Cleaning your home doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals and expensive products. Many natural ingredients found in your kitchen are just as effective at tackling dirt, grime, and bacteria—without the harmful effects on your health or the environment. Here are some easy and effective ways to clean your home using natural ingredients.
Baking Soda for Scrubbing
Baking soda is a powerful natural cleaner that’s perfect for scrubbing away tough stains and deodorising surfaces. It’s mildly abrasive, making it effective for cleaning sinks, countertops, and even ovens.
To use, sprinkle baking soda on the surface you want to clean, then add a bit of water to make a paste. Scrub with a cloth or sponge, and rinse with warm water. For stubborn stains, let the baking soda paste sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
Lemon for Freshness
Lemon is a natural deodoriser and antibacterial agent, making it a great addition to your natural cleaning routine. Its fresh scent is also a bonus, leaving your home smelling clean and inviting.
Use half a lemon to clean stainless steel sinks, faucets, or cutting boards. Simply rub the lemon over the surface, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse with warm water. For added scrubbing power, sprinkle a little baking soda on the lemon before using it.
Castile Soap for Gentle Cleaning
Castile soap is a versatile, plant-based soap that’s gentle on surfaces but tough on dirt. It’s a fantastic all-purpose cleaner that can be used on countertops, floors, and even for washing dishes.
To make a basic cleaner, dilute a few tablespoons of castile soap in a spray bottle with water. You can use this solution to clean most surfaces in your home, including kitchen countertops and bathroom sinks.
Olive Oil for Polishing
When it comes to polishing wood furniture or surfaces, olive oil works wonders. It nourishes the wood and adds a beautiful shine without the need for commercial polishes that often contain harsh chemicals.
To polish your wood furniture, mix 2 parts olive oil with 1 part vinegar or lemon juice. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub it into the wood in circular motions. Buff the surface with a dry cloth for a natural, glossy finish.
Salt for Tough Stains
Salt is a natural abrasive that can help scrub away tough stains on various surfaces. It’s especially useful for cleaning cast iron pans, removing rust, and even freshening up carpets.
To clean a cast iron pan, sprinkle salt into the pan and scrub with a cloth or sponge. Rinse with water and dry immediately to prevent rust. For carpets, sprinkle salt over the area, let it sit for a while, then vacuum it up to freshen the fibres.
Hydrogen Peroxide for Stain Removal
For tougher cleaning tasks, hydrogen peroxide is a great natural alternative to bleach. It’s effective at removing stains, disinfecting surfaces, and even brightening laundry.
Use hydrogen peroxide directly on stains or mix it with baking soda for an extra-powerful cleaning paste. It works well for grout, kitchen tiles, and disinfecting cutting boards.
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