This Spring, I want to reset, and try to only use natural ingredients to clean out our home. In recent years, more and more people have become concerned about the chemicals found in cleaning products. These chemicals can be harmful to the environment and our health. Fortunately, there are natural cleaning methods that can be just as effective as chemical cleaners. In this blog post, I’ll share some of the best natural ingredients that you can use to clean your home this Spring and all year round.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner that can be used for a variety of tasks. It is particularly effective at removing stains, grease, and grime. You can mix equal parts of vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution that can be used on floors, countertops, and windows. You can also use vinegar to clean your coffee maker, dishwasher, and washing machine. Simply run a cycle with vinegar instead of detergent to remove buildup and leave your appliances clean and fresh.
- Clean floors and carpets: Vinegar is an effective floor cleaner for many types of floors, including tile, hardwood, and linoleum. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and use it to clean the floors. For carpets, mix a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water, and use it to spot clean stains.
- Remove stains from clothes and fabrics: Vinegar is an excellent stain remover for clothes and fabrics. Apply vinegar directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing as usual. For tough stains, mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda to form a paste and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes before washing.
- Clean windows and mirrors: Vinegar is an excellent cleaner for windows and mirrors, as it removes streaks and leaves a sparkling shine. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to clean the glass. For tough grime, add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile household item that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks. Not only is it an effective cleaner, but it is also affordable and eco-friendly. Here are some ways you can use baking soda for housekeeping:
- Clean kitchen appliances: Baking soda can be used to clean kitchen appliances such as ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it to the surfaces of the appliances. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. It will help remove stubborn stains and grime.
- Deodorize carpets: Carpets can harbor unpleasant odors over time. To get rid of these smells, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and then vacuum it up. Baking soda will absorb any bad odors, leaving your carpets smelling fresh and clean.
- Freshen up upholstery: Similar to carpets, upholstery can also start to smell over time. To freshen it up, sprinkle baking soda on the upholstery and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, use a vacuum to remove the baking soda. It will help remove any odors and leave your upholstery smelling fresh.
- Clean bathroom tiles: Baking soda can be used to clean bathroom tiles and grout. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it to the tiles and grout. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it with a brush. Rinse with water and dry with a towel.
Lemons
Lemons are not only great for cooking and making refreshing drinks, but they can also be used for housekeeping purposes. Their natural acidity and fresh scent make them a perfect alternative to chemical cleaning products, and they are also cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
- Cleaning the kitchen: Lemons can be used to clean various surfaces in the kitchen, such as countertops, cutting boards, and sinks. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it over the surface, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. The acidity of the lemon will help to remove stains and odors, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh and clean.
- Removing stains: Lemons can be used to remove various types of stains, such as rust stains on metal surfaces and stains on clothing. To remove rust stains, cut a lemon in half and rub it over the stain, then sprinkle salt over the area and let it sit for a few hours before wiping it clean. For stains on clothing, mix lemon juice and baking soda to form a paste, then apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few hours before washing the garment as usual.
- Cleaning the bathroom: Lemons can be used to clean various surfaces in the bathroom, such as the bathtub, shower, and toilet. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it over the surface, then rinse with water. The acidity of the lemon will help to remove stains and soap scum, leaving your bathroom sparkling clean.
- Polishing metal: Lemons can be used to polish various types of metal, such as copper, brass, and stainless steel. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub it over the surface of the metal, then rinse with water and buff with a dry cloth. The acidity of the lemon will help to remove tarnish and restore the shine to the metal.
- Freshening the air: Lemons can be used to freshen the air in your home. Simply cut a lemon in half and place it in a bowl of water, then place the bowl in a room to help eliminate odors. You can also add lemon juice and water to a spray bottle and use it as a natural air freshener.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are another natural cleaning method that can be used to add a fresh scent to your home. You can add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or peppermint to your cleaning solutions to leave your home smelling fresh and clean. Essential oils can also be used to clean surfaces like countertops and floors. While I don’t use essential oils anymore because of the expensive cost, I have in the past, and I loved having it in my cleaning supplies.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile and effective cleaning agent that can be used for various household cleaning purposes. It’s a safe and natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners that can damage surfaces and harm the environment.
- Disinfecting surfaces: Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. You can use it to disinfect kitchen counters, bathrooms, doorknobs, and other high-touch surfaces. Simply spray hydrogen peroxide onto the surface and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.
- Removing stains: Hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove tough stains from carpets, upholstery, and clothing. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and apply the solution to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it up with a clean cloth.
- Cleaning grout: Grout can be challenging to clean, but hydrogen peroxide can make the job easier. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and apply the solution to the grout. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing with water.
- Whitening clothes: Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a natural bleach to whiten clothes. Add half a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your washing machine along with your regular detergent to brighten white clothes and remove stains.
- Removing mold: Mold can be a serious health hazard, and it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill mold and prevent it from coming back. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and spray the solution onto the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing with water.
- Cleaning mirrors and windows: Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean mirrors and windows, leaving them streak-free and sparkling. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and apply the solution to the glass surface. Wipe it off with a clean cloth or squeegee for a streak-free finish.
There are many natural cleaning methods that you can use in your home. These methods are not only effective at cleaning, but they are also safe for the environment and your health. By using natural cleaning methods, you can keep your home clean and fresh without exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.