Organic Cleaning Supplies: Using Old Favorites for a Not-So-New Purpose

We all know the dangers of using modern cleaning products. They're terrible for the environment, toxic for our children and can do untold damage to anyone who uses them without the proper protective gear. So we buy organic, environment friendly, non-toxic cleaning supplies. But did you know that you have everything you'll ever need to make your home sparkle and shine, right in your own kitchen?

That's right! Hundreds of years ago, before the introduction of chemical cleaners, our forefathers (and mothers) knew how to keep their homes clean using only natural products we now take for granted. No noxious fumes, no caustic acids; just pure, all natural ingredients that most of us still keep in our cupboards and pantries today. So, we wanted to reintroduce you to a few of our old favorites that you may have forgotten.

Baking Soda -

Who'd have thought that this marvelous substance most of us have kept in our refrigerators for years would also be one of the most amazing household cleaners? A box of baking soda has so many uses, you'll be amazed at how many products you'll be able to eliminate, simply by substituting a box of baking soda.

As a deodorizer, there's just no beating a box of this old favorite. Whether it's diaper pails or kitty litter boxes, sprinkling a layer of baking soda on the bottom will help to eliminate those nasty odors. To freshen carpets in a home with pets, sprinkle baking soda over the entire carpeted area. Allow to sit for thirty minutes or so (this won't hurt kids or pets), then vacuum as usual. Using baking soda on your carpets will also help pet owners to vacuum up twice as much pet hair with each pass.

For laundry, you'd be amazed at the power of baking soda. Use a cup of baking soda in the wash in place of bleach. Baking soda whitens whites, deodorizes laundry, and helps to remove any stubborn stains. For a load that's been left in the washer too long, rewash adding a half cup of baking soda to the water to remove any mildew and odor.