There is no new water under the sun, explains Julie Massey, a county Extension marine agent with Texas Cooperative Extension.
"We're drinking the same water the dinosaurs drank," she says.
That's why Massey developed the Mix It Yourself Cleaners for the Home program. By using materials like baking soda, mineral oil and vinegar to make household cleaners, people can help reduce the amount of pollutants going back into their water supplies via sinks, commodes, tubs and lawns.
"Even though that water will be treated, you want the highest quality water going back into the water supply", Massey notes.
Reducing the number of chemicals used in the home has other benefits.
"One of our county agents counted the number of cleaning products she had in her home - more than 50," Massey recalls. "By using these alternative cleaners, you cut down on the number of things you have to buy so it's cheaper, too."
The main ingredients for Mix It Yourself include baking soda, liquid detergent, mineral oil, white vinegar, salt and lemon juice.
"I think these work really well in the home. Especially if you have small children or pets," she adds.
According to Massey, response to Mix it Yourself has been very high in the Galveston area and for a reason she never expected.
"What was amazing to us was that people were having allergic reactions to over-the-counter cleansers."
And Massey says Mix It Yourself cleansers are easy to make.
Supplies
Spray Bottle #1 -
All purpose cleaner
Spray Bottle #2 - Glass Cleaner
Shallow container for mixing pastes
Shaker for baking soda
Sponges, Cloths, Net Scrubber
Ingredients
Baking Soda
Liquid Detergent
Mineral Oil
White Vinegar
Salt
Lemon Juice
Useful Items
Pail
Measuring Cups
Table Knife
Rubber Gloves
Scrub Brush
Newspapers
Toothbrush
Labels & Pen
Mix
It Yourself
Non Toxic
Household Products
All Purpose Cleaner
4 Tablespoons Baking Soda
1 Quart Warm Water
Dissolve baking soda and pour in pump spray bottle. Spray, wipe with sponge. Rinse with clear water. Use to clean and deodorize: kitchen surfaces, bathroom surfaces, chromium plated fixtures and faucets, refrigerator and freezer. Strength can be increased by adding more baking soda to the solution.
Floor Cleaner
¼ Cup White
Vinegar
¼ Cup Baking Soda
1 Gallon Warm Water
Mop, rinse and dry.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda into bowl, then drizzle with vinegar and scrub with a toilet brush.
Glass Cleaner
Combine 1 quart water with 1/4 cup white vinegar. Spray on and wipe off with newspaper.
Drain Opener
Add ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup vinegar to the drain. Cover tightly and let sit for 15 minutes. Pour 2 quarts boiling water down the drain. If severe clog, follow with a plunger.
More Uses for Baking Soda
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) is a mild crystal that gently lifts dirt off many surfaces. Baking soda does not harm septic tanks, drainage systems or ground water. Its unique pH makes it effective at neutralizing household odors. Create the right mix for the proper use.
Paste - Mix equal parts baking soda and warm water.
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Polish silverware |
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Webbing of lawn furniture |
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Fiberglass tubs |
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Car trim, bumpers, hub caps |
Sprinkling - apply directly onto damp sponge or surface.
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Stainless steel sinks |
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Scuff marks on floors |
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Crayon marks on walls |
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Clothes hamper |
More Ideas
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Furniture Polish: Other Mix It Yourself ideas include mixing 3 tablespoons of mineral oil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a drop of lemon juice. |
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Remove Lime and Mineral Deposits: Soak a cloth in vinegar. Apply cloth to lime deposits. Leave for about 1 hour. The deposits will soften and can be removed easily. |
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Metal Polish: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 1/2 cup vinegar. Add enough flour to make a paste. Apply the paste and let set for 15-30 minutes. Rinse well and dry. |
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Sanitizer: 1 part bleach mixed with 100 parts water. |