The Best Natural Products to Clean Your House
We all need cleaning products. But commercial cleaning products are expensive and many are highly polluting to the environment. The chemicals in shop-bought cleaning products can also be harmful to our health. An alternative to buying commercial cleaning products is to make your own from natural ingredients. In the past, people would use much more natural products to clean their homes and these were often just as effective as shop-bought products. So take a leaf out of your grandmother’s household tips book and find natural products to do your dirty work! This article will discuss which natural items can be used to leave your home sparkling clean without harming your health or the environment.
Natural cleaning products for your home
Apple cider vinegar
One of the most powerful natural ingredients to use as a cleaning agent is apple cider vinegar. This is ideal to use as a glass cleaner and will leave your glassware sparkling clean without any streaks. Apple cider vinegar is great at removing grease, so it is also perfect for cleaning microwaves. Simply put a glass of the liquid in the microwave and heat for 4 minutes. The steam will clean the inside of the appliance and you can wipe it clean afterwards to remove any residue.
Another clever use for apple cider vinegar is for cleaning metallic items, such as taps. While in the bathroom, you can use this powerful liquid to clean the shower and bath. Simply scrub the tiles with vinegar and leave it for 30 minutes. Rub off with water and a brush for a shiny finish.
You can even clean clothing with apple cider vinegar. Take a cloth and soak it in a small bowl of apple cider vinegar, then rub gently at the cloth to remove make up stains and other marks.
Baking soda
Baking soda is slight abrasive and can clean many products safely and effectively around the home. Baking soda is highly effective as a drain and pipe cleaner. Simply pour baking soda down the drain or pipe and follow this with a glass of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes and then pour hot water down the drain to clean.
Baking soda is also useful as a fabric softener. Commercial fabric softeners simply coat your clothes with a fine layer of grease to give a soft finish. Baking soda, however, softens clothing by preventing the lime from the detergent from sticking to the clothes. This makes the final result soft in a natural way without adding anything to the fabric.
Baking soda is an excellent deodoriser. This powder neutralises strong smells everywhere, from fridges to pet bedding. For fresh shoes, sprinkle a little inside the shoe and leave overnight. Wipe up the baking soda the next day for odour-free footwear. This trick also works for carpets. Just sprinkle some on the carpet and leave overnight, then vacuum the next day for odour free home.
Lemons
Lemons are wonderful cleaning agents. In addition to their ability to clean, they also smell pleasant and even have whitening powers. Another quality of lemons is that they have antibacterial properties, so this makes them ideal to use in the home as a powerful yet natural cleaner. Lemons make great dishwashing agents. Simply add a few drops of lemon juice to the washing water or dishwasher to remove grease. This also adds a fresh light lemon scent to your crockery.
Lemons have a gentle bleaching effect when used in the washing machine. Add a half cup of lemon juice to the laundry during the rinse cycle to restore your whites and prevent dullness. Lemons can also work to remove stains on clothing and on kitchen surfaces. This miracle fruit works on wood, plastic and glass. Lemons can also be used in the fridge to remove stale food odours.
These three excellent cleaning agents are all commonly found in the home and are inexpensive. They are also totally natural so you will not damage your hands when using them, nor will they harm the environment. By using these natural products you can limit your use of commercial cleaning products and enjoy a healthier, naturally clean home.
