Home cleaning doesn't require harsh chemicals or costly green products. You can use common household items to tackle tough grease, deodorize your home, and polish your counters. Be sure to test a small area first to ensure the surface won't be damaged.
Home Cleaning Remedies Lemons
Lemons are my all-time favorite ingredient for home cleaning remedies, offering versatile uses from sanitizing to stain removal.
Garbage Disposal: Slice a lemon and put the whole slice into the disposal. The lemon juice will disinfect and clean the disposal, while the rind releases a fresh, fruity aroma. This method is safe for your disposal and effectively removes odor-causing bacteria.
Laundry: Lemon juice can brighten both whites and colors. Add the juice of one lemon to any load along with your usual detergent.
Countertops: A mixture of lemon juice and baking soda can clean your countertops as effectively as store-bought cleaners. Cut a lemon in half, dip the exposed part in baking soda, and rub it over your countertops. The baking soda’s abrasiveness removes residue, while the lemon juice cleans and disinfects. Avoid using this mixture on precious stones or stainless steel, as baking soda may scratch or discolor these surfaces. Always test a small area before applying the mixture to the entire counter.
Cooking Oils
Cooking oils are excellent for polishing wood and stainless steel.
Furniture: Wood furniture can become dull if not properly maintained. Mix two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice for an effective polish. Use a clean rag to lightly buff the mixture into the wood. Test a small area first to ensure no damage. After applying the oil, wipe off any excess with a new, clean cloth. This treatment will leave your furniture hydrated and shiny. White distilled vinegar can be substituted for lemon juice; the vinegar cleans, while the oil polishes.
Stainless Steel: Clean stainless steel by gently wiping it with olive oil on a clean cloth, following the grain of the steel. Avoid circular motions to prevent scratching. Never use paper-based towels, such as paper towels or napkins. A clean or brand-new microfiber cloth is best for cleaning stainless steel.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a staple in home cleaning remedies, even used by professional cleaners. It’s effective for cleaning floors, bathrooms, and drains.
Floors: Vinegar can clean almost any type of floor. Its acidity disinfects and slows mold and bacteria growth, keeping your floors cleaner for longer. Combine a ¼ cup of vinegar with a bucket of warm water and use a clean cloth to wipe the floors. Avoid using vinegar on hardwood floors to prevent discoloration; instead, use warm water or a proper hardwood cleaner. Always dry the floors after cleaning to prevent water spots.
Miscellaneous: Vinegar is a great substitute when you’re out of your usual cleaning products. It can clean toilets, sinks, and countertops. Always dilute vinegar as described above and use a clean cloth. For surfaces prone to scratching or discoloration, test a small area first and research the best cleaning methods.
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