Floors
Wash floors with a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Add a drop of lavender or other essential oils to mask the smell of the vinegar, if it bothers you. For more heavy-duty cleaning, add a few drops of natural soap to the solution. For light cleaning and touch-ups, many floors may require nothing more than clean water and a mop.
Windows
Vinegar also makes an excellent window cleaner and is often less streaky than store-bought window and glass cleaners. Mix a solution of 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water and spray it on glass and mirrors. Wipe with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Disinfecting
Use an all-purpose disinfecting solution on many household surfaces, such as counters and cutting boards, showers and tubs, telephones, toys and light-switch panels. Add a few drops of a mild natural soap to 2 cups of water, along with 15 drops each of organic tea tree and lavender essential oils, which have antiseptic qualities.
Toilets and Sinks
Pour a bit of vinegar, lemon juice or disinfecting solution into the toilet or sink and add a sprinkle of baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub the toilet or sink. Or cut a lemon in half, sprinkle baking soda on it and scrub the sink with this handmade scrubber.
Mold
To prevent mold, dilute 3 drops of tea tree oil in 2 cups of water to wipe down moldy or mildewy surfaces, such as bathroom tiles. Serious mold problems should be addressed immediately by a professional.
