Need some new ideas for how to naturally and frugally clean your cleaning tools?

Broom: The easiest way to clean a broom is to use another broom to “brush” or “sweep” between the bristles.

Toilet Brush:  Soak in straight vinegar to disinfect.

Mop:  Soak in a mixture of vinegar, warm water and baking soda.

Feather Duster:  I recommend using a microfiber dusting cloth instead of feather duster.  Feather dusters tend to scatter dust into the air, and the less expensive ones loose feathers quickly and can scratch delicate surfaces.  To clean a microfiber dusting cloth, just throw it into the washing machine with regular laundry soap and then line dry  (don’t use fabric softener on it).

Rubber Gloves:  I don’t personally use rubber gloves for cleaning since most natural cleaning solutions are much less harsh on the hands.  However, if you have sensitive skin rubber gloves are a good idea.  You can soak them in a solution of 1/4 parts vinegar to 3/4 parts water to clean them.  Don’t use straight vinegar (too acidic).  Air dry.

Toothbrush:  To remove the germs from a toothbrush you can soak it in mouthwash or straight lemon juice.

Squeegee:  A soft cloth soaked in a solution of vinegar and warm water will  remove slime from a squeegee blade.

Bucket:  Scrub with a paste of baking soda and salt.  Just mix the baking soda and salt with a little bit of water and use a washcloth or scrub brush.  More salt will make the paste “grittier” if the residue doesn’t remove easily.  Rinse well with warm water.