Everyone wants to keep their house clean, but so many household cleaning products use harmful chemicals and leave behind pungent odors. Why not keep your living space sparkling clean while using all-natural cleaning agents that you can find in your home? Learn how with these 10 staples everyone has in their kitchen!
1. Citrus fruits
Lemon juice can scrub away tough stains left behind on tables or countertops; oranges work the same way, and the oil from their peels can be used for giving wood a polished look. Grapefruits work especially well for dried-on food stains in areas such as the oven or stove; to use them, simply cut one in half and add some salt for abrasive scrubbing properties.
2. Onions
If your windows have smudges or other residue, cut an onion in half and use it to scrub the window, or squeeze out the juice.
3. Baking soda
Baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda, can be used to scour away tough stains and leave surfaces sparkling clean. You can also leave it in a pet’s litter box to eliminate the odor of urine, or leave a box in the fridge, replacing it every month, to absorb any unpleasant smells.
4. Vinegar
Due to its acidity, white vinegar can be used to kill germs and bacteria on household surfaces. Dilute it with water and use it in a spray bottle like any other household cleaner.
5. Salt
Salt grains can be used as a scrubbing agent due to their abrasive properties; when mixed with water, the resulting saline solution washes away stains left by blood and perspiration. Use it on the carpet or other tough-to-clean surfaces!
6. Potato peels
When combined with dish soap or baking soda, potato peels can be used to scrub away rust from any surface in the house.
7. Tea
Black tea is wonderful for shining and polishing wooden items and surfaces; make sure to cool it before using.
8. Banana peels
Use the peel from a banana to shine your silverware and get it sparkling clean. Simply remove the soft part of the peel to form a paste, scrub your silverware with it, and rinse!
9. Herbs
Common household herbs such as basil, rosemary, and thyme, all have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and thus can be used to clean many surfaces around the home. Use the herb directly, or extract or purchase the oil for cleaning!
10. Green tea
Green tea, like baking soda, is extremely effective at removing fridge odors; simply place a few leaves in the fridge, and make sure to replace them every few weeks.