3 natural cleaners that are cheaper and healthier than the store-bought alternatives

Those blue, green and orange sprays and aerosols so commonly used to clean windows, counters, stove tops and ovens can add up on your grocery bill, not to mention what they might be doing to your health. Vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are effective natural alternatives that are healthier and less expensive than their chemical counterparts.

To wash your windows: mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray on your windows, mirrors and glass surfaces. For a streak and lint free clean, use old newspapers instead of paper towels.

To clean your oven: make a paste of vinegar, baking soda and water and spread inside your oven. Leave for an hour or overnight and then wipe away with a damp towel (use a spatula to scrape up any stubborn patches).

To remove wallpaper: a mixture of equal parts hot water and vinegar applied with a sponge too old wall paper will loosen the adhesive.

To remove lime scale: squeeze fresh lemon juice onto target area and let sit for a few minutes. Wipe away with a damp cloth. (For lime deposits in your kettle, put a few tablespoons into a few cups of water and boil in the kettle. Swirl and pour out.)

For more natural cleaning recipes, check out these resources:

• EarthEasy’s Non-Toxic Home Cleaning
• EcoCycle’s Alternative Cleaners and Recipes
• eHow’s How to Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Clean
• VinegarTips: 1001 Uses for White Distilled Vinegar
• Ecology Center’s Alternative Cleaning Recipes

For information on the health hazards of chemicals commonly found in household cleaners, visit Gaiam’s 8 Household Cleaning Agents to Avoid.