Let’s face it, cleaning is not most people’s favourite chore, however it’s something we must do to keep our sanctuary of home fresh and clean. While there are hundreds of toxic cleaning products on supermarket shelves you could buy to do the job, the reality is the ones that work most effectively (and are not harmful to you or your family’s health) are those that you will find in your pantry and cupboards at home.
We are incredibly passionate about health and hygiene and looking after the environment for our future generations. With this in mind we’d like to share with you the 10 most effective natural home cleaning hacks for you that will have your home sparkly clean in no time at all.
While you’re brushing your teeth simply use a little extra toothpaste and rub it over your bathroom taps. Let it work while you clean your pearly whites. With an old toothbrush that you no longer use, simply brush over the taps and surrounds. Rinse with warm water and not only will your teeth be sparkly clean but your bathroom tapware too!
Half fill a small bag with undiluted white vinegar and tie to the end of your showerhead with a twist tie or something similar. Vinegar is a cheap and natural cleaning product that is effective on bacteria and mildew. Ensure that the showerhead is submerged in the vinegar and leave it overnight. In the morning remove it carefully and dispose of the vinegar before taking a shower.
Vinegar is also an effective cleaner for the toilet bowl. Pour 1 cup of undiluted white vinegar in the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. In the morning simply sprinkle the bowl with baking soda or borax and use the toilet brush to scrub away any stains and bacteria. You can also use undiluted vinegar to wipe down the toilet seat to eliminate urine stains and odour.
Chopping boards can harbour odours, stains and bacteria without you even realizing. These can easily be scrubbed away with a little salt and half a lemon. Simply sprinkle your chopping board with 2 tablespoons of salt. Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the salt in circular motions over the chopping board. Rinse with warm water and you’ll have a naturally clean and deliciously zesty smelling chopping board. Ensure you allow it to completely dry before storing away.
Now a refrigerator that stores your food should be the last place you use toxic chemicals. The chemicals can penetrate your food and cause harmful side effects. Instead, clean your refrigerator (inside and outside) with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. You can use a spray bottle for the mixture and simply wipe with a damp cloth.
Easily clean microwave stains and spills by mixing half a cup of vinegar and half a cup of water in a glass bowl. Simply microwave for 2-3 minutes or until it boils and with a soft cloth wipe away any built up stains with ease. Be sure to use caution when removing the bowl of boiling water.
Rangehoods often accumulate grease and grime over time. They feel sticky and grimy to touch and seem impossible to clean, but there is a simple and effective way to bring them back to life. Firstly remove the mesh part of the rangehood and take it to your laundry trough. Sprinkle it with baking soda and submerge it in warm/hot water with the baking soda for 2 hours. If it’s too large to fit in completely do half and then repeat on the other side. Rinse well and take outside to dry completely. While these parts are soaking and drying sprinkle a clean sponge with baking soda gently clean the rest of the rangehood. Ensure to wipe it completely clean so there are no streaks, it will look brand new again.
If you have children or pets you’ll probably notice they spend lots of time on the floor playing all sorts of fun activities. While vacuuming will enable you to pick up any dust, dirt and crumbs left behind, you may also like to naturally deodorize and freshen the carpets and rugs. Don’t subject those you love most to harmful toxic chemicals. Instead create a mix of baking soda and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Place these in an empty jar, give it a good shake, make holes in the top and sprinkle over the carpets and rugs. Wait for 30 minutes and then vacuum away.
Simply mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle for an effective glass cleaner. This is one mix that you can use for multiple purposes around the home, so be sure to keep one on hand. Spray your windows, glass doors, glass table tops or any other glass surface with the solution and clean with a lint free cloth for a streak free clean. Just be sure not to walk through the glass door next time you use it!
Why use chemical laden fabric softeners in your laundry when you can use a simple and effective household product? Simply add a cup of white vinegar to the final wash or rinse water. It acts as a fabric softener – it softens clothes and removes the static. Vinegar is not only effective but is much cheaper and less harmful that fabric softeners.
Steer clear of the harmful toxic cleaning products on the supermarket shelves that promise everything but in reality deliver harmful effects to your family, your pets and the environment. Make a conscious effort to protect your sanctuary and those you love most by adopting natural home cleaning habits. As you can see it doesn’t take a lot of money or effort to change your ways.
