Three Natural Cleaners
You Already Have In Your Kitchen
By Camille Rhoades

Who doesn’t like saving money? Now, who isn’t interested in using products that are non-toxic and safer for your family? And if you don’t like convenience, raise your hand. Ok, if you aren’t interested in any of those things then you can stop reading this article now. Since I am fairly sure that everybody is interested in at least some of those ideas, I will keep typing!

There are three things you probably have in your kitchen that will save you time and money during your housecleaning. They also provide a much safer and environmental solution. What are they? Vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.

VINEGAR

Vinegar naturally cleans like an all-purpose cleaner. Mix a solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a new spray bottle and the solution that will clean most areas of your home. Vinegar also disinfects and deodorizes as it cleans. Always test on an inconspicuous area. It is safe to use on most surfaces and has the added bonus of being incredibly cheap.

Improperly diluted vinegar is acidic and can eat away at tile grout so make sure that you dilute it 1:1. Never use vinegar on marble surfaces. Your home will smell like vinegar for a few minutes, but once it is dry the smell will disappear so no need to worry. Here are some uses for vinegar in the rooms of your house. Use it in the…

1. Bathroom - Clean the bathtub, toilet, sink, and countertops. Use pure vinegar in the toilet bowl to get rid of rings. Flush the toilet to allow the water level to go down. Pour the undiluted vinegar around the inside of the rim. Scrub down the bowl. Mop the floor in the bathroom with a vinegar/water solution. The substance will also eat away the soap scum and hard water stains on your fixtures and tile. Make sure it is safe to use with your tile.

2. Kitchen- Clean the stovetop, appliances, countertops, and floor.

3. Laundry Room- Use vinegar as a natural fabric softener. This can be especially helpful for families who have sensitive skin. Add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle in place of store bought fabric softener. Vinegar has the added benefit of breaking down laundry detergent more effectively. (A plus when you have a family member whose skin detects every trace of detergent.)

LEMON JUICE

Lemon juice is another natural substance that can be used to clean your home. Lemon juice can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. Lemon is a great substance to clean and shine brass and copper.

Lemon juice can be mixed with vinegar and or baking soda to make cleaning pastes. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains. Mix 1 cup olive oil with ½ cup lemon juice and you have a furniture polish for your hardwood furniture.

My favorite use for the fruit is to put a whole lemon peel through the garbage disposal. It freshens the drain and the kitchen. Orange peels can be used with the same results.

BAKING SODA

Baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces in much the same way as commercial abrasive cleansers.

Baking soda is great as a deodorizer. Place a box in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors. Put it anywhere you need deodorizing action. Pour some down your disposal and drains and then pour in some vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it out with hot water. This will deodorize and clean out drains.

Try these three kitchen ingredients as natural cleaning products in your home. You will be amazed by their effectiveness and you will save big bucks on the cleaning aisle.