The options available at a local household cleaning store can be overwhelming. Also, the cost of house cleaning products could be equally high. However, homeowners can avoid spending a considerable chunk of money on cleaning products by using a few common natural cleaning products already in their pantry. Here are several safe, organic home cleaning products and how to use them.
Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is as inexpensive and versatile as baking soda, and homeowners can use it as a non-toxic disinfectant. White vinegar is an affordable, natural option for cleaning dirt, mildew, and bacteria. It is a natural cleaning agent that cuts through grime, bacteria, and mildew, and homeowners can use it on a variety of household tasks. For example, it can be used for cleaning areas where you store food in a refrigerator. Dampening a cloth in vinegar can help wipe spills on a fridge. Use of distilled white vinegar isn’t limited to refrigerators. It can as well be used for removing stains and hard-to-clean microwave splatters.
Baking Soda
It is an effective natural house cleaning product that is both inexpensive and versatile. It costs slightly more than a dollar on Amazon. Before you decide to use a chemical to unclog a slow-moving drain, try vinegar or baking soda. It causes grease and dirt that might have built up inside a drainage system to dissolve in water. Baking soda can also be used on numerous items in the kitchen, including cleaning stovetops, refrigerators, and countertops. Baking soda can be used as a paste for removing grime and dirt inside the washing machine or dishwasher.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic, so it can be used for cleaning dishes or any other place that stores food. Spray hydrogen peroxide inside and outside your dishes and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it. However, experts no longer recommend hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds as it contributes to scarring and slows healing. Hydrogen peroxide can be used in place of bleach to brighten and whiten fabric. It is an anti-fungal cleaning solution that can help remove musty smell from bath towels.
Vodka or Rubbing Alcohol
A bottle of inexpensive vodka would be a worthy addition to your cleaning supplies. However, like the rest of your cleaning products, it should be kept out of children’s reach. One bottle of vodka can cost you around $7. But rubbing alcohol would be an excellent alternative for someone not comfortable having vodka at their premises. An ounce bottle of rubbing alcohol shouldn’t cost you more than $3.
Salt
Most people don’t keep salt with their cleaning products. However, it might be necessary to start doing so. Any salt can be used for cleaning, but a coarser salt would be a better option. A three-pound box of sea salt can cost around $7 on Amazon.
Lemon
Lemon is as a terrific cleaning agent as vinegar and baking soda. Lemon contains antiseptic and antibacterial acid that can act as natural bleach. Also, the lemon’s citrus smell is invigorating and refreshing. Homeowners can also use oils in the rinds for cleaning and shining their utensils and furniture. A mixture of lemon and little salt would be a great substitute for harsh, chemical-based cleaning products.
Cotton Balls
Cotton balls can be used for cleaning intricate parts of an electronic or furniture that can be difficult to get with a wipe or towel. It works excellently on knobs on cabinets, remote controls, and light switches. Dip a cotton ball in vinegar or rubbing vodka and use it to disinfect and remove the grime. Rubbing a cotton ball soaked in a cup of tea can help treat poison ivy.
Pumice Stone
Pumice stones use a gentle abrasive action to clean tough stains. It can be used on surfaces such as porcelain fixtures, tile, sinks, tubs, and toilet bowls. Homeowners can also use a pumice stone for cleaning some steel surfaces, including workshop tools, gardening tools, and BBQ grills. However, note that it only works on scratch resistance surfaces. Water buildups, rust, limescale, and calcium are a few tough stains that pumice stone can remove. Pumice stone seems denser than similar cleaning agents, meaning it can clean better and last longer. It has finer abrasive grit that helps prevent deep scratches.
Natural items in your pantry such as lemon, salt, baking soda, and vinegar can work as effective as or even better than all-purpose cleaning agents. So, the next time a spill occurs, and you have run out your favorite cleaning agent, don’t rush to a local store, instead, try mixing up one of these safe, natural household cleaning products. Products such as pumice stone, vinegar, salt, and hydrogen peroxide can clean tough stains while still saving you a few bucks. However, never mix up these products without a little research to avoid a reaction.
