CindyAddressing the mess in your home with traditional cleaners can certainly do the job. Unfortunately, many of the sprays and scrubs we’re used to buying contain ingredients that aren’t good for us, our pets, or our environment. If you’ve never considered making the switch to all-natural cleaners, it may be time to think about making a change. All-natural cleaning products are now available to tackle everything from toilet bowls to kitchen sinks, and they’re much nicer for us and our environment. However, they’re often a little harsher on the wallet. To embrace all-natural cleaning without breaking the bank, consider the natural cleaning products you probably already have in your kitchen. There are a few everyday items that can help you cut grease, eliminate stains, and handle the messes in your home with ease. Here are seven of the best natural cleaning products you can probably find in your kitchen today!
DIY Natural Cleaning Products
#1 Baking soda.
Baking soda is a great way to combat bad odors, but it can also be used as a surprisingly effective cleaner around your home. Instead of cleaning your oven with harsh chemicals, cover the inside with a paste made from baking soda and water. Allow it to sit for a few hours or overnight, spritz it with a little water or vinegar to loosen it up, and wipe away the scum. You’ll be surprised to see how easily it lifts the grease away.
#2 Vinegar.
Vinegar doesn’t smell the greatest, but it’s impossible to deny the fact that it’s one of the best natural cleaners you can use in your home. Its acidity allows it to cut through grease and grime while killing harmful bacteria, too. But unlike most heavy duty cleaners, it is eco-friendly. Make a simple cleaning spray with vinegar and water (and add essential oils, if you’d prefer a fresher fragrance) to disinfect and clean light messes around your home.
#3 Salt.
The abrasive nature of salt makes it a perfect tool for tackling spills and stains on hard surfaces. If the stuff stuck on the bottom of the pan just won’t come off, cover it with a thin layer of salt and scrub with a paper towel to loosen the mess. Then cleaning will come so much easier. You can also use salt to clean the scum off vases. Just fill the vase with warm water, add 1/3 cup of salt and let it soak for 5 minutes before swirling and rinsing. You’ll have a sparkling glass vase once more!
#4 Lemon juice.
Lemons are an excellent all-natural cleaning product. Cut one in half and use the surface to scrub away stains on countertops, cutting boards, and other surfaces. Mix lemon juice and baking soda to lift stains on your reusable plastic storage containers. And as an added bonus, your home will smell as clean as it looks!
#5 Potatoes.
It may sound strange, but you can use a raw potato to tackle a few tasks around the house too. If your cast-iron skillet or kitchen knife are getting a little rusty, slice a potato in half, dip it in baking soda, and rub it over the surface. Potatoes contain a special kind of acid that helps break down rust, so they should do the job effectively while requiring minimal elbow grease.
#6 Olive oil.
Mix a bit of olive oil with some lemon juice and hot water for a wood floor polish that will leave your floor sparkling. Stir it well and use a sponge or mop to apply. You can also mix baking soda with a small amount of olive oil to create a perfect paste for targeting scuff marks on wooden surfaces.
#7 Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
While this might not count as a cleaner, most of us associate a clean home with a fresh-smelling space. If you’re using traditional candles or wall plug-ins to keep your home fragrant, you might want to consider a more natural alternative. Add two cinnamon sticks, a teaspoon of vanilla, and a little nutmeg to a pot of boiling water. After a minute, turn down the heat and allow it to simmer for a couple of hours, adding in additional water as needed. Your home will be filled with a delicious natural scent. You can get creative with this and experiment with your favorite fragrant ingredients or essential oils for custom scents.
There’s no need to splurge on expensive chemical cleaners to get your home sparkling clean! You’ll find the best natural cleaning products right in your kitchen. Do your home, your wallet, and your planet a favour by ditching the chemicals and trying these natural alternatives instead. I bet you’ll be thrilled with the results!
