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Natural Cleaning Boosters

In the past I've never been concerned about using commercial cleaners in my home.  I was raised in a home that used products such as bleach, Formula 409, Dow Bathroom Cleaner etc. and carried the tradition on into my own home. The 'green, eco friendly products' that I have used didn't seem to clean very well for me.  On top of that, they were more expensive than the regular cleaners I used. 

But, I've been trying to use a few natural items to clean and am impressed how well they work!  It does feel better cleaning with things that are natural and less harmful to my home and family.  Here are a few items easy to find that will boost your cleaning.

Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil has antiseptic ingredients making it a perfect disinfectant. Add a few drops to a small spray bottle of water for an environmentally-friendly disinfectant throughout your home.  I have added it to my extra dirty laundry and sheets for extra disinfecting power.
 
Coarse salt
Used with lemon, coarse salt works well to clean counter tops and sinks. Also, coarse salt is great for scrubbing cast iron skillets. Scrub with a soft sponge and rinse off.

White vinegar
When mixed with a mild liquid soap, white vinegar tackles grease and shines floors and windows. Once a week, pour down drains to deodorize and disinfect.  You can put orange peels in a mason jar with vinegar for a citrus fresh version!

Lemon
Deodorize your garbage disposal by cutting up a lemon and putting it into the device. For scrubbing bathroom surfaces, mix lemon juice with coarse salt.

Baking soda
Just set down an open box of baking soda to deodorize musty smelling spaces like basements and mudrooms, or freshen up the fridge. Baking soda is also good at removing tough stains from carpets, and can be used for scrubbing sinks and counter tops.  I like to fill a jar with baking soda and add some essential oil for a natural carpet freshener.

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  1. Kate BristowOctober 21, 2014 at 10:29 AM

    Great tip, and t white vinegar is a miracle-worker. I use it to soak the kids' thermoses (with the pesky straws) at the end of the school week. A natural disinfectant. A friend told me that cider vinegar is just as good, with a more pleasant smell. I'm going to look into that!

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