Whether we have children or pets, using commercial chemical products for cleaning can be a concern to some people. I know it is for me and my family. Look no further because sitting somewhere in your cabinets are a few everyday products that can easily be converted to green living products to clean your home. If you are trying to change your lifestyle by using non toxic cleaners, here is a list for going green with products I’ve used around my home.

Vinegar
This is great for removing soap scum bathroom showers and tubs. Soaking a shower head in vinegar will remove the built up residue from water.
Use vinegar to wash shower curtains. Put one cup into the wash cycle and it will remove the soap and residue. I always add a few towels into the washing machine to help with the scrubbing action.
Pour vinegar into sink and bathtub drains to keep them free of buildup.

Baking Soda
Use baking soda on a wet sponge to clean your microwave and oven. It will get them clean and also remove odors.
Baking soda will remove coffee and tea stains.
Use baking soda in place of abrasive cleaners to clean your sinks and countertops.
Scrub your pots and pans with baking soda. For heavy buildups, make a paste of baking soda and water and leave on for an hour and let it do its work.
Sprinkle it into your garbage cans to remove odors.
Leave an opened box of baking soda in the refrigerator.This will keep it free from odors.

Lemon Juice
Combine one-half cup lemon juice with one-quarter cup cooking oil in a spray bottle. Use this to polish your wood furniture.
Put one-quarter cup of lemon juice in to an empty dishwasher and run a normal cycle. It will remove any chemical deposits, clean it and refresh it at the same time.
Use lemon juice to clean and polish silver.
Rub one-half lemon on your cutting boards or any surface to remove the smell of garlic and onions.
It can be used to remove the tarnish from brass.
Rub it on your hands to remove food odors.

Beside these ideas, try mixing one-quarter cup vinegar, one-half teaspoon liquid soap and two cups water in a spray bottle and shake well. This is a great alternative cleaner for windows

If your drains are backing up, pour some baking soda into them followed by one cup of vinegar. Let sit and follow with boiling water. This mixture will help to clean up your plumbing and keep it that way. It is also safe for septic tanks.

These are just a few products I make and use around my house to keep it clean and smelling fresh.