Store-bought cleaning supplies can get pricey, contain harmful chemicals, and take up
precious storage space. There are also so many on the market, it can feel overwhelming
to figure out what works best for you. Luckily, the solution is likely sitting in your cabinets right now. There’s a variety of household products that can be used to cut through grease and deodorize your home. Using these will save you the money and the hassle of branded cleaners. When using any DIY cleaner, make sure to test the product on a small area to make sure it won’t harm the surface.
Baking Soda
Baking soda does so much more than just leaven baked goods. It can be used to scrub
gunk and deodorize. It can be bought in large quantities for a low price, making it the perfect cleaning ingredient to have on hand.
1. Tub and sink drains
To keep your bath drain odorless and unclogged, run hot water down the drain,
followed by ½ cup of baking soda. Let the baking soda sit for 15 minutes then rinse.
Baking soda works similarly to help with slow-draining kitchen sinks. Pour a few
tablespoons into the drain, followed by some heated vinegar. This will create a fizzy
reaction that loosens any debris. Finish by rinsing with boiling water.
2. Ovens
Slowly add water to baking soda until it produces a paste. Spread this paste over
the sides and bottom of the oven, and then spray with vinegar. Allow this mixture to foam
up and break down any food particles before wiping clean.
Lemons
Lemons have some surprising cleaning properties. They’re versatile and so easy to use,
they can become your new DIY cleaning go-to.
1. Microwave
Microwave a bowl of water and fresh lemon juice/rinds for 3-5 minutes. Let the
bowl sit in the microwave with the door closed for another 5 minutes to allow the steam
to get to work. Finally, remove the bowl and wipe down the now-loosened gunk and
stains on the microwave walls.
2. Counters
The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a natural disinfectant, making it perfect for
wiping down countertops. Spray some fresh lemon juice over the counters and let it sit
for a few minutes before scrubbing. You could also take half of a lemon, dip the cut side into some baking soda, and use this as a DIY scrubber. Make sure to test the juice on a small area before tackling the entire space, just to make sure it won’t cause any damage.
3. Garbage Disposal
Slice up a lemon, put one whole slice into your kitchen sink drain, and run the
disposal. The juice will disinfect while the rind will release a fresh aroma.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a cleaner’s secret weapon. Another inexpensive ingredient to buy in large
quantities, vinegar can be used for almost any cleaning task. When
1. Floors & More
Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water. Using this to mop will lift grease and
dirt. This mixture is great to use on most flooring except hardwood, as the acid may
cause discoloration. This diluted vinegar solution is also great for sinks and windows.
You can add lemon juice or some drops of lavender or tea tree oil for extra freshness.
2. Pots & Pans
To get rid of those pesky burnt spots on your cookware, bring the previously
mentioned water and vinegar solution to a boil. Make sure the solution is completely
covering the burnt-on spot(s). Let this boil for about 5 minutes, and then allow the liquid
to cool inside the pot. Once it’s cooled, you can pour out the solution and wipe any
remaining marks with an appropriate sponge.
These three common household items- baking soda, lemons, and vinegar- are key to
starting your DIY cleaning journey. You don’t need harmful chemicals to disinfect your home
when you’ve got natural ones sitting in your pantry!