Bathroom Sinks and Counters

• cleaning porcelain, enamel baths and sinks
  Use a half-and-half solution of vinegar and water. 

• drain cleaner
  Vinegar and baking soda cause a chemical reaction when combined, so be prepared. They break down fatty acids from grease, other foods, and a buildup of soap into simpler substances. Pour 1/4 cup (2 oz) of baking soda and 2/3 (150ml) of vinegar into the drain. Cover, if possible, while the solution fizzes. Follow this with a bucketful of very hot water. 

• cleaning drains
  Keep your drains clean and working properly with vinegar. When they seem to be getting a bit sluggish, or even blocked, pour white vinegar down the kitchen and bathroom sinks and shower drain. 

• disinfectant
  Kill germs in the bathroom by mixing vinegar and water in a spritzer bottle. Apply liberally. 

• super simple sink cleaner
  1 tablespoon (14g) baking soda
  1 teaspoon (5ml) lemon juice
  2 tablespoons (30ml) vinegar (optional)
  
  It's easy to keep porcelain sinks sparkling clean with this all-natural, germ-fighting combination: To begin, place the baking soda in a small pile in the sink. Pour the lemon juice on top and watch it start to bubble. Stir with your finger to form a paste, then lightly rub the paste over the entire sink with a damp sponge. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water. For an extra sanitizing measure, pour the vinegar on the sponge and use it to give everything one last wipe down. (the vinegar scent will fade as it dries).   

• blocked drain?
  Use half a box of baking soda with a cup of warm vinegar. let this work for an hour or two, then pour down a lot of very hot water. An alternative is to use equal measures of baking soda and table salt, washed down with boiling water.   

• all-purpose baking soda cleaner
  1 cup (250ml) warm water
  1/4 cup (60ml) dishwashing liquid
  1 16-ounce box (454g) baking soda
  
  A simple squirt of this all-purpose cleansing scrub and a damp sponge are all you need to clean most non-porous surfaces around the house, like counter tops, sinks, tubs, and toilets. Start by putting the warm water in a large mixing bowl and stirring in the dishwashing liquid (stir slowly to avoid creating a lot of bubbles). Next, add the box of baking soda and stir until the mixture forms a smooth, uniform consistency. Transfer the mixture to a jar and use as needed around the house (wait 30 minutes before putting a lid on the fresh batch to let the carbon dioxide bubbles escape). Tip: Be forewarned that the solution will separate between uses, but if you set the jar upside down for a few minutes, the layers will loosen; you can then follow up by giving the contents a gentle stir. 

• hard water deposits
  Use vinegar to get rid of the hard water deposits around your sink. Soak paper towels with vinegar and place them around the area that needs to be cleaned. For cleaning the tap you can soak the towel and wrap it around and then hold it in place with a rubber band. Do this overnight and the next morning it's easy to wipe clean. This is safe for brass taps as well. 

• drain clearer
  3 spoonfuls baking soda
  
  After using baking soda in its natural powder form to clean or deodorize, don't just throw it out! Make a habit of pouring a few spoonfuls down the drain, followed by a few minutes of hot water from the faucet. It's a great way to cut down on the grease and grime that naturally accumulates and keep any associated odors to a minimum.