Home Cleaning Hacks: Natural Solutions That Actually Work

When it comes to home cleaning products, there are hundreds of options to choose from. Every day, new products are being produced and sold in your favorite stores.

And many of these home cleaning products work, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are packed with toxic chemicals. Using them in your home pollutes the air and goes on to affect our health in the long term.

That’s why it’s best to opt for natural solutions instead.

There’s the narrative that natural solutions are not as effective as their chemical counterparts, but it’s simply not true.

Let’s get into some tried and proven natural solutions for cleaning your home that actually work.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a common multipurpose natural cleaner. While it comes in a few varieties, like the white and apple vinegar, white vinegar is especially used for cleaning. It’s not only popular because of its versatility, but it is also affordable. Vinegar’s acidic nature makes it easily cut through grease and act as a disinfects as it cleans.

It’s good for removing hard water deposits on glass shower doors. And it’s safe for most surfaces except natural stone such as granite or marble. The weird smell from vinegar dissipates after a while, but if you don’t like it, you can use any essential oils, lemon rinds, or herbs.

You can mix vinegar with water and use it as your home cleaning solution to wipe surfaces. Or you can create any other type of home cleaning solution, like a disinfectant, with vinegar.

Here’s a recipe for an all-purpose disinfectant with vinegar: 

You’ll need – 

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 24-ounce spray bottle
• 1/2 cup unflavored vodka
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil

Pour all the ingredients above into the spray bottle. Shake well to mix all together.
Use the solution by spraying on surfaces and let it sit for ten minutes to disinfect.
After, wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.

Lemon Juice 

Did you know lemon juice is also known as nature’s bleach? Lemons are naturally antibacterial and antifungal. Like vinegar, the acidity of lemon helps cut through grease and stains. They also keep your whites white.

Lemon makes a good combo with some other natural cleaning ingredients such as salt and olive oil. It is one of the best home cleaners for your microwave interiors, cutting boards, countertops, porcelain sinks, and faucets. Think about a shiny new look. But it’s not ideal to use lemon on stainless surfaces as it might scratch.

Here are some recipes for creating a lemon juice cleaner:
You’ll need lemons, olive oil, and salt.

• Combine lemon juice with a bit of salt to scrub tough stains. Just salt the end of a lemon and scrub. Wipe off to finish and viola, sparkling clean.
• Heat lemon slices in a bowl of water in your microwave for 3 minutes and use it to wipe a surface clean with ease.
• Mix lemon juice with olive oil for a natural wood polish that smells divine.
  

Castile Soap

Everyone should have a bottle of castile soap at home. You might already know, but castile soap is an awesome natural cleaning concentrate that can clean most household surfaces. It is one of the most versatile yet natural home cleaning products. You can use it as a laundry detergent, hand soap, floor cleaner, dish soap, or shampoo. It is easily available in stores. You can use this cleaning solution as it is or create different types of cleaners with it. It is perfect for chrome and other surfaces.

Here’s a recipe for using castile soap:
You’ll need:

• A 24-ounce spray bottle
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon castile soap
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar

Pour all the ingredients into the spray bottle. Shake it well to mix them together.
Your solution is ready. Use by spraying on surfaces and let the solution sit for ten minutes. Next, wipe with a damp cloth and follow up by buffing with a dry cloth.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant and you can use it in place of white vinegar. It is also not as harsh as chemical alternatives.
It is easy to use hydrogen peroxide in cleaning. All you have to do is spray it directly on surfaces and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping. Store your hydrogen peroxide in a dark spray bottle to preserve its potency. It’s also important to note that Hydrogen peroxide is good for cleaning most surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom. And it is also known for dealing with mold and mildew. 

Cornstarch

This might come as a surprise because cornstarch is used in cooking or baking. But it turns out it is also a great home cleaning solution. Its fine, powdery texture makes it a gentle yet effective agent for absorbing grease, polishing surfaces, and even deodorizing fabrics. 

Cornstarch naturally absorbs things like oils, odors, and moisture from all kinds of surfaces. It’s non-abrasive, which makes it safe to use on delicate surfaces like glass, stainless steel, and upholstery.

Here’s a recipe for using cornstarch as an effective home cleaner:
You’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1½ cups warm water
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
• Spray bottle

Combine all the above in a spray bottle and shake well to mix. Next, spray the solution on mirrors or windows. Wipe it off with a microfiber cloth to finish. This recipe makes a powerful DIY glass cleaner.

Essential Oils

Many essential oils have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and even insect-repelling properties. They not only help to sanitise your house, but keep it smelling great. What makes essential oils effective is that they carry concentrated compounds that fight germs and break down grime. It’s why you’ll sometimes notice them included in commercial chemical home cleaners. Some of the best essential oil cleaners to go for are lavender, tea tree, and lemon.

If your goal is to clean and refresh your home, try this recipe for an essential oils home cleaning solution:
You’ll need:

• A spray bottle
• 1 cup distilled water
• 15–20 drops of essential oil (lemon, lavender, or tea tree work best)
• 1 cup white vinegar

Mix it all together in the spray bottle and shake well to combine. That’s it, your cleaning solution is ready. Spray it on countertops, tiles, and sinks.