Clean

Here’s an eco-friendly and inexpensive cleaner for plastic and vinyl. Store in a clearly labeled clean spray bottle out of the reach of pets and children.

1 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 tablespoons liquid soap

This easy and inexpensive cleaner works on wicker and rattan or other non-lacquered basketry. It’s also environmentally friendly and safe.

1 cup hot water
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons liquid soap

Mix ingredients thoroughly. Apply and lightly scrub with a soft brush. Rinse with plain water by wiping with a saturated cloth or towel.

This is a simple and effective recipe to clean and feed all the wood surfaces in your home – from floors and walls to furniture and fixtures.

1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup liquid soap
1/4 cup water

Mix thoroughly and store in a clean labeled bottle out of the reach of pets and children. Use 1/4 cup of wood cleaner to a bucket of water.

Here’s an easy and inexpensive way to soften your laundry without liquids that have to be added to the wash or dryer sheets in every load.

1/2 cup baking soda

1 tablespoon arrowroot powder

1 tablespoon rice flour or corn starch

1-3 drops of any essential oil you like

Fill a small sachet and keep it in the dryer until the scent is gone.

NOTE: Do not use fabric softener on towels and washcloths (it inhibits their absorbency) or bathing suits.

It’s easy and cheap to make your own eco-friendly laundry detergent. The following recipe will make enough detergent for 30 loads and has a shelf life of 4 months.

5 cups soap flakes

5 cups baking soda

2 1/2 cups washing soda

2 1/2 cups borax

Use 1/2 cup of detergent per full load.