How To: Clean green

Learn how to clean green.

Forget the industrial cleaners and acids: a few household basics are all you need to breathe fresh air into your home.

You Will Need

* Windows that open
* Natural fiber sponges
* Cotton cleaning cloths or rags
* White vinegar
* Baking soda
* Lemons
* Olive oil
* And some borax
* Fresh flowers and cinnamon sticks

Step 1. Let fresh air in

Open your windows and let the fresh air in. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to boost indoor air quality even further.

Step 2. Shine with vinegar

Vinegar cuts grease and dirt. For cleaning windows, fill a spray bottle with water combined with one quarter cup white vinegar. Add one teaspoon of lemon juice for a fresh smell.

Step 3. Absorb and scrub baking soda

Use baking soda to absorb odors. It can also double as a scrubbing solution for countertops and tile.

Step 4. Clean with vinegar and salt

Mix vinegar with salt for a powerful cleaning solution.

Step 5. Wash floors with vinegar and water

Add a half cup of vinegar to a gallon of warm water for floor cleaner. To make it stronger, add some Ivory soap flakes or vegetable oil-based liquid soap, but you'll have to rinse afterward.

Step 6. Disinfect with Borax

Combine a half cup of Borax (sodium borate) with a gallon of hot water to make disinfectant. Add a few sprigs of lavender or rosemary for a fresh smell.

Step 7. Polish furniture with olive oil and vinegar

Keep your furniture polished to perfection with a mixture of one teaspoon olive oil and a half cup of vinegar.

Fact: Almost ninety percent of all poison exposures occur in the home, an amount that could be greatly reduced by switching to non-toxic cleaners.