Bathroom cleaners
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These recipes for less-toxic tub, tile and toilet cleaners can help you save money and protect your family and the environment.
Toilet bowl cleaners
- Combine 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar and 2 cups water in a labeled spray bottle. Spray along the inside rim of the toilet. Leave on for 15 minutes before you scrub with a toilet brush.
- Pour a cup of white vinegar into the toilet and toss in a handful of baking soda to soak about 10 minutes. Swish with toilet brush.
- Put 1/2 cup borax into the toilet, swirl, scrub and let sit overnight. Swirl with a toilet brush in the morning. Iron rings will disappear effortlessly with this technique. Be sure to close the lid if you have a pet that drinks from the toilet.
- Combine 2 teaspoons tea tree oil with 2 cups water in a labeled spray bottle. Shake and spray along the inside rim of the toilet. Let stand for 30 minutes before scrubbing.
- Scrub regularly with a toilet brush and non-chlorinated scouring powder like Bon Ami.
Tip: Clean bowl thoroughly and often. Drain water from toilet bowl for better cleaning. For serious stains or rust, empty water out of bowl and scour with a wet pumice stone. When wet, the stone will not scratch porcelain.
Rust remover
Rust stains can be removed from porcelain by scouring with cream of tartar.
Tub and tile cleaner
- 1 2/3 cups baking soda
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil-based liquid soap
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- a few drops essential oil (optional)
Mix soda and soap. Add water, then add vinegar. Store in a squirt-top bottle and shake before using. Rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving a residue.
- Scrub surfaces with paste of baking soda and water. This also can be used to clean fiberglass.
Soft scrub
Combine 1/2 cup baking soda with enough vegetable-oil-based liquid soap to make a frosting-like mixture. Add 15 drops of tea tree oil (optional). Scoop the mixture onto a sponge and scrub the bathtub, sinks, Formica countertops or shower stall. Rinse.
Disinfectants
See general cleaners section.
Mold and mildew
Use equal parts vinegar and water. Spray and wipe clean.
Plastic shower curtains
Add 2 cups vinegar to laundry soap in washing machine. Add a few towels with the shower curtain. Air dry. To keep clean, spray weekly with a mixture of borax and water.
Antiseptic soap spray
Mix 3 tablespoons vegetable oil-based liquid soap, 20-30 drops of tea tree oil and 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Apply as needed. Tip: Three percent hydrogen peroxide by itself also can be used as a mild antiseptic.
Bathroom deodorizer
Mix 10 to 20 drops of essential oil into a 1 pound box of baking soda. Place open box under sink or near toilet. Add more essential oil as needed. Replace baking soda every three months.