 Nature's
Way
with Alan Hayes
Bathroom Basics
Most cleaning chores in the bathroom are often carried out with products that can quite easily pose a problem to our health. There is no need to use potentially dangerous cleaning products when simple, natural solutions are just as effective and safe. So the next time you're shopping, forget about the array of products that promise to do all and everything to clean and sanitise your bathroom and get back to the basics instead.
To make a disinfectant cleaner for use on tiles, baths, basins and toilets, use the back of a metal spoon to thoroughly blend together 25 drops each of lavender, pine, juniper and eucalyptus oils and 10 drops of thyme oil with two cups of bicarbonate of soda. Store this mixture in a suitable container and use as required, applying with a damp cloth and wiping off with a clean, soft cloth.
Other solutions for safe, thrifty alternatives are:
Blue/green copper stains can be removed by rubbing with a soft cloth moistened with vinegar, and other bath stains can be removed with a paste of borax and lemon juice.
To clean shower stalls use borax on really dirty areas and apply with a stiff brush and plenty of elbow grease. Disinfect the tiles and clean the shower screen glass with the following mixture: Dissolve 10ml of eucalyptus oil in 20ml of methylated spirits and blend with two litres of tepid water (this aids dispersal of the oil). Any unfused disinfectant can be stored in a tightly sealed bottle for future use. (Label clearly and keep out of reach of children.)
Apply the eucalyptus disinfectant/cleaner with a damp cloth and simply wipe over tiles or other ceramic surfaces. When cleaning bathroom glass, buff it off with wads of clean newspaper.
To prevent bath stains from occurring, once a week rub the bath's surface with a soft cloth dipped in kerosene. For dark coloured baths, polish with a soft cloth and methylated spirits. Both these methods can also be used for fibreglass baths - under no circumstances use an abrasive cleaner on this type of surface.
Shower curtains can be cleaned by scrubbing with white vinegar. Or for bad mildew stains, wash in warm soapy water, apply lemon juice to the stain and then leave to dry in the sun.
A vinegar wash can be used on surfaces such as the toilet seat and bowl, walls, ceiling and floors, as well as windows, glass, mirrors and tiles. Vinegar removes mould and leaves the surface shiny and clean. Just dissolve one tablespoon of vinegar in a litre of water. When applying to mouldy surfaces, leave on overnight, then scrub off.
Clean the inside of non-septic toilet bowls with a paste of borax and lemon juice. For septic systems use white vinegar, since it won't harm the microbes that break down the sewage in the tank.
To sanitise your toilet and leave it smelling fresh, pour some white vinegar into it and leave overnight.
If the white grout between tiles has become discoloured or black, simply apply a paste of bicarbonate of soda with a soft toothbrush. This mixture can also be used to remove mould.
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