Is there a Domestic Goddess lurking in you?

I freely admit to being an apron wearing house wife, homemaker. . . domestic goddess.

I actually do enjoy the cooking, baking, foofing and fluffing of home decor and tending the garden.

Now while I may enjoy most domestic duties and appear quite fastidious about cleaning.. . . believe me when I tell you. . . . this one is totally out of necessity not desire. This affliction with cleanliness actually goes back 17 years to when our ‘Princess’ was born. It turns out that her royal highness was allergic to modern life. . .  her allergies included numerous foods, chemicals, soap and perfumes, aerosols, dust and greases, wool, newsprint and chlorine. . . and too many other things to list.

As new parents, our life changed quite dramatically as we adapted to suit her needs and we took on a simple chemical free life, much like our great grandparents lived. I’m pleased to say that the Princess has grown out of most of her allergies now, but we are still living and enjoying a relatively simple life.

I try to be as chemically free as possible. . . just as a health benefit. Which finally, brings me to today’s topic ~ back to basics cleaning. In my cleaning cupboard you’ll find all the cleaning products I need: lemon, vinegar, bi-carb soda, borax, essential oils, salt, soap and water. It’s the natural way of cleaning and it really works. I thought I’d share a few tried and tested tips with you today.

Vinegar can be a great cleaning ingredient, but many people dislike the vinegar smell. Adding lemon juice to vinegar when cleaning can help neutralize the vinegar smell. White distilled Vinegar is the best to clean with but never use on marble.

For Slow or Clogged Drains: Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour 1/2 cup white vinegar over it and cover the drain. The mixture will start to foam and bubble. Let it sit for a few minutes and then uncover the drain and flush the mixture down with boiling water. Repeat as necessary.

Cut grease: When washing greasy pans or dishes, add a few tablespoons of vinegar to your soapy dishwater.

Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odours will disappear. Wipe clean.

Clean the shelves and walls of the refrigerator with a half-and-half solution of water and white vinegar.

Remove odours from a lunch box by placing inside a slice of bread that has been soaked in white vinegar. Leave overnight.

To clean tarnished brass, copper, and pewter, use a paste with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and table salt.

Clean grout by letting full-strength white distilled vinegar sit on it for a few minutes and scrubbing it with an old toothbrush.

Cleaning windows Mix 50% white vinegar with 50% water in a spray bottle. Spray glass surfaces and wipe dry. No streaks!!

Make your own scouring cleanser by combining 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture.

Chopping boards: The antibacterial effect of lemons make them perfect for disinfecting chopping boards. Apply fresh lemon juice to the board, allow it to soak overnight and rinse off in the morning. This will remove any odours from chopping garlic and onions as well as removing bacteria.

And finally. . .

Friendly Disinfectant spray

2 Cups Water

1/4 Cup White Vinegar

1/4 tsp. Tea Tree Oil

1/4 tsp. Lavender Oil

Combine and store in a spray bottle. Shake occasionally. Use wherever a disinfectant spray is needed.

 

Is there a domestic goddess lurking in you? . . . Have you got any domestic goddess secrets?. . . . Please share your tips in the comments box below.

Hugs ~ Kerryanne