Banish Dirt the Liver-Friendly Way

When you’re looking for effective ways to get out stains, fight odours or disinfect surfaces, sometimes homemade solutions are not only less toxic but also more effective than today’s most popular cleaning products. Since your liver has to process everything that you breathe in or get on your skin, the more ‘liver-friendly’ you can make your cleaning routine the better.

To help you with your spring cleaning, we have assembled a list of recipes for DIY cleaning products for some of the most frequently cleaned areas in your home that use items you may already have in your cupboards. Be sure to experiment to see what works for you!

Microwave

To combat the gunk that builds-up in your microwave, pour some vinegar into a small cup and mix in a little lemon juice (exact amounts don’t really matter). Put the cup in the microwave, let the microwave run for 2 minutes, and leave the door closed for several more minutes. Wipe down all the sides with a warm cloth or sponge—no scrubbing required!

Refrigerator

Baking soda can help absorb odours in your fridge, but it can also help clean it. Add about a ½ cup of baking soda to a bucket of hot water. Dip a clean rag in the mixture and use it to wipe down the fridge’s interior.

Cutting Boards

To clean and sanitize cutting boards (wood or plastic), cut a lemon in half, run it over the boards, let sit for ten minutes, and then rinse away. If you need some serious scrubbing power, sprinkle some coarse or Kosher salt over the board, and then rub with ½ a lemon.

Furniture

Is your furniture looking dull or dusty? Combine 2 cups warm water, 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice. Pour into a spray bottle, shake well, spray, rub and polish with a rag.

Carpet

To freshen your carpets, measure and add the following ingredients to a blender: 2 cups baking soda; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup cornmeal; 4 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon whole cloves; 1 tablespoon Ajax (optional). Pulse on low until the carpet cleaner has an even consistency. Pour the dry carpet cleaner into a sprinkle-top container, which you can pick up at your local dollar store. Sprinkle generously over the carpet, and let sit for at least two hours or overnight and then vacuum.

Windows & mirrors

See clearly with this easy to make glass and mirror cleaner. Combine ½ cup white vinegar and ½ cup of water in a spray bottle. Wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks.

Tubs, tile & grout

Mix  ½ cup baking soda, ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide, and 1 teaspoon dish soap in a small squeeze-top container. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural whitener and cleaner, while baking soda helps scrub away stains and hard water buildup. Squeeze the mixture on grout or tile that is in need of a good cleaning and leave it on the area for five minutes. Or squeeze onto a soft sponge and use for cleaning your tub or bathroom shower tiles. Scrub then wipe away the cleaning mixture, rinsing with water.

Learn more about what may be putting your liver at risk and how to prevent it.