There’s nothing better than a clean home. But despite your efforts in maintaining the house every day, some parts just don’t stop gathering dust or getting dirty. Whether it’s those unused corners behind sofas, false ceilings, light fixtures, washroom, or the kitchen, these places have to be cleaned more frequently. Besides being unsightly, an untidy house can cause several health issues such as asthma, diarrhea, allergies, etc. Your home should protect your loved ones not only from the harsh elements outside, but also provide a safe environment from within.
Many find this job daunting. If you’re struggling to keep everything spic and span, you need not fret anymore. With the right techniques and cleaning materials, you’ll end up with a cleaner and healthier home in no time. Rest assured, they are inexpensive, readily available, environmentally safe, and easy-to-use natural alternatives to common chemical commercial products. Here is a list of some that you can effortlessly incorporate in your routine for a germ-free abode.
- Vinegar
This multipurpose liquid can be used as a disinfectant, a deodorizer, and removing mildew stains. Vinegar is an all-natural disinfectant, containing acetic acid- the secret ingredient for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Create your own all-purpose cleaner by mixing equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Go ahead and wipe glass and stainless steel without leaving a film or streaks! Add some lemon juice to it to enhance the fresh scent. For a homemade fabric softener, include it in your regular laundry; add one tablespoon of vinegar to the final rinse cycle.
- Lemon
Bleach is a disinfectant commonly used in homes. But did you know that it releases dioxins and mercury into the air, which can cause cancer and brain damage? Instead of using this toxic substance, switch to lemons, which are perfect for cleaning surfaces that are contaminated. Their antibacterial, antiseptic, and acidic properties can be used on just about anything. Scrub your cutting board with half a lemon and salt or sprinkle baking soda and scrub dirty surfaces with lemon. Use them to make refreshing, natural air fresheners. In fact, add freshly squeezed lemon juice to your laundry’s wash cycle to get rid of foul smells from clothes.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda itself is not a disinfectant, but when combined with other natural disinfectants, it’s an effective cleanser. For a multipurpose cleaning solution, mix freshly squeezed lemon juice, three parts water, and one part baking soda in a spray bottle. Utilize its grit by incorporating it with a little bit of water to make a paste. This is perfect for scrubbing surfaces without scratching them. It’s also useful for scouring food residues on any kitchen appliance such as ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, etc. Baking soda can be combined with vinegar to unclog drains. Or simply use small amounts in a container to neutralize odors in your locker, closet, cabinets, or fridge.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Often used to cleanse a wound, it’s also great for household cleaning. This natural product is a wonderful stain remover for clothes and carpets. Use it in conjunction with vinegar, to remove scum from your tub and tile. Unlike vinegar, it doesn’t have a distinct smell and doesn’t have to be diluted with water. It’s also ideal for washing produce and cleaning your teeth. To get rid of mildew, make a paste with baking soda and leave it on mildew for a few minutes before wiping away.
- Salt
Besides cooking, salt can be used for scrubbing purposes as well. Thick kosher salt is especially helpful in removing grease from your stovetop. Clean stubborn soap scum by rubbing the surface gently with a mixture of kosher salt and baking soda. You can even combine it with white vinegar or club soda to create a powerful, deodorizing cleaner.
- Tea Tree Oil
Plant essential oils are very effective because they’re devoid of harsh chemicals. These aromatic oils can add antibacterial and antifungal powers to any cleaning routine. Don’t forget to sniff test before buying to ensure that you’re not sensitive to the flumes. Tea tree oil is regularly used in many households. Produced from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca tree, it’s well-known for its antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. As a natural product, it’s commonly used in cosmetics and skincare. But it can also be used as a cleaner. A few drops mixed in water is adequate for everyday applications such as cleaning tiles or countertops. The solution can also disinfect areas where kids and pets have had accidents or gotten sick.
- Washing soda
Washing soda, also called sodium carbonate, is another essential natural ingredient. It’s even better than baking soda and borax. You can use it for scrubbing, removing stains, cutting grease, and cleaning toilets. You can mix it with water to make a powerful all-purpose cleaner.
- Neem
For the safety of the entire family, it’s absolutely necessary to keep your home germ-free and hygienic at all times. To maintain these standards, you need to get rid of pests that reside in your premises. Neem works by intervening several stages of an insect’s life cycle. This natural product is essential for getting rid of any critters living in or around your house, such as flies, bed bugs, beetles, cockroaches, etc. It is known to affect more than 200 species, so using neem powder or oil is an easy way to safely bugproof your residence.
- Olive oil
Olive oil is typically used for cooking and beauty products. But it can also be utilized for cleaning and polishing, especially to condition wood naturally. With no toxic side effects, you can polish your wooden furniture without worrying about harmful residue and fumes. It can even be used to buff stainless steel and brass hardware and prevent corrosion. Use half of a lemon dipped in salt to give your copper cookware a brilliant shine.
- Liquid castile soap
This olive oil-based liquid soap can be used as dish soap, floor cleaner and more. This natural product is excellent for cleaning floors or walls. Just combine a cup of vinegar, a gallon of hot water, and a few drops of liquid castile soap.
While there are numerous natural products that you can use, these are just a few. Using any one of them is equally as good. It merely comes down to personal preference. Using non-toxic alternatives is the best way to keep your home safe and clean. Taking small steps today will have a significant impact on the environment. It’s time to bring out the rags and spray bottles. Ready to apply some elbow grease? So, let’s get cleaning.
