Safe all-purpose cleanser recipe

Several months ago I had been looking for a safe, chemical-free cleanser to use on my kitchen counters and for general cleaning. I found several on the internet that seemed ok, and then I saw this one on Dr. Oz. It was developed by Dr. Gary Ginsberg who is a toxicologist. It's my new favorite cleaner. I don't always put the Borax in, and I haven't noticed a major difference without it. I usually put more essential oils to cover the vinegar scent a little more. The vinegar smell will not linger once the surface dries.

All-purpose cleanser
1 tbsp of Borax powder (find it in the laundry aisle of your supermarket)
3 tbsps of white vinegar
2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of dish soap
1 drop of essential oil

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Shake before using as well.

Some of my favorite essential oils to clean with are lemon, orange, peppermint & rosemary, and white fir which is especially nice during the holidays. You can get creative and try a blend or just pick one oil. Many of the essential oils also have antibacterial and antiviral properties.

*Caution: Be careful when using vinegar on granite. I don't have granite countertops, but I have heard that vinegar can damage some types of granite sealer.

What's your favorite chemical-free way to clean?

A little Cinderella floor scrubbing

The other day as I was standing in the kitchen scrutinizing the tile floor I had just mopped, I realized it still wasn't clean. It was in desperate need of some help. I decided baking soda paste, a scrub brush, and a lot of elbow grease should be sufficient to tackle the daunting task.

I knelt down and started scrubbing. I was absolutely shocked that the tile beneath my brush was now white! I wanted to leave one tile left undone just to show my husband the contrast. Two and a half hours later the floor was sparkling clean. It looked like a whole new floor. The basement kitchen was much brighter than before. Even my sister-in-law commented on how bright it was downstairs before I told her about the deep scrubbing. Miss M was quite the helper too. She loved scrubbing one tile at a time and seeing the "dirty stuff" go away.

*To make the baking soda paste: put some baking soda in a bowl and add enough water to make a soft paste. The floor will need to be rinsed very well with water (2 or 3 times) or with a vinegar/water rinse.

I feel so happy every time I see the floor.

What's your best floor cleaning tip?