Transition Charlottesville Albemarle

Transition Charlottesville Albemarle values Grandma’s old time cleaning supplies.

July 5, 2012 By Joanie Freeman

Let’s turn back the clock to embrace the future in a more resilient way.

Many people pooh-pooh grandma’s homemade cleaning products, claiming they don’t work as well as the ones that line grocery store shelves. But with the economy failing and companies cutting jobs left and right, you might want to rethink grandma’s tried-and-true—and cheap—solutions. When we look at the abuse that our environment is taking from the use of chemicals being spilled out onto our earth, rethinking those tried-and-true solutions are the way to care for our world also.

Most modern synthetic cleaning products are based on age-old formulas using natural ingredients They drew from these recipes because the chemistry was right! Of course, then they substituted the more expensive natural agents with cheaper synthesized chemicals and added LOTS of water and filler material. Going back to the original naturally derived ingredients is a way to make cleaning products that work great, protect the environment and save you money. Most of what you need can be found in your kitchen cupboards.

Let’s say you’ve run out of your favorite all-purpose cleaner. Seventh Generation’s version costs about $4.40 plus tax for a 32-ounce bottle. Instead, you could buy a bottle of white vinegar (97 cents plus tax for 16 ounces) and mix in table salt. Or empty that old box of baking soda by taking four tablespoons and mixing it into a quart of water. Spray and use.

Grandma’s cleaning solutions not only cost less but also are greener than the products in stores. Who wants to clean their house with products that have dozens of precautions listed on the back of the bottle like: “In case of contact with eye, flush immediately, if irritation persists seek medical attention.” Following grandma’s recipes, however, you don’t have to worry what your cleaners are made of, because you know the solutions are safe. Not to mention you’ll be saving landfills from piling up with mostly empty plastic bottles of cleaning products.

Soap, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, salt and vinegar, among other common household items, when used properly, can leave your house and your clothes spotless and odor-free.

Filed Under: Skill Share

Follow us on:

Transition Cville Events Newsletter