Washing Soda: All-Purpose Cleaner - How To PLUS More Nontoxic Cleaning Solutions

[Guest guest]

Washing Soda: All-Purpose Cleaner - How To

http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/home/712

 

Adapted from Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond (Three Rivers

Press, 1999).

 

Simple Solution

A chemical neighbor of baking soda, washing soda (sodium carbonate) is much

more strongly alkaline, with a pH around 11. It releases no harmful fumes and

is a far safer heavy duty cleanser than a commercial solvent formula. Because I

am chemically sensitive, there were so many things I just couldn't clean

until I discovered washing soda. It cuts grease, cleans petroleum oil, removes

wax

or lipstick, and neutralizes odors in the same way that baking soda does.

 

This terrific all-purpose cleaner formula is one you will stick with for a

lifetime.

 

All-Purpose Cleaner (Fantastic Cleaner)

 

1/2 teaspoon washing soda

2 teaspoons borax

1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent

2 cups hot water

 

Combine the washing soda, borax, and soap in a spray bottle. Pour in the hot

water (it will dissolve the minerals), screw on the lid, and shake to

completely blend and dissolve. Spritz every 6 inches or so of surface once or

twice,

wiping off the cleanser with a rag as you go. For tough dirt, leave the

cleanser on for a few minutes before wiping it off. Shake the bottle each time

before

using.

 

Shelf Life: Indefinite

 

Storage: Leave in a labeled spray bottleHelpful Hints Wear gloves when using

washing soda because it is caustic. And don’t use it on fiberglass, aluminum

or waxed floors--unless you intend to remove the wax.

 

Shop for Supplies

BOOK: Better Basics for the Home

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0609803255/

 

Copyright: Adapted from Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond

(Three Rivers Press, 1999). Copyright © 1999 by Annie Berthold-Bond. Reprinted

by permission of the author.

 

 

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http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/home/712

 

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