How many chemicals do you have in your home? They have become commonplace in so many homes and are just not great for the environment, our health or our bank balance. Do you want to learn some more frugal cleaning tips?
Cleaning naturally with vinegar
Vinegar has many uses, not just on your chips. It can be used for cleaning many surfaces in the whole house. It can be used as an alternative to fabric softener and is especially good for cleaning stains on carpets and rugs. Drains are easily cleaned with vinegar as are coffee stains and tea stains.
Using baking Soda to clean
Baking soda has many more benefits than just baking cakes. You can even use it as a drain cleaner by pouring a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a kettle full of boiling water. If this does not remove the blockage then follow it with vinegar.
It can also be used for cleaning burnt on food at the bottom of pots and pans and dissolving grease on surfaces in the kitchen.
If you have an area of your home which smells and you just can’t get rid of it then baking soda is what you need. sprinkle some on and add a little water so it forms a paste to remove odours and stains from clothing and carpets.
Using tea tree oil for cleaning
Tea tree oil can be used on tough mould and mildew stains instead of bleach or other harsh bathroom cleaners. The tea tree oil should be mixed with water and sprayed onto the mouldy or mildew covered area but don’t rinse, just wipe it away. Whilst it will have a strong smell it soon disappears and leaving it there without rinsing helps prevent further mould.
Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning
Hydrogen peroxide is often known for bleaching hair and other things but it is also another natural agent that can help you with washing clothes. It can be used as an alternative to bleach and can even get rid of blood staining in areas that you have previously tested it on. Do not use on carpets or similar as it can bleach them. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used for bathroom mould. Mix it in a spray bottle in combination with two parts of water.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a great non-toxic alternative to many cleaning agents so much better if you have young children or pets that lick surfaces. It can be used to clean and freshen up pots and pans as well as any aluminium and porcelain surfaces.
Soda crystals
Soda crystals have so many cleaning abilities. They can be used to soften water so are great in your laundry, to clean walls, or even remove stains and grease. It’s important to use caution when using soda crystals as they can be an irritant.
If you have blocked drains pouring some down followed by boiling water is a great cheap alternative to drain unblockers and often works as well.
Soda crystals are also a great way to clean the washing machine, simply put some in the drum and run an empty load.
Have these ideas helped you? Do you know of any others you would recommend? Do feel free to drop them in the comments below
