If you’re like me, the cabinets under your sink are overflowing with cleaning supplies for each and every possible situation. Reduce your cleaning clutter by using some of these vintage cleaning tips and products!

1.) Vinegar – Plain old white vinegar is an ideal glass and surface cleaner. Just put it in an empty spray bottle and use just like your regular cleaner.

2.) Soap Flakes – These are great for hand washing clothes. Read my post on How to Clean & Care For Vintage Clothing for more tips on taking care of your wardrobe. You can also dissolve the soap flakes in hot water and use it as an all-purpose cleaner.

3.) Baking Soda – it’s not just for baking! Baking soda works wonderfully as an abrasive cleanser. Make a paste by mixing it with water. Also great as a deodorizer for sprinkling on carpets before you vacuum.

4.) Borax – Found in the laundry section at the grocery store you can use it to boost your laundry detergent or as an ingredient to make your own. It’s also great for cleaning toilet bowls, showers, tubs, kitchen sink drains and even arts and crafts! The best part is that it’s all natural and cleans without chemical fumes or scratching. For more ideas click here.

flora&fauna’s SS’10 collection focuses on clean lines, rich colors, and lasting style. On top of using only sustainable materials and local production facilities, a portion of sales will be going towards local animal rescue groups and the Vancouver Aquarium.

Think Tank, Moth Dress, Happy Tails Tunic and Cocoon Tunic

www.floraandfaunaboutique.ca

This pretty tote by Mélangerie is perfect as a wedding gift, favors or as an everyday tote.

To Have and To Hold Tote : $18.00

melangerienyc.etsy.com

Julie Deault of hazel & hunter rescues vintage and antique furniture and gives it a new life to create one-of-a-kind pieces for your home. All items are lovingly reupholstered by Julie in her small studio in Montreal, which is a hop, skip and a jump away from the textile and garment district and yummy Italian bakeries. She’s always on the lookout for new pieces to revive and fancy new fabrics to use, so please visit the shop and her blog often.

hazelandhunter.etsy.com

Favor Jewelry by Monica Reed is a delicate and feminine line of jewels with a reoccurring theme of loops and circles.

Cyclic Necklace

Caviar Necklace

Recently Monica, who designs and creates all of the pieces in her apartment, made the switch to using recycled sterling silver.

Leaflette Earrings

Framed Orbital Earrings

The use of recycled sterling silver will allow Favor to minimize the environmental impact that mining has on our planet and lead a more conscious business. Monica tries to be as eco-friendly as possible in her business and personal life, riding her bicycle as needed to run Favor’s errands.

favorJewelry.etsy.com

Alphabet Bags was created in 2008 by business partners and couple Hayley Thwaites & Lucas Lepola, two twenty-somethings living in London. You’ll find lovely cotton tote bags printed with letters of the alphabet as well as cute little sayings.

Beside The Seaside : £10, The letter A : £12, Recession Bag : £8 and The letter S : £12.

Alphabet Bags isn’t Thwaites & Lepola’s first online venture together. In January 2007 they established the Keep Calm Gallery and The Manicule is another of their shops featuring tea towels, mugs and cards.

www.alphabetbags.com