Eco-Friendly Cleaning

(via Design*Sponge)

There are a lot of ways to be eco-friendly in your everyday life and it's easier than you think. All these items used are more than likely already in your kitchen but if not they're not expensive very affordable. 

1. Clean your counter tops with vinegar.
   Simple pour some white vinegar on a washcloth and clean the counter top. It even gets off the stuff left by the chemical multi-purpose cleaners and doesn't leave a strong smell. One thing is NOT to use it on marble, if you're not sure simple search the web to make sure that it doesn't harm your counter top. As far as I know it is only marble that you shouldn't use it on but its better safe than sorry.
2. Use vinegar to clean stainless steel.
   Save money on those expensive wipes and chemical stainless steel cleanings and use vinegar. Simply pour it on a wash cloth and wipe all the those annoying finger prints away.
3. Use steam to clean the microwave.
   In a large microwave safe bowl fill with water and lemon juice, microwave for a few minutes. Allow the steam to fill the microwave and then remove the bowl. Take a wash cloth and wipe the spills away with ease. Your microwave will be spotless and have a fresh scent.
4. Get rid of counter top scratches with mayonnaise.
   Apply mayo on the scratch and let sit for 6-10 minutes. Wipe up the excess mayo and rinse with water. Depending on the severity of the scratch and the material of the counter top the scratch should stay gone for a long time. 
5. Make your own deodorizer.
   Fill a spray bottle with tap water and drop a generous (about 15 drops) of essential oils of your choice to create your own scents for the home.
6. Use lemon to deodorize garbage disposals.
   If the garbage disposal is starting to smell funky simple drop in lemon wedges or the skins and turn it on. This will leave the disposal with a fresh lemon sent and get rid of the horrid smell.
7. Clean the tub with baking soda and vinegar.
   In a spray bottle spritz the bathtub with vinegar, then pour some baking soda in the tub. After that spray the tub again with more vinegar. Leave for 20 minutes then scrub and rinse off with water. To prevent mold spray again with the vinegar and let dry before taking a shower.
8. Unclog drains with baking soda and vinegar.
   Pour 3/4 cup of baking soda down the clogged drain, after pour 1/2 cup of vinegar. Quickly cover the drain with a plug or wash cloth due to the chemical reaction which acts like a volcano. Leave there for 15 minutes and then revel an unclog sink.
9. Use powder detergent to freshen carpet.
   It may not be completely eco-friendly but it is friendly on the wallet. Spread your powder detergent on the carpet and let sit for a few minutes. Vacuum like normal and have a great smelling carpet without spending any extra cash.
10. Use rubbing alcohol and vinegar to clean windows.
    In a spray bottle mix together one cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, one cup water and one tablespoon white vinegar. Spray on windows, mirrors or hard surface ceramic tile (for a shiny finish).

I hope these tips help you realize that eco-friendly can be easy and affordable. There are so many reasons to get away from the harsh chemicals and back to simplicity when it comes to cleaning.