What if I told you that there was a totally natural way to clean your house, save money, and avoid toxic chemicals as well? Though it sounds too good to be true, you can do all of this and more with two simple ingredients that are probably in your cabinet right now. Ditch those harsh cleaning agents that dry out your skin and pollute the environment, and switch to these useful products instead.
Clean your shower head
Hard water can wreak havoc on a showerhead. Limescale buildup and minerals can stick around and cause decreased water pressure and white discoloration. It is important to keep this clean in order to maximize water efficiency. To clean, attach a plastic bag with vinegar onto the showerhead using a rubber band and leave it overnight. Sprinkle baking soda over the showerhead and scrub using an old toothbrush. The white buildup should come right off and leave the chrome shining. Rinse off with water, and you’re good to go!
Carpet spot cleaner
Though it would be impractical to use baking soda and vinegar over your entire carpet, it can be incredibly useful for spot cleaning stains and discoloration. Add just enough vinegar to a dish of baking soda to make a paste and spread it over the stain with your hand or a rag. In the morning, vacuum up the dried paste. Be sure to test a small area on the carpet or rug before using it to ensure that this method will not alter the fibers.
Clean the kitchen sink
Wet the sink and sprinkle the surface with a generous layer of baking soda (don’t worry, it’s super cheap) and scrub with a hard-bristled brush. Use a toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies, and don’t forget about the caulk line. Rinse it off and then line the sink with paper towels soaked in vinegar. Leave them in the sink for 20 minutes, rinse again, and the metal sink will look brand new.
Clear clogged drains
Harsh drain cleaners can really damage your bathroom pipes over time, and snaking the drain is a nasty process that nobody wants to do. Though the best method is keeping hair and debris from entering the drain in the first place (take a look at the Tub Shroom), sometimes it’s impossible to avoid a slow drain. If you notice that you’re standing in water just a few minutes into your shower, try pouring ½ cup of baking soda into the drain. Follow with 1 cup of vinegar and enjoy watching the satisfying, bubbly reaction. Once the fizzing has stopped, let hot water run down the drain for about 2 minutes to help flush down the loosened clog.
Bathroom cleaner
Bathrooms get really nasty, really quickly. Keep your sink, shower, toilet, and countertops free of soap scum, toothpaste residue, and every other unsavory mess with this easy, multipurpose bathroom cleaner. Mix 1 2/3 cups baking soda and 1/2 cup liquid soap in a bowl. Dilute with1/2 cup water and add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Stir well to combine until the baking soda dissolves and use a funnel to add it to a spray bottle. Shake before using on any surface in the bathroom or kitchen and scrub with a sponge or rag to clean.
Keep your fridge fresh
There is perhaps no home cleaning remedy more widespread than keeping an open box of baking soda in the fridge. This is a great way to absorb odors and help your fridge from developing any funky scents between cleanings. Be sure to change the box every few months and continue with a regular cleaning regime every week. Vinegar works wonders for cleaning glass shelves as well as produce drawers and even the outside of your fridge. Simply remove all of the food (use this time to check the date on all of your condiments and get rid of any overdue leftovers) and spray down your entire fridge with full-strength vinegar. Wipe with a cloth or paper towel, and don’t forget the top of your refrigerator, which is a magnet for dust.
With any of these cleaning tips, feel free to add a little lemon or essential oil for an extra scent boost and added cleaning power.
How do you use baking soda and vinegar for cleaning? Let us know in the comments below!
-Susan Patterson