As the winter season blankets Alberta, Canada with a beautiful layer of snow, we all long for a sparkling home that exudes a fresh and inviting scent. The good news is, achieving that desired cleanliness and aroma is completely possible, and you don’t need to rely on commercial cleaning supplies that may raise doubts and concerns. Some of these products can be harsh, dangerous, or even produce unpleasant by-products.
That’s why, when it comes to keeping your home clean and odor-free, professional house cleaning services recommend harnessing the power of homemade solutions.
In this article, we’ll unveil a collection of tried and true homemade products that will leave your home spotless and smelling delightful. Say goodbye to uncertainty and hello to a clean, safe, and aromatic haven. Let’s explore the wonders of DIY cleaning together!
- Vinegar is a wonderful product with almost endless uses. It is a deodorizer and a cleaner. It can remove water stains and kill mold and mildew. To use for general cleaning areas, mix one-part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. All you need is a clean cloth to begin freshening your home. Use this mixture on countertops, bathroom fixtures, and laminate floors. Vinegar and water work especially well on faux wood floors, as it dries quickly.
- Baking soda is another completely safe product that can be used in a variety of ways. If your sink’s drain is clogged or just dirty and smelly, sprinkle a box of baking soda all over the inside of the sink, and into the drain. Wait a bit to allow the soda to deodorize the area. Then pour undiluted vinegar into the sink and drain and watch the reaction. This is a great project to allow your kids to do. They won’t even know that they’re cleaning the house. For stovetops, make a thick paste of baking soda to gently scrub the surface. Pour your baking soda into a bowl and slowly add small amounts of water until all the soda is damp, but hasn’t dissolved. Then use a plastic scrubby to apply to the stovetop. This works great to remove grease and grime without scratching. Of course, everyone knows the trick of setting a small dish of baking soda in the refrigerator or freezer to absorb odors. When the soda has been in the fridge for about a month, dump it in your drains to deodorize them and set a new dish in the fridge.
- Another product is Lemons and lemon juice. Use the lemon half to scrub countertops, dishes, and chrome surfaces. It’ll leave your kitchen shiny and smelling great. For wood furniture or leather, mix 2 parts olive oil with one part lemon juice. Apply a small amount to a clean rag and rub vigorously to shine and dust.
- Toothpaste is a little gritty and contains cleaning agents, so it can be used to gently remove stains on some household surfaces. Water rings on wooden furniture can be removed or lightened by rubbing toothpaste onto the spot with a clean rag. The residue left from glue, as when you peel off a price tag, for instance, can also be removed with toothpaste. Try toothpaste on a plastic scrubby for cleaning any slightly textured surface.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar to remove stubborn stains in your bathroom. Use an old toothbrush to scrub, then rinse well and your bathroom should be sparkly. It’s amazing to watch hydrogen peroxide remove blood stains from clothing. Just pour a little directly onto the blood spot. It will bubble for a bit. When it’s done bubbling, pour a tiny bit more onto the spot. Keep doing this until it doesn’t bubble anymore, then wash the item in cold water. Fresh bloodstains should completely disappear, and even old stains will be significantly lighter. Before using this product, make sure to do a little spot test in a hidden area, as hydrogen peroxide may lighten the material.
Follow the tips above, and you will have a naturally clean, deodorized home, without endangering any living thing. Be sure to try all products in a hidden area first, to test for colorfastness, and use common sense when mixing products.