Top 7 Natural Cleaning Products You Can Safely & Effectively Use at Home
Using cleaning products containing ammonia, bleach, and disinfectants have been linked with asthma, itchy eyes, and headaches. Prolonged exposure to cleaning solutions that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have also been linked with cancer. Homeowners that opt for green cleaning products aren’t totally safe either. Many times, these products contain fragrances that are similar to those that are being used in the products they claim to be superior to. These reasons are why more and more homeowners are opting to create their own homemade cleaners with easily accessible materials that are often cheaper than those found in the store. Here’s our pick of the top homemade cleaning solutions worth noting. Bear in mind that surfaces vary and all cleaning remedies should first be tested on a small inconspicuous area.
1. Hair Spray To Remove Ink
Yes, you read that right. Spraying hair spray onto an ink stain and gently rubbing on it will eradicate the stain and often will not harm the material the stain is on.
2. Vodka
If the cabinets near your oven and stove have become a greasy mess, vodka can be used to make them look new. In a spray bottle, mix a 50/50 solution of vodka and water and spray directly onto the cabinet. This solution can cut through grime on range hoods and countertops.
3. Cola (How To Clean A Toilet With Coke)
If the bowl of your toilet has become heavily stained, cola can either be poured directly into the bowl or spritzed with a spray bottle. Allowing the cola to sit for a few hours ensures that it’s got time to work its magic. Bear in mind that a disinfectant should still be used since cola does not have these types of properties.
4. Lemon & Lemon Juice
Not only does cleaning with lemon smell amazing, but it acts as a disinfectant on plastic and wood cutting boards. Simply slice a lemon in half and rub on the entire cutting board. Allow the lemon to sit for ten minutes prior to washing it off. For additional cleansing capabilities, dredge the cutting board with Kosher salt before rubbing with the lemon half. Filthy microwave? Combine lemon juice and vinegar in a bowl and microwave for two minutes and then let sit for a bit. When you finally open the door, the microwave can be easily rubbed down with a cloth or sponge.
5. Baking Soda
Cleaning the fridge with baking soda requires less elbow grease than standard cleaners. Simply combine a half cup of baking soda with a pail of water to create a cleaning solution. This combination can also be used on countertops and stainless steel sinks and appliances.
Quality Materials & Installation Ensure Long-Lasting Appliances:
6. Vinegar Cleaning Solution: For Walls, Tiles, & Glass
Give your tile floors a clean sheen with a combination of one-part white vinegar with two parts warm water applied with a mop or rag. No need to rinse afterwards. If your walls need attention, mix ¼ cup of white vinegar with a quart of water. Vinegar can even be used as a glass cleaner when one-part vinegar is mixed with 4 parts water.
7. Olive Oil: Homemade Furniture Polish
Polish wooden furniture with a combination of two cups of olive oil and one cup of lemon juice or vinegar and apply to the furniture with a soft cloth. Olive oil applied to squeaky door hinges can also quiet them.
