Read all about the ingredients you will be
using:
Baking Soda, also known as
Bicarbonate of Soda:
Baking soda
is made from soda ash. It is slightly
alkaline and neutralizes acids. It also absorbs odours from the air.
It is most usually used sprinkled onto a damp
cloth and it becomes a very gentle, non abrasive
cleaner. It can be added to the wash (use
about a cupful) to remove perspiration and
chemical odours from clothes. It is also a
wonderful air freshener and carpet cleaner.
In Australia we know this item as Bicarb and it
can be found on supermarket shelves.
Washing soda:
Washing soda is a relative of baking soda but
it is much more alkaline. It is still
quite caustic so it is advisable to wear gloves
when using it. It is very good at cutting
through grease. It removes wax well so keep it
away from waxed surfaces such as floors.
It should also be kept away from fibreglass,
plastics and aluminium. It can usually be found in the
laundry section at the supermarket.
White vinegar and lemon juice:
These are both acidic so they neutralize
alkaline substances, e.g. the scale created by
hard water. These acids dissolve sticky build
ups, they eat away tarnish and they remove dirt
from wood surfaces.
Lemon juice is a weak solution of citric acid
and is a mild bleach, deodorant and cleaning
agent.
Vinegar is a weak solution of acetic acid.
Vinegar is used as a bleach, disinfectant,
deodorant, and anti-mould cleaner.
Liquid soap and detergent:
They sound the same but they are not.
If you have soft water you can use liquid soap.
If you have hard water you need to use a
bio-degradable detergent.
Cloudy ammonia:
Cloudy ammonia is sometimes called sudsy
ammonia. It is normal clear ammonia that has had soap
added to it in the manufacturing process.
The soap gives it a cloudy appearance. It
is a fast drying, non streaking multi-purpose
cleaner. It is a strong bleach
and cleaning agent. Ammonia vapour is
extremely strong and the solution is very
caustic so be careful. It quickly breaks
down in the environment.
Borax:
Borax is a white powder that easily dissolves in
water. It is used as a fabric and water
softener and hence is regarded as a natural
laundry booster. Borax removes certain stains,
plus it bleaches and disinfects. It is also a
fungicide. It is not
harmful to washing machines, plumbing or septic
tanks. Although it is a natural ingredient
it is mildly toxic so it should never be used
around food. It should also be kept away
from children and pets. Borax can be found in
the supermarket.
Cream of Tartar:
Purchased in small drums at the supermarket.
You will only need a small amount of this as it
is not used often.
Salt:
Common table salt will do.
Olive Oil:
Buy the cheapest brand you can find.
Tea tree oil:
Tea tree oil is produced from the leaves of
the Australian
tea tree. Tea tree
oil is a great antiseptic and disinfectant. It
can be found in the supermarket.
Eucalyptus oil:
Eucalyptus oil is produced from the leaves of
eucalyptus trees. It is a strong antiseptic and
it is used in the treatment of colds and
influenza. It is also useful for removing oily
or greasy stains from dirty clothing. It can be
found in the supermarket.
Lemon oil:
Can be purchased at health food shops.
It comes from the peel of the lemon. Delightful perfumed oil you will use in making
dishwashing liquid.
Glycerine:
Glycerine is a sugar alcohol and is used to give
a smoothness to products. It is an odourless,
clear liquid which is terrific as loosening
stains. Sometimes it can be
found in supermarkets otherwise try a chemist
shop.
With these items you can set about making
your own cleaning concoctions. You
must ensure that everything you make is labelled
correctly.
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