Just like your body, your home has its own ecology that needs to be supported in order to thrive. Each day we’re learning more about how good bacteria is the unsung hero of keeping bad, opportunistic bacteria away in our guts, but did you know this theory applies to the home environment too? More and more people are experiencing the benefits of reducing toxins in their homes by choosing natural cleaning products, however, sometimes these can still be too aggressive when it comes to supporting the good, healthy bacteria in your home that helps keep the nasties at bay.
Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar is a fabulous product that is often over looked for its chemical free, yet thorough cleaning abilities and it’s one of my favourites to use. Acetic acid, the main compound in vinegar, works to breakdown grime and grease while the natural microbiology present in ‘the Mother’ (only found in unfiltered ACV) can offer a boost to the beneficial bacteria around your home.
Raw vinegar has been used thousands of years, with the first evidence of use dating back 5,000 years ago with the Babylonians. However, since the industrial revolution, white vinegar has often been a popular choice in homes for getting rid of tough stains. The reason I don’t opt for white vinegar, is it’s usually made of laboratory-produced acetic acid combined with water. Aside from being totally unnatural, white vinegar is the most acidic vinegar, which can make it too strong for some types of cleaning. Barnes Naturals Apple Cider Vinegar, on the other hand, is 100% natural, is unrefined and contains beneficial microorganisms that are kind to the microbiology present in your home. Every home has its own biodiversity, but using harsh chemicals or extremely acidic concentrations, like white vinegar, can create an overly sterile, unhealthy environment. Here are my favourite ways to use ACV around the home:
Take about a cup of baking soda and dump it in the drain, follow with 2 cups of ACV and one up of boiled water. You might see some foam rise. Leave the solution for about an hour then rise the drain again with a few cups of boiling water.
Have you ever taken a look at the edges of your sink and noticed a build-up of hardening grime around the basin? Simply sprinkle some ACV where the build-up has occurred and then wait five minutes before wiping. Depending on the level of build-up, you may need to repeat the process. I also use a small spray bottle with half ACV and half water on the stove top to remove oil and grease. Ensure you re-wipe the surfaces again with a damp cloth after using ACV to remove all residue.
Keep in mind that some surfaces to not react well with acids, such as marble, granite, soapstone or hardwood.
Give your washing machine a little TLC with ½ cup of baking soda and 2 cups of apple cider vinegar poured into the empty machine and run a full, hot water cycle to neutralise any odour and bad bacteria.
We all love to choose the freshest, healthiest foods for our bodies. Organic fruit and veg is always the preference, however is not always affordable or accessible. ACV can help remove pesticide and other chemical residues often present on conventional veggies and fruit without disrupting the good microorganisms naturally present on the food. You can do it in three easy steps:
1. Simply put 4 parts water and 1 part ACV into a very large bowl or your (clean!) sink.
2. Place your produce into the mixture for 20-30 minutes, stir the produce intermittently to ensure it’s all submerged.
3. Scrub and rinse. Pay particular attention to waxy apples to remove the residue
Apple Cider Vinegar is a great alternative cleaning and pesticide removing astringent that won’t disrupt the good ecology naturally found on your home and fresh produce. Make the switch today for a healthier home and healthier you. Our Apple Cider Vinegar comes in a convenient 1 Litre bottle for all your health (and cleaning!) needs.