If you’re not pleased with the expensive cleaning solutions that you buy, then maybe it’s time to think out of the box and go for creative alternatives.
Making your own cleaning concoction, however, can be quite tricky—especially if you don’t know which substances to mix and use for removing wall stains, disinfecting dishes and cleaning carpets.
If that’s your problem, don’t worry! Here are a few formulas—alternatives to the usually expensive and toxic ones—that can solve your cleaning conundrum.
Grapefruit and Salt.
A slice of grapefruit, that’s dipped in a mound of salt, is a refreshing scent and a great way to clean your bathroom. Yes, you read that right—just like lemons, you can use grapefruit to remove bathroom stains. And while lemon and vinegar is still the ultimate duo when it comes to stain removal, the smell of grapefruit is a lot more pleasant as compared to its citrus cousin.
Take a grapefruit, cut it in half, and then put some salt on top of it. Wet the surfaces you plan to clean, and then scrub them with the grapefruit. Now your bathroom will not only be spotless, but it will also have that gentle and pleasant citrus smell.
Homemade Wood Polish.
If you don’t want to buy wood polish (because it’s quite pricey and toxic—and impractical, as it’s only going to be used occasionally) then you can opt for a cheaper, safer and more natural substitute—lemon, olive (or grapeseed) oil and water.
To make the necessary solution, juice a lemon, pour the contents in a jar, add 1 tablespoon of olive (or grapeseed) oil and water, and then shake the contents. Once that’s done, dip a clean piece of cloth into the mix, and apply it onto pieces of furniture and any other wood surfaces that need some shine.
DIY Air Freshener.
Air fresheners don’t really do what their name promises—they just mask unpleasant odors. Aside from that, most also contain potentially harmful chemicals—not to mention the fact that they’re quite expensive.
So instead of a costly aerosol that can take a toll on your health, go for a combination that won’t make you panic—because it’s affordable and organic! All we need is 1 ounce of gin, vodka or rubbing alcohol, 6 ounces of filtered water and 20-40 drops of essential oils—preferably peppermint, jasmine or citrus oils. Combine the ingredients according to your preference (stronger or more subtle scent), mix them well and spray the solution to the air for an uplifting all-natural smell.
Can’t “Olive” Without You.
Olive oil has a lot of health benefits, and it can also clean household items. A perfect combination, considering clean things at home make for a healthier you.
Olive oil is a good substitute for furniture polish. Combine two parts olive oil and one part lemon juice, put the concoction in a spray bottle, apply it on areas you want cleaned, and wipe it with a clean rag. However, if you have leather furniture that has sustained scratches, you should put a very small amount of olive oil on a piece of clean cotton cloth, and then wipe it on the affected areas. Lastly, olive oil is also an effective cleaning agent for frying pans and kitchenware that’s made of stainless steel.
Homemade Kitchen Cleaner.
If the kitchen is a little dirty, we don’t have to go the grocery store to buy cleaning agents, because everything we need is in the kitchen itself!
Combine 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon dishwashing soap and 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake it, and then let it settle for a minute. Next, fill it with warm water and shake it one last time—voila! We’ve got kitchen cleaner! It can take care of nasty stains, and it also disinfects areas that are exposed to bacteria.
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Author: Stephen Juarez
Editor: Yoli Ramazzina
Photo: Flickr/KOMUnews
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