Using Vinegar for Green Cleaning

Before the Second World War coconut oil was the basis of soap products.  The war interrupted the supply of coconut oil causing a transition to petroleum based soap products.  Unfortunately when the war ended we didn't have the foresight to switch back to natural products.  Soap and detergents have become a significant environmental problem we face today. One of the essential cleaning products for any green household is white distilled vinegar.  There are many applications for vinegar and a few suggestions are listed below: Full strength vinegar can be used to kill mould; Mould can also be controlled by spraying with diluted vinegar on a regular basis; Wipe your cutting board with vinegar to eliminate strong odours; To eliminate lime build-up on chrome sinks use a paste made of salt (2 tablespoons) and vinegar (1 tablespoon); Clean counter tops with a cloth soaked in full strength vinegar. Clean the refrigerator insides with diluted vinegar; The microwave can be cleaned by filling a microwave-safe bowl with diluted vinegar. Bring the solution to a boil inside the microwave.  Food will be loosened, odours will disappear. Wipe the inside of the microwave clean. One final note:  Never combine vinegar with bleach, detergents, toilet bowl cleaners or oven cleaners.  You can create a poisonous gas by doing so. Do you have a going green tip to share?  Don't be shy.  Send it in to info@goinggreenformychildren.com and let us know if you want your name published. NOTE:  All daily tip EMAILs are logged and sorted by topic at http://www.BlogOnSmog.com. The first edition of the monthly eZine is close to completion and will be sent out in a few days.  Thank you for your patience.