You may have heard of cleaning with vinegar and baking soda, but you may be sceptical if it works.
We assure you it works perfectly – and works effectively.
We know that most commercial cleaners are harmful to our health and the environment.
The challenge is to transform an old lifestyle into a new one.
You can find out the health and environmental impact of commercial cleaning products by checking the EWG rating by the Environmental Working Group.
Rating criteria include asthma, skin irritation, and cancer risk.
In this article, we will teach you how to make homemade cleaners for the betterment of your health and the environment.
A report by the British Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) says people should pay more attention to preventing the spread of germs than cleaning up dirty looking homes.
Timely washing of hands, clothes and cleaning area is essential for good hygiene.
What to use?
There are three main types of cleaning products and they work differently:
Detergents
Detergents clean the surface and remove grease but do not kill bacteria.
Disinfectant
It kills bacteria but does not remove grease and visible dirt.
Sanitizer
The sanitizer also cleans and sanities the equipment from bacteria. First use a Detergent to wash surfaces to remove grease, use a Disinfectant to remove germs, then use a Sanitizer to kill bacteria.
Vinegar
Vinegar removes particularly water-based buildup. It also removes mould and wax and makes surfaces sterile.
- White vinegar contains 5% acetic acid and 95% water.
- The smell of vinegar lasts only a short time after cleaning.
- Lemon juice can also be used instead of vinegar.
Citric acid
Citric acid is less well-known, but it cleans excessively well and is an effective cleansing agent at home.
- It is a weak acid found in citrus fruits and is commonly used to preserve and flavour foods.
- If you don’t have it, you can use vinegar instead, although I think citric acid clears better.
Baking soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) deodorizes, whitens, and acts as a scouring powder.
If kept in a closed container in a dry place, it can last for many months.
You can check if your baking soda is still useful: Leave a small amount of vinegar (or lemon juice or citric acid solution) on a pinch of baking soda. If it is active, you will see foam blowing as a result of a chemical reaction.
Biodegradable cleaners
Consumers have become more concerned about the ingredients found in regular cleaning products.
You can find the best Biodegradable cleaners which are plant-based formulas on Octoclean website.
Biodegradable cleaners are very useful not only for grease removal but also for the environment.
House Cleaning Tips with Homemade Cleaners
1: Always wash and Microwave your cleaning cloths and sponges
To clean your dirty house is important to use clean tools.
You can use the world’s famous cleaning products but if your cleaning tool is not clean it will not only waste your expensive cleaning product but also make the surface dirtier.
- Microwave your sponge or cloth for 30 seconds remove any germs on it.
- Replace your cleaning sponges weekly to avoid build-up.
2. Use newspaper and vinegar for glass and mirrors cleaning
Cleaning your glass or mirror is not just about cleaning its surface. It is also about removing lines and scratches on it.
Instead of using harsh chemicals to accomplish this task, try a simple solution that is safe for both the environment and yourself.
- To do this, put about two tablespoons of vinegar in a gallon of water, and spread it in a spray bottle.
- If you don’t have vinegar or hate its scent, use baking soda or lemon juice instead.
- After spraying the vinegar, clean it with a newspaper.
- The newspaper will not only soak the dirt of the mirror but also remove the light scratches.
3. Remove stains from tap and steel using lemon and salt
As a result of water, invisible spots appear on taps and showers etc. and gradually freeze and thicken.
- To clean it, cut a lemon and rub it on your tap or shower.
- Sprinkle some salt on the surface.
- Leave the mixture for 2 mins and then clean it with a cloth.
- After this process, your taps and steel will shine and will look and feel like brand new.
4: Clean your Toilet using lemon
Put half a cup of lemon juice in the toilet and wait for a while and then clean it with a brush which will make it glow while spreading a nice smell in the bathroom.
In addition to lemons, you can also add half a cup of honey which can make this process more efficient.
5: Remove stains using Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is more than just a tasty drink.
Its mild acidity makes it an excellent cleansing agent.
To use Coca-Cola as an effective cleaning tool is in the bathroom use the following steps.
- Pour the cola around the rim and let it flow down into the bowl.
- Let it sit for about an hour.
- Scrub off any stubborn stains using the toilet brush.
- Flush the toilet – and you’re done!
6: Make your Jewellery and silver new with Aluminium foil and baking soda
To make your silver new, put aluminium foil under a container, fill it with boiling water and add two tablespoons of baking soda (20 g).
- Rinse it after 30 mins and dry it with a clean cloth.
- Your silverware will shine like a new one.
Conclusion:
Cleaning the house means not only cleaning up but also keeping the house sterile.
According to research and medical experts, the spread of diseases often begins at home.
That is why cleaning the house and all the things in it is essential for the health and well-being of the whole family.
Cleaning products can be expensive and sometimes ineffective. These cleaning hacks can make those chores a lot easier, more natural, and faster.