All Natural General Purpose Cleaning and Maintenance Ideas - 1

• General Cleaner & Sanitizer
  Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide solution into a clean spray bottle (not previously filled with toxic cleaners) and use it as you would any other household cleaner: spray on countertops and leave for a few minutes to sanitize 

• straw broom life extender
  1 cup (300g) salt
  1 gallon (4 liters) warm water
  
  Here's a tried-and-true way to make a new straw broom last longer. Before first use, dissolve the salt in a bucket of warm water. Let the brrom bristles soak for 20 minutes, then drain and let the broom air-dry. This process will help stiffen the bristles and make the broom much more durable. 

• cleaning plastics
  Plastic can be cleaned and made antistatic by wiping down with a solution of one tablespoon of distilled vinegar to 2 quarts (2 liters) of water. This should prevent dust from settling as well.

• label remover
  Soak the label or sticker with vinegar, let stand until it is saturated, then peel off. 

• Eliminate Garbage Can Odors
  Eliminate garbage can or diaper pail odors, sprinkle a layer of baking soda into the can, add a small amount of water and swish it around a few times before pouring out; add a thin layer of baking soda under the garbage bag to help keep things fresh 

• wood glue softener
  1 tablespoon (15ml) vinegar
  
  When repairing antique furniture or other wooden items, it's important to get rid of old glue beforehand to ensure the best bond possible. To soften the glue and make scraping it away much easier, use about 1 tablespoon (15ml) vinegar. For better access to wooden joints, fill a small medicine dropper with vinegar (the plunge-style dropper made for infants works well) and use it to squirt a small amount right where you need it. Naturally, vinegar also works well on cleaning up glue spills. Note: Vinegar may not be effective on more modern furniture that has been assembled with epoxy glues.   

• baby toy disinfectant
  1/4 cup (60ml) vinegar
  
  Since babies are especially prone to putting things in their mouths, you naturally want to keep your little one's toys as clean as possible. There's really no need to rely on harsh disinfectants when you have a bottle of vinegar in the house. Just soak a soft clean cloth in 1/4 cup (60ml) vinegar and use it to wipe down all the non-plush toys. Allow items to air dry (the vinegar scent will fade as it dries).  

• cleaning photocopier glass
  Keep a solution of one to two tablespoons vinegar and water in a small spray bottle for cleaning grass screens.   

• ridding the air of stale smoke or perfume
  Keep a vinegar-and-water solution handy in a spray bottle for use after smokers have left. Even if they're not smoking, the smell can still be a problem. This is also good for clearing the air of residual scent after visitors wearing unpleasant aftershave or perfume have left. 

• removing calcium buildup from brickwork
  to get rid of calcium buildup on brick or on limestone, use a spray bottle with half vinegar and half water, then just let it set. The solution will do all the work.