Use These 4 Natural Ingredients to Clean Your Home
Store-bought cleaning products contain chemicals which may disrupt your family’s health and distress your pets. More people are turning to natural ingredients to clean their home, and many of the ingredients that offer a safe alternative to traditional cleaning products can be found in your pantry. These are four natural ingredients every homeowner should keep in their arsenal to keep their home fresh, germ-free and clean.
Vinegar
This acid can be used widely in the home to clean sticker residue, clean grime off cables and electronic peripherals, wipe down food preparation surfaces and prevent mildew in the shower and bath tub. Dilute this natural cleanser with water to lessen the odor.
Baking soda
When applied with vinegar, baking soda produces a powerful but non-toxic fizzing effect that lifts stubborn stains in the home. Use it to clean your oven and toilet bowl, and lift trodden-in dirt from carpets. Use it to wash fruit and vegetables safely by scrubbing with a damp sponge. Also a natural odor-killer, it is safe to sprinkle in cat litter boxes. Put some at the bottom of a food waste bin to soak up wetness and eliminate odors.
Lemon juice
A natural anti-bacterial aid, lemon juice is mildly acidic and can bring grimy faucets to a high shine while leaving behind a pleasant scent. Use it to clean cutting boards, and soak food containers in lemon juice diluted with water and vinegar to remove stubborn odors. Add a cup of lemon juice to your laundry for natural whitening.
Alcohol
This is a powerful disinfectant that mixes well with vinegar and lemon juice to clean floors that dry quickly. Mix 1 part alcohol to 2 parts vinegar, 2 parts lemon juice and 3 parts water; mop the kitchen floors or soak small rags to wipe over bathroom surfaces. You can use rubbing alcohol or vodka, as they work equally well. Remember to store away from children’s reach.
Cleaning your home does not have to be expensive, time-consuming or dangerous. Using these simple, natural ingredients, you will be able to maintain a clean home without the worry of chemicals.