No area of the house gets wetter than the bathroom. And along with all that water come the accompanying problems of mold, mildew, mineral buildup, lime and scale, soap scum, and clogs. The traditional solutions to these challenges have relied on some pretty strong chemicals: Caustic lye and chlorine bleach are two of the most familiar agents to plumbing, fixtures, porcelain and tile.
The fact is, these tough chemicals do attack the problems ferociously - you can see the scum just fizz away! But if you're committed to retiring these toxic elements, you have other ways to combat those troublesome water-loving blights. Plenty of cleaners that claim to be green are on the market, but sometimes it's hard to read between the lines to determine whether they're really free of the petrochemicals and elements toxic to the residents of your home and damaging to the earth.
Use the mild and medium all-purpose cleaners for countertops, tub, and tile floors. Baking soda with a small amount of water makes a mild abrasive paste that you can apply with a sponge or soft cloth to sinks and faucets.
Battling Mold, Mildew, and Other Buildup
Chlorine bleach has been the conventional cleaner of choice for mold and mildew. Eliminating mold and mildew is crucial because they can lead to serious health issues.
A preemptive effort is to keep the bathroom and other areas of the house as dry as possible. Make sure that the air in your home is circulating effectively. Use the bathroom fan during and after showering. You may even consider using a dehumidifier to remove excess dampness.
To keep mold and mildew at bay, mix ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup water in a spray bottle. Spray on problem areas. Do not rinse off.
Removing Soap Scum, Water Stains, and Lime and Mineral Deposits
The mild all-purpose cleaners are great for eliminating soap scum and water stains. For a bit more punch, increase the vinegar for a 1-to-1 ratio. It works on tile, porcelain, and metal fixtures and drain covers.
For lime and mineral deposits, use vinegar straight-up, wiping on with a rag. For extra-stubborn spots, leave the rag on for several minutes or one hour. Then wipe dry.
Flushing Away Dirt and Germs
The toilet area is another hot spot for bacteria. In addition to store-bought green cleaners, vinegar and baking soda are two tough agents. You may want to use paper towels to clean the outside the toilet - or be sure the sponges and cloths you use for the toilet aren't used for anything else. One technique is to put the disinfectant in the toilet and let it stand while you clean the rest of the bathroom. Then swish with the toilet brush and flush.
This mix gives you a fun mini-explosion when the alkaline baking soda and acidic vinegar meet up in the toilet:
1. Sprinkle sides with baking soda and allow to stand for a few minutes.
2. ....read more
Share This Article
