It is easy to classify any sweet produce as fruit and toss all the remaining savory produce into the vegetable category. However, there’s a lot more that goes into determining whether a vegetable is actually a vegetable. Hint: It is not just all about how they taste.
5 Containers You Can Recycle And Turn Into Gardening Pots
Your garden is the perfect place to express your creativity! Backyard gardening is also healthy for the mind, body and soul. It gets you outdoors and gives you the satisfaction of growing your own food. What’s better is that you can control what goes into your plants and you know exactly what you’re consuming. I encourage you to add an eco-friendly touch to your garden when you can and consider these five ideas for recycling containers for planting pots. [Read more…]
This All-Natural Kitchen Cleaning Ingredient Is All You Need
Ah vinegar, would it be a stretch to call it a miracle-worker? This acidic liquid is my go-to for so many things in the home that I always have some on hand. Need a quick hair rinse to get rid of built-up product residue? Apple cider vinegar has your back. Are you searching for the perfect base for your homemade salad dressing? Any vinegar will cut through the oil and give it the perfect kick. Do you need a cleaning product that won’t harm you and your family but will still eliminate nasty bacteria? Look no further.
The alternative health world has shied away from commercial cleaning products for some time. And with good reason. Those harmful concoctions are filled with toxic chemicals that can disrupt hormones, cause allergic reactions, and contribute to chronic respiratory issues. Thankfully, vinegar is the perfect solution for your kitchen woes. Turn away from toxins and embrace the powerful disinfectant properties of white vinegar for kitchen cleaning.
In case you aren’t convinced, the acetic acid in vinegar makes it incredibly effective at breaking down molds, grease, and bacteria (your worst kitchen enemies). Plus, the acidity of vinegar also serves as a mild antiseptic that can actually prevent the growth of certain bacteria.
Remember, essential oils are your friend. Use your favorite ones to cut through the vinegar smell and enjoy a fresh, clean scent. No harsh fragrances needed.
Sink cleaner
Use a simple 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water to disinfect your kitchen sink. After all, it does play host to raw meat drippings, greasy films, and filthy dishes. You don’t want that harmful bacteria sticking around.
Greasy stovetop
Vinegar is an excellent tool for getting rid of grease and grime that builds up on your stovetop. Even if you are careful to wipe it down after every meal, eventually, your stove will need a good deep clean. Spray a diluted vinegar and water solution liberally over the stove, let sit for 10 minutes, and rinse with a warm, soapy rag. Dry with a clean rag or paper towels, and your stove will be as good as new.
Microwave rescuer
If you have a microwave, you are well aware of how nasty it can get. Add some water to a large microwave-safe bowl and put in a few tablespoons of vinegar. Set the microwave on high for 4 minutes and wipe clean. The steam will loosen caked-on food and grease and make your job so much easier.
Some experts believe that this could risk superheating the liquid, which could cause the bowl to explode. So to play it safe, place a toothpick or wooden spoon in the water to give a release for air bubbles.
Dishwasher
Dump a cup of vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher (not the door) and run one normal cycle without dishes. This will cleanse your dishwasher and help loosen any debris or mineral buildup.
Garbage can
Your trashcan can quickly start to stink. And no, covering up the odor with scented trash bags is not the solution. Instead, spray down the inside with a vinegar, water, and essential oil solution after you take out the trash. Wipe it clean with paper towels and you’re good to go.
Tea kettle and coffee maker
Have you ever noticed a white residue buildup on the bottom of your tea kettle? This is due to hard water mineral deposits and can be cleaned easily by boiling water and a few tablespoons of vinegar. Rinse it well and allow it to air dry to help get rid of the vinegar scent.
For coffee pots, run diluted vinegar through where you would normally put the water. Run a few extra cycles to rinse out any lingering vinegar.
Antibacterial Countertop Cleaner
Use this handy spray to disinfect countertops before and after cooking and kill any nasty, lingering bacteria. Grapefruit and tea tree oils add an extra antibacterial boost, however, if you don’t like the scent, you can mix and match essential oils as you please, and the end result will still be just as effective.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 8 drops tea tree oil
- 8 drops grapefruit essential oil
- Measuring cup
- 16 oz empty spray bottle
Instructions:
- Pour all ingredients into spray bottle and screw on the lid. Shake well to combine
- Shake before using, spray onto area counters and wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
What is your favorite way to clean with vinegar in the kitchen? Let us know in the comments below!
-Susan Patterson
This is How Often You Should Replace Your Kitchen Sponge and Why
Your trusty friend against that stuck on pasta sauce and your staunchest supporter in the fight for spotless drinking glasses. The kitchen sponge is your go-to tool for keeping a handle on that ever-growing pile of dishes in your sink and maintaining some level of control over your cooking oasis. However, sometimes the things we love can turn against us…It’s time to take a closer look at that sponge and find out just how often you should unwrap a new one. Hint: It’s more often than you think.
The Ultimate Guide to Natural Spring Cleaning
It’s that time of year again. When the birds begin to chirp, the sun shows its radiant face, and all of nature is celebrating the thrill of new life. It is also a great opportunity to throw open the windows, roll up your sleeves, and get to work scrubbing away the grime and tidying the clutter that has been slowly building up over the long winter months. Grab your cleaning bucket and rags and let’s get to work!
5 Places Deadly Bacteria Lurk in Your Kitchen: How to Fix It
The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, which may be one of the reasons why it’s so filthy. Many people spend hours each day in the kitchen preparing delicious meals, unaware of the dangerous bacteria lurking around them. However, once you can pinpoint the areas that are breeding grounds for bacteria, you can make an effort to eliminate the nasty germs once and for all.