Natural Cleaning Tips That Really Work

Want a clean home without using a lot of store bought cleaners?  Don’t miss these easy, frugal, natural cleaning tips that really work.

(Please note, these are methods I use in my own home. Please be sure to carefully test any surfaces in an inconspicuous area first. No cleaning technique can completely sanitize any surface, and you may need to use stronger cleaners to kill viruses.)

Natural Cleaning Tips That Really Work – Kitchen

Kettles and Stainless Steel Saucepans

I can’t bear using those packets full of chemicals to de-scale our kettle. Try my natural cleaning tip instead! Pour about 8 ounces (250 ml) of plain white vinegar in the bottom of the kettle, fill with water, boil and rinse thoroughly. Follow with plain water in the kettle and re-boil it a couple of times just to avoid any residual vinegar taste. If your kettle is still not scale free at this point, repeat the whole process one more time.

Similarly, if your stainless steel saucepans get that funny bloom of colour, you don’t need to buy a chemical cleaner. Simply wipe with plain white vinegar and wash with hot soapy water.

Dishwashers

Instead of using a store-bought chemical mixture, simply toss about a cupful of plain white vinegar in the bottom of your dishwasher and also place a small glass container full of vinegar in the top tray. Run the dishwasher without any other dishes in it on the hottest setting.

To freshen your dishwasher between cleanings, pop a leftover lemon half in the cutlery basket during the wash. This will freshen your dishwasher and help glasses to sparkle. (Use each lemon half only once and then discard.)

Fridges

Dissolve a couple of generous tablespoons of baking soda in a large bowl of warm water. Use this mixture to wipe down the interior of your fridge using a clean sponge.

Natural Cleaning Tips That Really Work – Around The Home

Windows and Glass

My favourite natural cleaning tip for windows and glass is to put a fifty-fifty mix of vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle to clean windows and glass. Spray and wipe with a clean cloth. Polish with a fresh, dry cloth. Microfibre cloths work particularly well for this.

Door Handles, Fridge and Cupboard Handles

Put a fifty / fifty mixture of water and rubbing alcohol (surgical spirit) in a spray bottle. Then simply spray door handles and wipe clean. Test on an inconspicuous spot first if your doorknobs are made of special materials.

Shower Doors

To help prevent limescale from building up and keeps your shower doors sparkling between cleanings, run a window squeegee over the shower doors when you finish showering. We have squeegees in all our showers, and encourage everyone to use them.

Natural Cleaning Tips – Drains

To freshen drains, pour a small box of baking soda into the drain and flush with hot water. Please note, this will NOT de-clog drains.

I hope you find these natural cleaning tips as effective as I do to help clean freshen your home.

Disclaimer: These are natural cleaning tips I use regularly in my own home. Always go carefully when trying a new cleaning technique and test any new cleaner, natural or otherwise, on a small, inconspicuous area first. Try these tips at your own risk. I cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage incurred if the tips provided do not work or cause damage.

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