5 Natural Cleaning Solutions for Your Home

The cleaning aisle in the grocery store is stocked with commercial sprays that get the job done, but at what cost to your health? More and more homeowners are interested in reducing chemicals and VOCs in their households. Natural cleaning solutions are just as effective but without hazardous chemicals and compounds. Here are some simple ways to clean your home with ingredients already in your pantry.

Clean the Oven with Baking Soda

The oven accumulates debris quickly from anything you cook inside it. Because the grease gets baked on over time, you need a powerful cleaner to remove it. Baking soda is an essential ingredient in many natural cleaning solutions. Mix baking soda with water until it forms a thick, spreadable paste to clean the oven. Smear the paste on and allow it to sit for at least 8 hours before wiping it off with a damp microfiber cloth.

Natural Cleaning Solutions: Vinegar for Glass

Vinegar is another popular ingredient in homemade cleaning supplies, and it is safe and natural. To clean mirrors and windows in the house, add three tablespoons of white vinegar, two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, and 1 ½ cups of water to a spray bottle and shake it to mix the ingredients. Spray it on and use a lint-free cloth to reduce streaking.

Heavy-Duty Scrub

Sometimes spray cleaner isn’t enough to get rid of stains and grime on the countertops. A scrub can be more effective. Use borax powder and sliced lemon on stains. Dip the cut lemon into the powder and use it to scrub the area. You may repeat this process as needed, rinsing with water in between. If you have granite or marble surfaces, do not use citrus cleaners as they can damage the surface.

Natural Cleaning Solutions for Tile and Grout

Cleaning the bathroom often means using harsh cleaners. For an alternative, try a natural solution. Mix three parts baking soda with one part warm water and one part liquid dish soap. For extra power, add a splash of white vinegar. This cleaner can be used on the tub, shower walls, bathroom tile, and other porcelain and ceramic surfaces.

Vinegar as a Stainless Steel Cleaner

Stainless steel requires special care to get a streak-free shine. Instead of spending money on expensive stainless steel cleaners, do it yourself with vinegar and mineral oil. Add the vinegar to a spray bottle and use a clean cloth to wipe the surface in the direction of the grain. After removing smudges and grime, use the mineral oil to polish the surface of the appliance or fixture.

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