 Nature's Way
with Alan Hayes
Environmental Bathrooms
I receive numerous requests from readers on how they can keep their bathroom clean and germ free without having to resort to chemical products that may adversely affect their family's health. Bathrooms can be kept smelling sparkling clean and clear of bacteria with easy-to-use homemade natural products that are safe and just as effective as those bathroom products commonly available in the supermarket.
The important thing to remember in bathrooms is to clear bacteria and viruses, especially if the toilet is located there. For general cleaning chores when all that is required is a quick wipe-over of ceramic times and porcelain surfaces use this disinfectant liquid. Dissolve 5 millilitres of any of the following essential oils – lemon, eucalyptus, lavender or pine – in 10 millilitres of methylated spirits, and then add this mixture to a pump-spray bottle containing half a litre of distilled water. Shake well to mix, and use on a mist setting. To use the disinfectant, spray on bathroom surfaces and wipe off with a clean cloth. For cleaning glass shower screens, use 20 millilitres of lavender oil in the mixture instead. Apply the cleaner with a damp cloth, then buff it off with wads of clean newspaper.
This disinfectant can also be used as a bathroom air-freshener spray. It will not only keep your bathroom and toilet fragrant fresh, but its disinfectant qualities will also clear the air of bacteria and viruses.
You can also put a few drops of any of the previous essential oils on the bath hot water spout or on the shower rose whilst the hot water is running. This will not only help to disinfect the air but will give you a sweet-smelling bathroom. A drop or two of essential oil on the inside of the toilet roll tube is also effective. Renew the oil as required.
Shower curtains can be cleaned by scrubbing with white vinegar. For really bad mildew stains wash in hot soapy water, rub lemon juice over the stains and leave to dry in the sun. New shower curtains should be soaked in a bucket of salty water before use to prevent the growth of mildew. If shower heads become blocked, remove and boil in water containing half a cup of white vinegar.
Windows and mirrors can also be cleaned with wads of newspaper that have been wrung out in vinegar water – dissolve 20 ml of white vinegar in every half litre of water. Shine with wads of clean newspaper.
The inside of non-septic toilet bowls can be kept fresh and clean 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. Throwing 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda down a septic toilet each week will also clean the toilet, reduce acidity, and encourage the growth of waste-digesting bacteria.
It is important to remember, however, that when making products using essential oils, they should be labelled clearly and keep out of reach of children. Essential oils can cause poisoning if swallowed.
Alan on the Web – www.itssonatural.com
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