Readers Digest - Natural Cleaning Secrets

THERE IS GROWING CONCERN over the toxicity of many common commercial cleaning agents. This has led to increased interest in familiar agents such as vinegar, baking soda, borax, etc. It has also led to the development of new technologies allowing general cleaning to be done with just plain water or some form of empowered water. Coupled with microfiber cloths and mops, these are truly helping to create healthier environments for us all.

Microfibers represent the biggest change in cleaning since the introduction of detergents in the 1950s. Because they are made from nylon and polyester, it can be argued that microfibers cannot be considered green or natural. However, they can reduce or eliminate the use of cleaning chemicals, require less water to clean, and waste fewer paper products. They are also durable tools, as some can be laundered several hundred times. In studies at the University of California, Davis, microfibers removed 99% of the soil and germs from hard surfaces using just water versus 33% removal using conventional cotton. Some of the best microfibers have lab tests showing a removal rate of 99.99% for tested bacteria when paired with just plain water. Coupled with deionized water, they make an even more powerful cleaning combination.

Deionized water is pure water with all minerals removed. Our cleaning service does over 500 residential cleans per month with high-grade microfibers using deionized water as our general cleaner. If deionized is unavailable, distilled water can be a close second. This is water that has been boiled into vapor and condensed back into liquid to remove contaminants.

When you choose cleaning methods from this book, I recommend trying this dynamic cleaning duo for most tasks. But know that you will need extra oomph on jobs such as heavy grease and hard-water scale. Look inside for great ways to tackle cleaning with baking soda for grease, and vinegar for soap scum or hard-water scale, and much, much more.

Bruce Vance, co-owner Town & Country Cleaning Services

The information in this book should not be substituted for, or used to alter, medical therapy without your doctors advice. For a specific health problem, consult your physician for guidance.

This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its contributors and is designed to provide useful information to the reader on the subject matter covered. This publication is sold with the understanding that the contributors and the publisher are not engaged in rendering legal advice. Laws vary from state to state, and readers with specific issues should seek the services of an attorney. Any references in this publication to any products or services do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation. The publisher and the contributors specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk (personal, financial or otherwise) that may be claimed or incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and/or application of any of the contents of this publication.

READY, SET, CLEAN! Youve just found the earth-friendly way to keep a home fresh and tidy for less time and money.

The secrets throughout this book show you how to get more bang for your buck from everyday items you probably already own. Youll be amazed by how much you can accomplish using just a few of the most versatile of these items, such as baking soda, salt, vinegar or a lemon.

There are also many tangible benefits to making common household products on your own:

• In many cases, the quality of the homemade product is superior to the equivalent store-bought item.
• Youll save money.
• You know exactly what goes into it.
• You can adjust the recipe to meet your own needs or preferences.
• Youre creating less waste by avoiding extra packaging and by using repurposed bottles and cloths, so you can feel good about doing your bit to help the environment.
• And the best part is that everything here is natural!

Start slowly and use these methods and recipes in small areas first to make sure they work for you or with your materials or items. Also, be aware that though many of these agents are found in nature and are minimally processed, it doesnt mean you can throw caution aside. Natural does not equal safe and nontoxic. Always work in well-ventilated areas, wear gloves and goggles when appropriate, and be aware of the presence of children and pets around agents such as borax.

We wish you happy and healthy cleaning!

The Editors of Readers Digest

IN THE KITCHEN