DIY All-Natural Cleaners – Vinegar & Baking Soda
Some of the items in your pantry, like baking soda and vinegar, work as effectively as all-purpose cleaners. Not only are they more sustainable, they cost next to nothing. So, the next time you’re out of your favorite cleaning product, don’t run to the store — try mixing up one of these DIY homemade concoctions.
VINEGAR
Scented All-Purpose Cleaner – Combine one part white vinegar, one part water, lemon rind and rosemary sprigs. Pour into a spray bottle, shake, and then let infuse for a week before using. Once done, you can use the natural solution to remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges, and much more. Besides a fresh scent, the lemon rind helps boost cleaning power. Caution: Do not use acidic cleaners on granite, as they will etch the stone.
To clean wooden cutting boards – Vinegar or lemon juice will clean, deodorize and disinfect wooden cutting boards. (BTW: Wooden cutting boards are more ecologically sound then plastic ones)
To clean your microwave – Fill a microwavable bowl with vinegar and boil in the microwave. Then just wipe clean.
Remove cooking odors – Simmer a solution of vinegar and water in a pan for 5 minutes.
To clean non-lacquered cabinet pulls, bathroom fixtures, and more – Dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on salt. Lightly rub over surface. Rinse thoroughly with water, then immediately dry with a clean soft cloth.
To clean red wine Stain – Blot immediately with a soft dry cloth, then sponge with undiluted vinegar until gone.
To freshen clothes – Add a cup of vinegar to the final rinse to remove all the soap and make the fabric softer.
To clean deodorant stains – To remove deodorant stains from coloured clothing, rub the stain with a soft cloth dipped in vinegar then wash as usual.
To polish brass, copper and pewter – Mix a teaspoon of salt, one cup of vinegar and stirring in enough flour to make a paste. Cover the item with paste and leave for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
To clean carpet stains – Mix a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with a teaspoon of vinegar dissolved in 2.5 cups of lukewarm water
To clean leather – Mix one part vinegar with two parts linseed oil then use a soft cloth to rub the solution into the leather. Buff with a clean cloth.
BAKING SODA
Kitchen Cleaner and Deodorizer – Combine 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart warm water to clean kitchen counters, appliances, and the inside of your refrigerator.
To deodorize drains – Pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda into your drain or garbage disposal followed by a cup of vinegar. Leave to bubble for 20 minutes, then flush through with cold water.
To deodorize carpets – Sprinkle baking soda over carpets, leave for an hour, the vacuum.
To shine and remove spots from stainless steel – make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it with a damp cloth and rub gently in the direction of the metal’s grain. Rinse and buff dry.
To clean and deodorize garbage cans – Sprinkle baking soda into the bottom of a garbage can to remove unpleasant odors. When emptying the garbage, add some water to the can and swirl around. Pour it out, leave to dry, then add more baking powder for next time.
To clean decanters – Make a solution of baking soda, crushed eggshells and warm water. Swish around then leave overnight. Rinse with vinegar to remove the residue, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
To clean mattress stains – Make a loose paste with baking soda and water, then apply it to the stain. Leave to dry so that the powder disperses into the mattress, then brush off the residue. The baking soda will also deodorize the mattress.
Remove mildew from shower curtains – Apply a past of baking soda and water. Leave overnight and wash off the next day with warm water.
Remove rust on cooking utensils – Dip the cut edge of a potato into baking soda and rub over the rust. Rinse, then wipe with a cloth dipped in olive oil to prevent the rust from forming again.
Remove stains from teapots and cups – Wet the cup on the inside with warm water. Cover the stains with baking soda to form a paste and allow to sit for a few minutes. Using a damp cloth give the area a good scrub then rinse with warm water.
To freshen tea towels and washcloths – Soak in a strong solution of baking soda and water.
Those are just a few of the ways that vinegar and baking soda can act as DIY all-natural cleaners. Commonly used household cleaners contain harsh chemicals so using natural products to clean your home is one simple and effective way to make your home a healthy and safe place for you and your loved ones to enjoy.