The reasons why so many people are turning to natural cleaning solutions are endless. While most conventional cleaning products are laden with hazardous chemicals that can be harmful to your children, pets and the environment, natural products are free of those aggressive substances. Unfortunately, they also tend to come with a heftier price tag. Luckily, there’s no need to debate the two.
Why waste money, or risk jeopardizing your family’s health, when you can clean a variety of surfaces in your home with natural ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen? All it takes is vinegar and baking soda. Follow this home-cleaning guide to get started.
1. Wash your windows
For a window-cleaning solution, fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar. Before spritzing, remove dust by wiping down windows, sills and frames with a damp cloth. Spray solution onto windows and wipe clean with a soft, lint-free cloth. If you’re dealing with stubborn grime, try using undiluted vinegar for more impressive results.
2. Clean stained carpets
There’s no logical explanation for why a glass of red wine inevitably will spill onto white carpeting, but there is a natural way to clean up that crimson stain. First, dissolve two to three tablespoons of salt in a half cup of white vinegar. Rub the stain with the mixture, then let it sit for several minutes to loosen the stain. Wipe the area gently with a clean, damp towel.
3. Naturally soften fabrics
Did you know that fabric softeners are loaded with chemicals? Substituting baking soda for fabric softener will leave your laundry soft and smelling fresh—and, as an added bonus, you’ll save money in the long run. Toss dirty laundry in the washing machine, add detergent, then pour a cup of baking soda on top. Baking soda enhances the detergent’s effect as it softens hard water.
4. Refresh your fridge
Cleaning refrigerators can be a headache—but the job doesn’t have to be tedious or require excessive scrubbing. Just mix two parts white vinegar with equal parts water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray both the interior and exterior of the fridge with the homemade detergent and wipe the surfaces clean. To keep your fridge smelling fresh, place a small container filled with baking soda in one of the compartments. You can also use undiluted vinegar as an effective alternative for fighting mildew.
5. Add sheen to jewelry
This cleaning method should be used on platinum, gold, brass and silver jewelry only. Place silver rings in a pot, add a few teaspoons of baking soda, fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil. You can also mix three parts baking soda with one part water, dip in a clean cloth and gently rub jewelry until any grime is removed.
Although baking soda and vinegar can clean a variety of surfaces, avoid using them on egg stains, marble, granite and hardwood floors. So, the next time there’s a spill, scuff or stain, avoid a trip to the store and keep your family safe with these natural cleaning methods.
Article courtesy of Shannon Noble of Tidy Cleaning W11.