Prepare a clay-based remedy to clean all the surfaces in the house and remove stains from laundry
Clay is not just a material with which to model sculptures or perform beauty treatments - it can also be used for a series of house cleaning tasks, and is a green alternative yet to be discovered by many.
In general, green or white clay is preferred, which can be used to clean, polish and even sanitize the surfaces of the house. Since the clay (especially, it seems, the green one) is able to absorb water very well, it is often used on damp surfaces, or to treat greasy or oily stains and is also effective in fighting bad odors. The softer white one is also able to whiten, so it is excellent for cleaning sanitary ware. Green clay is often used on fabrics or upholstery to remove traces of make-up, food and drinks. And it is possible to prepare a clay paste at home to use in all these occasions - just keep reading!
What you will need:
- a glass jar with a lid
- a bowl for the bain-marie
- a wooden ladle
- a glass or wooden bowl
- 40 grams of clay
- 20 grams of Marseille soap flakes
- 20 grams of baking soda
- 50 ml of water
How to prepare the clay paste:
- Dissolve the Marseille soap flakes in 50 ml of water in a bain-marie. Remember to keep the heat low and stir until you have no lumps, with a wooden spoon.
- Meanwhile, in the glass or wooden bowl, mix the clay powder with the baking soda (never use metal utensils).
- Slowly add the soap dissolved in water to the powders, and mix with a ladle until you have a sort of cream.
- Transfer everything into the glass jar, but do not close the lid.
- Leave the jar open in a dry place so that it loses moisture and solidifies. It will need to become a malleable paste in order to be used for cleaning.
How to use the clay paste:
- On bathroom fixtures, or kitchen worktops if made of stone, but also on stainless steel surfaces: rub the clay gently on the surface, leaving it to act for a few minutes before rinsing off.
- To absorb bad smells: you can leave some in a cup (there are those who also use it in powder form) at the points to be deodorized - especially closed places such as wardrobes, drawers and shoe racks. And it is also okay to put it in cloth bags. Especially for this type of use, you can mix a few drops of essential oil to the clay, as you prefer.
- To clean glass: take some clay with a wet sponge, rub it on the glass, rinse off with a clean sponge and then wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth to dry. The clay leaves a very thin patina that will prevent dirt, dust and limescale from adhering easily to the glass.
Have you ever used clay for housework chores?
