Natural cleaning products avoid the artificial fragrances and harsh chemical solvents used in many commercial cleaning products. Natural cleaning can safely leave your home sparkling bright and smelling fresh, often at significantly less cost than using chemical-laden cleaning products. The best natural cleaning products are sometimes simple items you already have in your kitchen cabinets.
Baking Soda
Ordinary baking soda is the workhorse of natural cleaning. TruLife magazine, a publication of Truman State University, reports that baking soda mixed with water to form a paste can be used to sponge clean nearly every surface. The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension suggests mixing 1/2 cup baking soda with 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 gallon of boiling water, and pouring the mixture down slow kitchen or bathroom drains once a week. The Georgia Extension also suggests mixing 1 cup of baking soda with 1 tsp. of tea tree oil to create a paste to spread in the bottom of trash cans after the liner is removed to form an effective natural deodorizer. According to Consumer Reports, baking soda is a mild alkali powder that can be used to remove stains from tile, glass and ceramics including china.
Vinegar
White vinegar is another inexpensive, commonly available natural household cleaner. Consumer Reports advises that white vinegar can kills germs and act as a deodorizer, as well as cleaning coffeemakers, cookware and countertops. For cleaning wood, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension suggests mixing a natural cleaner of 2 tbsp. white vinegar, 2 tbsp. olive oil and 1/4 cup lemon juice; wipe onto the wood with a soft cloth. For an all-purpose cleaner, the Georgia Extension recommends mixing 1/4 cup white vinegar with 2 tbsp. borax--found in the laundry aisle of most supermarkets--and 2 cups of hot water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray on all household surfaces, wiping clean with a cloth or paper towels.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an alternative to chlorine bleach, according to Consumer Reports. It kills germs and has a mild bleaching effect. Its bubbling action makes it particularly effective in cleaning hard-to-reach areas such as behind a kitchen or bathroom faucet. TruLife magazine reports that hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove mold as well as for cleaning windows and floors. Hydrogen peroxide is inexpensive and available at supermarkets or pharmacies, where it is sold as a 3-percent solution that may be used without dilution for most cleaning purposes.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice--fresh-squeezed and strained or bottled--is a natural cleaner that will also leave a delightful, fresh-as-all-outdoors scent. TruLife magazine reports that a solution of lemon juice and vinegar mixed in equal parts and added to warm water at a rate of about 2 tbsp. per gallon, clears away soap scum and makes a good window and mirror cleaner. The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension advises mixing equal parts of noniodized salt and cornstarch and adding enough lemon juice to make a paste to polish copper and brass. Lemon juice and salt also make an effective coffeepot cleaner.
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