Other Uses for Baking Soda & Vinegar

I am all about using less chemicals on & in your body & in your home. I have been using a few different cleaners that are so simple & that you don't have to worry about holding your breath while you are cleaning.

The first can be used for just about anything.

Cleaner for all-purpose jobs

2 cups of white vinegar & 2 cups of water.

Optional: Add essential oils*, about 15-20 drops ( Why shouldn't cleaning smell good while you are doing it).

*A note on essential oils: lavender has been said to be toxic to cats & some essential oils stain (chamomile, cedar and orange) so try on a tissue first in an inconspicuous area.

Warm the mixture for tougher jobs.

Furniture Polish

1/4 cup white vinegar

a few drops of olive oil

2 tsp of lemon juice

This should be stored in a refrigerator. Test in an inconspicuous area first. Use a clean, dry cloth & pour a little polish on it. Rub in the direction of the grain.

Reasons to not use a popular furniture spray

1. Propane

2. Isobutane

3. Butane

4. Isoparaffinic Hydrocarbon Solvent Silicons (say what?)

5. Water (okay, that's all right)

6. Storage: keep away from children. Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area. Keep from freezing or excessive heat. (where is your can stored?)

7. Disposal: take to the nearest steel recycling center.

Enough said?


Drain Cleaner


1/2 cup each of baking soda & white vinegar.

Pour baking soda down the drain & follow with the vinegar. Let it sit for around 30 minutes & flush with boiling water. Try again if it didn't work the first time.




Reasons not to use a popular drain cleaner (right from their material data sheets)
Warnings: CAUTION: Eye irritant. May be irritating to skin. For sensitive skin or prolonged use wear gloves. FIRST AID: EYES-Flush with water for 15 minutes. IF SWALLOWED-Drink a glass full of water. Call a physician. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Avoid contact with clothes, fabric or carpet. Do not use or mix with other household chemicals as hazardous gases may result.
Acute Health Effects: From MSDS Inhalation: Exposure to vapor may irritate eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Injures mucous membranes on direct contact. Skin Contact: Injures skin on contact. Some clinical reports suggest a low potential for sensitization upon exaggerated exposure to sodium hypochlorite, particularly on damaged or irritated skin. Eye Contact: Corrosive to the eyes. Ingestion: Nausea, vomiting, and burning sensation of the mouth and throat may occur.
Chronic Health Effects: From MSDS Occasional clinical reports suggest a low potential for skin sensitization upon exaggerated exposure to sodium hypochlorite if skin damage (e.g., irritation) occurs during exposure. Routine clinical tests conducted on intact skin found no sensitization in the test subjects. The MSDS further states "The following medical conditions may be aggravated by exposure to high concentrations of vapor or mist: heart conditions or chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or obstructive lung disease."See the accompanying chemical database file for a further discussion of potential health effects of the chemical ingredients that are found on the label or mentioned in the MSDS.
Carcinogenicity: From MSDS The manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) states that the product contains no substances that are considered carcinogenic or potentially carcinogenic by NTP, IARC, or OSHA.
Handling: From MSDS Keep out of reach of children. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Use general ventilation to minimize exposure to vapors Avoid all splashing; particularly in eyes, on skin and clothing. Keep children away from basins containing Liquid Plumr. Do not use plunger with Liquid Plumr. Do not use with ammonia, toilet bowl cleaners or other drain openers. Do not reuse empty container.

Just think of how much money you will save by using these cleaners & there are no metal or plastic containers to recycle. You can re-use the empty glass bottle of vinegar for the furniture polish or other cleaner. I know it is "easy" to just go out & buy the ready made stuff, but you really do owe it to yourself & your family to clean up your home of chemicals. Break the habit & start a new tradition in your home of safe cleaning.