Antibacterial Soap: Do You Need It to Keep Your Home Clean?

Nontoxic Solutions continued...

Disinfect sponges and rags: Microwave for 30 seconds on high power if dry, longer if wet -- sponges for one minute, and rags for three minutes.

Clean bathrooms and kitchen hard surfaces: Buy a nontoxic cleaner or make your own. Borax disinfects but is milder than bleach. It’s also effective on mildew, especially combined with vinegar. You can make a cleaning solution by adding 1/2 cup of each to a gallon of water. Hydrogen peroxide will reduce microorganisms on surfaces.                       

All-purpose disinfectant:

1 teaspoon borax

2 tablespoons white vinegar

2 cups hot water

1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil

3 drops tea tree essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and stir until dry ingredients dissolve. Pour into spray bottle for long-term storage and use. Spray as needed on any surface except glass. Scrub and rinse with a clean, damp cloth.