It was an ugly, greasy problem:  a clogged kitchen sink with standing water.  Its stubbornness seemed to be matched only by The Real Story’s desire to avoid toxic chemicals.  A little research lead us to a baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water remedy that, along with some diligent plunging, dislodged the clog and left the stainless steel sink shining and fresh in the bargain.
The thrill of not having to use commercial products containing harsh chemicals for the task prompted a little digging for spring-cleaning agents.  While there are many new-to-market natural cleaning products available, we found recipes that are inexpensive to make and use items you may already have in your pantry.  The key ingredients are baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and salt.  Give them a try and let us know how they work.

ALL PURPOSE CLEANERS.  Here are several options:
Mix a solution of 1 part water to 1 part white vinegar and store it in a new spray bottle.  Great for quick spritzes.  Because of vinegar’s acidity, it is also a disinfectant.   Do not use on granite or marble countertops, wood or tile grout.

Mix 3 tablespoons vinegar, ½ tsp washing soda, ½ tsp vegetable-oil based liquid soap in two cups hot water.  Use a spray bottle or bucket and apply with a sponge for larger jobs.

WINDOW CLEANERS.   Again, two options:
Use equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, wipe clean.

Mix together ¼ white vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 quart warm water.  Apply with a sponge or spray bottle.  Wipe dry with crumpled newspaper.

SCOURING POWDER.
Baking soda or dry table salt applied directly to a sponge are mild abrasives.  They work great on tub and tile and sinks.

NON-ABRASIVE SOFT SCRUB.
Combine ¼ cup borax, ½ tsp lemon oil and add enough vegetable-oil based soap to form a creamy paste.  Wash surface with a sponge and rinse well.

BATHROOM CLEANERS.
For fresh, clean toilets, sprinkle baking soda into the bowl, squirt with vinegar and scrub with a toilet brush.

Mix three cups baking soda with 1 cup water to make a smooth paste.  Use this mixture and scrub tile with a sponge and toothbrush.  Rinse thoroughly.  Dispose of leftover paste.

A solution of 2 tsp baking soda in 1 quart of hot water is great for cleaning stainless, fiberglass, ceramic, and porcelain or enamel fixtures.  Just wipe on and rinse.

For mildew, dissolve a half-cup of borax and a half-cup of vinegar in warm water.  Spray or wipe on the affected areas, rinse thoroughly.

CARPET FRESHENER
1 cup baking soda
½ cup lavender flowers

Crush the flowers and mix well with the soda. (Try a food processor).   Sprinkle liberally on carpets.  Let stand 30 minutes then vacuum.

Here are some helpful Web sites.
geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/8088/clngrn.html
Housekeeping.about.com
thegoodhuman.com/2007/11/05/the-natural-way-to-clean-everything-in-your-house

Happy cleaning.