Cheap, green bathroom disinfecting

Commercial all purpose surface disinfectants can cost up to 15.00 a bottle. You want your bathroom to be clean and sanitized. You can't afford those prices. What's a tree hugger to do? Luckily, you can clean and sanitize your bathroom using common ingredients that don't harm the environment or make a huge dent in the household budget.

The power of steam

Inexpensive steam cleaners sanitize just as well as bleach. Prices range from 30. and up, depending on brand and functions. The simplest ones are mainly intended for flat floor cleaning. Others have nozzles for cleaning hard to reach areas, such as under pedestal sinks. Steam is a powerful disinfectant that uses only pure H2O. That's about as Eco-friendly as it gets.

Lemons and limes

You hear a lot about cleaning with baking soda and vinegar. Lemons and limes are a bigger secret that's just as effective. Both lemon and lime juice are great at freshening, sanitizing and removing grime. Limes are quite powerful on soap scum, rust and even mold. Try lime juice and baking soda on grout, shower rust and other tough bathroom stains.

Keeping toilets fresh and clean

You don't need chemical solutions to clean, freshen and sanitize toilets. Scrub with a paste of baking soda and vinegar to sanitize. That's all there is to it. If you prefer a scented solution, thyme and lavender essential oils have disinfectant properties as well. Use them around the toilet base and under the seat, where germs tend to collect.

Mirrors, windows and reflective surfaces.

Ammonia and water is a common homemade window cleaning product. Unfortunately, it's not so green. Commercially made Eco-friendly window cleaners are expensive. Why use them when less expensive ingredients will do the trick? Vinegar and water produces a streak free shine that rivals any known product, green or otherwise. Rubbing alcohol and water will do the same. Both are powerful disinfectants. To properly sanitize, use a solution of 60% vinegar or rubbing alcohol and 40% water.

Green disinfecting air freshener.

It's certainly a good idea to clear the air of harmful bacteria. Rather than relying on commercially made, chemical laden products, why not use something that sanitizes and freshens without harm? Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Add a little at a time until the strength of the scent is to your liking. Essential oils are all natural. They won't harm the environment. Still, it's best not to breathe them in directly, especially if you have trouble with allergies, sinus issues or asthma.

Note: To avoid discoloration, do not spray this solution on fabric.