Cleaning the house. Going frugal Green?

I know cleaning isn't the most fun thing in the world, but not doing it can really effect your health or mental state.  Behind finances cleaning the the second most thing couples fight about and the number one reason roommates separate.

I know some people appreciate their free time not working and don't want to spend it cleaning. To me this is ridiculous. It's your mess pick it up spend the 45mins to an hour picking your stuff up and wiping down some appliances. Picking up after yourself in the number one thing all moms teach their children.  Rant out of the way cleaning doesn't have to be expensive.  Here is a culmination of simple clean techniques. 

Who to Clean the Dishwasher

What you will need:

•  2 cups White Distilled vinegar
•  1 bowl
•  5 Lemons
•  1 glass bowl
• 2 cup baking soda

Do you remember the last time your clean the dishwasher.  Let me guess never? Distilled vinegar is cheap and it is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant.  It has been used to clean homes for ever.  White distilled vinegar is non-toxic and cleans just about anything.  To start cleaning first take out the filter according to the manufacturer's directions. Often it is just twist and take it out.  Pour 2 cups of vinegar into a bowl and then place it upright on the lowest most rack.  Run the machine on the short or energy efficient cycle. Bing that's it clean.

Now to fix any smells. Baking soda fixes all fowl smells.  Sprinkle a cupful of baking soda around the bottom of the tub and run it through a short but complete cycle using the hottest water. This has two effects one it will help freshen the smell of the dishwasher as well as help remove stains. If you have stainless steel front door panel on your dishwasher. Wipe down the stainless steel front door panel with straight vinegar or lemon juice and a very soft cloth. Use plenty of vinegar or lemon juice, wipe with the grain, and work quickly covering the entire surface, even if the prints and smudges are only in one spot. I prefer lemon juice because it smells nice.  Polish until you regain a smooth even finish. This can be tricky to achieve a perfect, like new result. Do it more than once if need be.

How to Clean the Microwave

What you will need:

•  1 Cup water
•  Lemon Juice
•  1 small glass bowl
•  1 spray bottle
•  Vinegar 1 cup vinegar 1 cup water

Place a Microwave Safe glass bowl (I’m using a Pyrex bowl) with one cup of water and one lemon worth of lemon juice. Place it in the middle of the microwave and turn it on HIGH for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, the microwave should be steamy and the walls moist. Spray all the surfaces with the vinegar water mix and wipe down with sponge. Wipe down the stainless steel front door panel with straight vinegar or lemon juice and a very soft cloth. Use plenty of vinegar or lemon juice, wipe with the grain, and work quickly covering the entire surface, even if the prints and smudges are only in one spot. I prefer lemon juice because it smells nice.  Polish until you regain a smooth even finish. This can be tricky to achieve a perfect, like new result. Do it more than once if need be.

How to Clean the Washing Machine

What you will need:

•  2 cups vinegar
•  1/4 cup baking soda
•  1/4 cup water
•  Scrub sponge
•  Bleach

Directions:

1. Start by mixing together the baking soda and water in a small bowl. This is going to be the "detergent" for cleaning the washing machine. This will look like glue.  Make sure to keep stirring the mixture.  
2. Add the baking soda mixture to the detergent container of your machine and pour the vinegar into the  drum. Set your washer to normal load at the hottest water setting. The baking soda and vinegar chemically react together think school volcano.  It will naturally break up mineral deposits and any mold growth while cleaning and refreshing your washing machine.
3. Use a clean scrubber to rub around the opening of the washing machine, removing stubborn mold or residue. Wipe clean with fresh water.
4. Now your done.  Try to do this once a month. 

How to Clean the Refrigerator:

What you will need:

•  2 cups vinegar
•  2 tablespoons baking soda
•  1 quart hot water
•  1/4 cup water
•  Scrub sponge
•  Bleach

1. Turn off power at the fuse box before unplugging the refrigerator
2. Put food in a cooler; remove glass shelves and crisper drawers and bring to room temperature so there’s no danger of cracking when you wash them.
3. Wipe the interior with a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart hot water. Rinse with a damp cloth, and then dry with a clean towel. Important to use this natural solution otherwise your food can absorb chemicals. 
4. Soak shelves and bins in a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda for every quart of warm water. Do not wash in the dishwasher. Dry thoroughly before replacing.
5. Clean the door seals, which can collect crumbs, with hot water and mild dishwashing liquid; dry. Or mixture of 1/2 vinegar and water thoroughly with a clean cloth. Check the seals periodically. An improper fit can cause issues. 
6. To get those dust bunnies out from under the refrigerator, remove the grill and run a yardstick covered with a pair of pantyhose underneath. Also check the pan of water underneath, since it can hold unpleasant-smelling water.
7. Wipe down the stainless steel front door panel with straight vinegar or lemon juice and a very soft cloth. Use plenty of vinegar or lemon juice, wipe with the grain, and work quickly covering the entire surface, even if the prints and smudges are only in one spot. I prefer lemon juice because it smells nice.  Polish until you regain a smooth even finish. This can be tricky to achieve a perfect, like new result. Do it more than once if need be.

How to Clean the Shower

What you will need:

•  2 oz borax
•  1 cup of while vinegar

Mix your borax and white vinegar inside a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to the

shower wall and allow it to sit for up to one hour while the mixture does it's work on the tile grout and stains. Wipe off the mixture with a clean cloth. This works on all of the shower tiles and glass doors. 

MISC.

Borax is a great toilet cleaner and de-clogged.  Just sprinkle inside the toilet or down a drain wait 10 mins and rinse.