Being a clean freak, I've always been torn between having a dirty house, or a lot of cleaning chemicals released in the air. Finally, I've found a compromise that allows me to clean my house without releasing harmful and offensive odors: vinegar.

 

Vinegar is acidic, meaning it's tough on bacteria and mold, but it's an environmentally friendly, economical alternative to commercially created cleaning agents. An easily stored 32-oz. bottle sells in the Tampa Bay area for less than $1.50. Most equivalent cleaning products cost over $4.

 

Here are some tips that were most helpful in my cleaning:

 

1/4 cup baking soda

1 tablespoon liquid detergent

Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture

Use end product to scrub bathtubs, and sinks without worrying about scratching the surfaces.

 

Make it a regular habit to clean counter tops with undiluted white distilled vinegar. After you finish cooking, spray the counter tops and wipe them with a damp rag. After you eat, clean the dining room table the same way. Not only will this get rid of crumbs and cut through food stains, it will also deter insects such as ants and cockroaches which are a huge problem in Florida, especially in the summer.

 

Wipe walls with undiluted white distilled vinegar and spray a little in the corners of each room. Also be sure to wipe the inside window sills with vinegar, and spray around the frames of doors that lead outside.

 

You can find more ideas on the website that may serve you a good purpose in your summertime cleaning. The main thing is to find alternatives to those harsh chemicals that release terrible fumes in the house. Remember though, anytime you clean make sure it is in a well ventilated area, no matter what product you use. If you find the fumes of vinegar to be not so pleasant, open up a few windows and turn on any nearby fans. The smell will disappear within minutes and you’ll be left with only the smell of a clean house.