New job-cleaning a house-need help fast!

[April 2007]

Not on how to clean a house, but I need help on how to clean a house naturally, without having to use a lot if any of my money (since I'm broke, literally).

My grandmother has been paying a lady to clean her house every other week, but she does a terrible job! First of all, she uses window cleaner to clean almost everything in the house, and well, I'm not here to talk about that. Anyway, my g'ma asked if I would start doing it and since I'm broke and I don't mind cleaning (other people's, lol) houses, I said sure. Beacuse I have a 4 month old so who will obviously accompany me, and because I like natural stuff anyway, I want to cancel out all the yucky stuff she's been cleaning with, and use all natural products. My mom has said that you can clean a whole house using vinegar, baking soda, and water, I knew that must be the cheapest way to go since I have all three of those! The only problem is, my mom doesn't practice that method of cleaning, and neither of us really know what thing to use to clean what and how??

I'm not sure what I should use vingear on, and what I should use baking soda on, and am I supposed to make a paste out of baking soda or just as is? Do I mix the vinegar with anything? Can I really clean everything with those two things?

Here is what I'll be doing...if anyone can please ell me in their experience what has been the best natural thing (that I don't have to spend lot's of money on) they've used I'd really, really appreciate it! I have to clean the first time this tuesday so I'm desperate for answers, fast!! Here's the list:

Dusting
Polishing/shining wood
vaccuming (can I put baking soda on the carpet first to help with dog smell?)
sweeping/mopping
scrubbing toilets
cleaning counters, table tops, etc.
washing dishes
wiping mirrors
cleaning windows and window ledges
possibly washing a dog that smells SOOOOO bad from skin problems
cleaning sinks, tubs/showers

I think that's it. Thanks in advance...I know it's a lot to ask about with such short notice and no money what-so-ever, but I'm new to cleaning with natural products and need help!

-Devin

[moon child]

Did you check out the sticky post at the top of this forum???
ALOT of wonderful ideas there
Also for dusting I just use a slightly damp cloth rag....
hope this helps.....

[mamalisa]

I use a vinegar spray with a few drops of essential oil(ask Grandma what scents she likes) to clean all my counters, mirrors, windows, bathroom stuff, tile ect.

A damp(barely damp) cloth for cleaning stuff like wood that you shouldn't spray with vinegar.

Baking soda for any scrubbing, like the tub, sinks ect. Sprinkle on the carpet before vaccuming.

For everyday sweeping, I like the Swiffer cloths, but they are expensive. So I use washcloths(you can get a 20 pack at Costco for $10, or check walmart for cheap ones). They fit on the Swiffer thing, and you just toss them in your wash. Easy.

I've got no tips on the dog. Try calling his vet and see what they recommend. The only thing I refuse to clean is our dog

Good luck!

[Bella's Mama]

See if you can get your hands on the book Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan. I bought it at Border's for $12.00, but I think I have seen it at the library too. I love this book, and I use it all of the time! Here are two of my favorites...

It's A Lotsa Polish
Add 3/4 cup olive oil to your spray or flip-top bottle, then add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar (this is the kind the author reccomends). If you would like a fragrance, add 50 drops or 1/4 teaspoon of lemon or any other oil.
I love using this polish, and I have never had any problems, but test it on an underneath piece of your furniture first just to make sure. We don't want to upset Grandma!

Earth Scrub Tub and Tile Cleaner
For a 16oz bottle
Mix 1 2/3 cups baking soda with 1/2 cup of liquid soap (like Dr. B's) in a bowl. Dilute with 1/2 cup water. Add 2 Tablespoons of vinegar LAST. Stir until the lumps are gone. You can use this cleaner anywhere! The baking soda and soap will tend to separate, so make sure to shake well before using.

I clean my windows with club soda in a spray-bottle,and a lint-free cloth. It works great!
If you are interested, there is an environmental organization call Washington Toxics Coalition that produces research and publications on the toxicity of commercial products and their least-toxic alternatives.

Washington Toxics Coalition
4516 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
[phone]

[americle]

I second the suggestion that you acquire the book, Clean House, Clean Planet. I have a copy and gave a copy to a friend of mine who cleans professionally and she loves it. It is an invaluable reference/guide -- much better than any of the other "natural" cleaning books out there.