Harsh chemicals in most commercial cleaners can put your health and the environment at risk. Your kitchen holds several natural solutions for cleaning various areas of the home. Many everyday items have specific cleaning properties, allowing you to clean your house without the harsh fumes and chemicals. Always test your homemade cleaners on an inconspicuous area to make sure they don't cause damage.
Vinegar
Plain white vinegar offers different cleaning properties, making it a versatile cleaning tool around the house. Vinegar gets rid of grease, mildew, odors, wax buildup and certain stains, according to EarthEasy. Vinegar works well as a general, all-purpose cleaner when mixed with water. The solution stores well in a spray bottle, making it handy whenever you need to clean. The Vinegar Institute also recommends using vinegar for cleaning floors, windows, woodwork, garbage disposals, toilets and shower walls.
Baking Soda
Baking soda cleans surfaces and provides scouring properties, making it a natural alternative for an abrasive cleaner. The Kaboose parenting resource website recommends adding in some liquid detergent to make a scrub for cleaning tubs, showers and sinks. Baking soda is also known for its deodorizing powers by absorbing odors. This offers a more natural option to commercial air fresheners, which only cover odors.
Lemon
EarthEasy lists lemon as another natural cleaning option. The acid in lemons is effective against bacteria in the home. Rubbing lemon across a chopping block disinfects it. Rubbing lemon juice onto mold or mildew with a sponge helps remove it. Mixing in some vinegar with lemon juice offers another option for a natural air freshener in the home.
Borax
Borax works well as a cleaner, disinfectant and deodorizer. EarthEasy notes that it works to clean various surfaces, include wallpaper, flooring and painted walls. A paste of 1/4 cup each of borax, salt and vinegar creates a strong carpet cleaner. Rub it into the carpet and then vacuum it out after a few hours. Two parts of borax and one part of lemon juice also works as a toilet bowl cleaner.
Washing Soda
Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, works well as an all-purpose cleaner, according to Kaboose. Most stores sell washing soda alongside laundry products. It works well on grease and stains. EarthEasy warns that washing soda can be irritating to mucous membranes and should not be used on aluminum.
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