of the toilet bowl and make it easier for new stains to form. To keep your toilet safe, sprinkle some baking soda into it. Let it sit for a little while, then moisten the baking soda with a bit of vinegar. Scrub until the stain is gone, then flush.
Showers– Do you have shower doors that always look grimy? Use baking soda in your home cleaning routine. Baking soda won’t scratch the surface and it will easily remove dirt, soap scum, and even toothpaste without leaving streaks.
Drains– Clogged drains can put a damper on your day. Luckily, with just a dash of lemon juice, a bit of vinegar, and some baking soda, you can get rid of those clogs. Pour this mixture down the drain and let it sit for up to 20 minutes. Then, flush with hot water.
Tiles– If you have tiles in your bathroom or in your kitchen, you know what a problem mildew and mold can be. To clean them thoroughly (and safely,) mix together baking soda and water until you create a paste. Using a clean (unused) toothbrush scrub the paste into the cracks in the tiles for a thorough home cleaning.
Cookware– Have a stained saucepan? Instead of reaching for the chemicals, sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on it. Moisten it with a bit of vinegar, then let it sit, occasionally checking to see how well the stain is coming up.
Multi-Purpose– Wiping down and getting rid of marks and dirt on furnishings, shower curtains, and linoleum floors is easy. Just combine baking soda and water, apply, and scrub with your microfiber cloth.
Want to keep your home looking its best between Greenapple House Cleaning visits? Use baking soda as your green home cleaning remedy. With just a little elbow grease and some help from vinegar, you can create solutions that will help you keep dirt at bay.
