Some of us enjoy cleaning, finding it a relaxing process, while others find it a bit dull.
No matter how you feel about it, the job just has to be done! Over the last few years, there’s been much debate about the use of traditional cleaning products. Such products contain chemicals which are harmful when breathed in as well as having adverse effects on the environment. Luckily, there are plenty of natural DIY cleaning hacks you can try using the items that you’re pretty likely to have around your home.
Lemons
Lemons have been hot on the DIY cleaning scene for a long while now! The high citric acid content and antibacterial properties make lemons an excellent choice for your cleaning needs. Lemon can be great for cleaning your microwave or for cleaning those stains that build up on your chopping board. You can use lemons to clean your bathroom too. It’s best to avoid using lemons on natural stone surfaces.
White Vinegar
The high acidity content in vinegar makes it a great cleaner for DIY cleaning hacks. You can use it on your mirrors and windows, which if you have spent a lot of money on a home window replacement you will want to look good, as well as on your countertops or even to scrub out carpet stains.
For those wondering How to Clean and Maintain Your Window Blinds, vinegar is another great go-to for this job. First, mix with a little baking soda and then apply the mixture with a cloth. Once you’ve given the blinds a good old scrub, rinse away with warm water.
Essential oils
Most of us know the benefits of essential oils for helping us to relax and unwind, but how many of you knew that they can also be great for cleaning? Tea tree oil is a top option for cleaning the home. Its antibacterial properties can remove the bacteria and grime in your sinks plus leave everything nice and shiny. Lavender oil is another excellent choice for its antibacterial properties (plus, it smells great, too)!
Baking soda
Baking Soda is a sodium bicarbonate which occurs naturally. It’s great to clean with because it’s mildly abrasive as well as an alkali. You can use baking soda to clean anything from enamel to steel or glass. It’s entirely non-toxic (so you don’t need to worry about using it if you have any pets)! Baking soda and vinegar makes an excellent cleaning mix, so this can be a great idea to use in your bathroom or even to remove stains from fabrics.
Olive oil
Olive oil will work wonders to make those grease and grime stains disappear. If you have any chrome surfaces, olive oil is also great to give them a good shine and polish. In your kitchen, it can be a good plan to use olive oil on your stainless steel. Mixing it with a little coconut oil can give that extra shine and leave your appliances smelling great.
When you’ve raided your kitchen cupboards enough, and there’s not much left to find, why not try a few green cleaners? Brands like Ecover, for instance, offer some excellent cleaning products with a focus on natural plant-based materials and sustainability.
