Cleaning Your Home Naturally

Did you know that you could clean your home naturally with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry? You need four things to get started: white vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil and baking soda. Read on to discover the ease of creating your own natural cleaning products at home.

Benefits of Natural Cleaning

If you have children, you no doubt worry that they will get into the harsh chemicals you use to clean your home. This is a possibility even with childproof lids. When you create your own cleaning solutions at home, they might not taste very good, but you never have to call poison control if they fall into the wrong little hands.

Another great reason to go natural is that you can use all organic products. If price is a concern, compare the organic versions of each product to their regular counterpart. You will be pleasantly surprised that the organic versions are usually only pennies more expensive.

Vinegar: A Cleaning Powerhouse

Vinegar can be used to clean just about any part of the home. You can use it to wash windows, clean your stove and even make your toilet bowl sparkle! It can also be used to deodorize just about anything from your kitchen sink to sweaty work clothes.

To clean with vinegar, simply mix one part water and one part vinegar in a spray bottle and get scrubbing. Add in a little lemon juice or your favorite essential oil for a great scent. For tougher jobs such as dried on grease in the kitchen, make a paste with your vinegar mixture and some baking soda and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then just wipe away with a clean rag.

The vinegar mixture will also give you a streak-free shine just like popular chemical window cleaners. Simply spray it on and wipe it away with a soft cloth.

Polishing Furniture with Lemon Juice and Olive Oil

Mix together ½ cup of lemon juice with 1 cup of olive oil to polish your wood furniture. Spray the mixture on a soft cloth and buff your furniture to a high shine. The lemon leaves behind a pleasant scent that can’t be beaten by even the most heavily perfumed chemical cleaners.

Deodorizing With Baking Soda

Baking soda does a number on just about any odor. Carpets and soft furniture are often difficult to deodorize. To neutralize odors in carpet, lightly sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface and then work it in with a broom. After allowing it to sit for 15 minutes, vacuum the baking soda up and enjoy a fresh smelling room.

To clean mattresses and other soft furniture with baking soda, sprinkle liberally to cover the entire surface. Then use a spray bottle to create a paste out of the baking soda. Make sure to use water sparingly because over-saturation can cause mold growth. Once the surface of your furniture is completely dry, you can vacuum up the baking soda.