When you’re in the middle of a cleaning frenzy and run out of a necessary solution, the last thing you want to do is step out to the store for that one item. Fearful, that the break may cause you to abandon your cleaning efforts. Luckily, you may not need to leave your house at all!  Many natural cleaning solution ingredients may be hiding in your home at this very moment. 

One very appealing aspect of natural cleaning supplies is the availability – as they’re often everyday products you utilize in a multitude of ways (this also means lower costs for your home maintenance budgeting). Natural cleaning ingredients help control what’s being used inside your home and keep abrasive, harmful chemicals out. Unless something is poisonous, a cleaning manufacturer doesn’t need to divulge the full list of ingredients on a label. Many studies have linked harsh household chemicals to increase the chances of asthma, cancer, and other illnesses. Ensure you and your home are not absorbing anything that is potentially toxic by switching to natural cleaning supplies.

The following compiled list provides simple solutions to clean your home effectively, and naturally:

• Lemons 
• Baking soda
• Salt 
• White vinegar 
• Olive oil
• Dryer sheets
• Borax

1. Cleaning tiles and wood flooring:

Ingredients needed:

• • White vinegar
  • Water

Instructions: Mix a solution of ½ cup white vinegar per gallon of warm water. Happy mopping! 

2. Greased/burnt pots and pans: 

Ingredients needed:

• • Dryer sheets
  • Water
  • Sponge

Instructions: Fill the greasy pot or pan with dish soap and water, add one dryer sheet. Let it sit 10-15 minutes or overnight for really bad messes. Use a sponge to reveal. 

3. Cleaning an oven:

Ingredients needed:

• • Baking Soda 
  • Water
  • Sponge
  • White vinegar

Instructions: Mix equal parts baking soda and water. Let the mixture sit overnight over the affected areas. Remove the grime with a sponge the next day. Any residue left over from the mixture apply a little white vinegar to. Gently wipe with a wet sponge.

4. All-purpose cleaner:

Ingredients needed:

• • Borax
  • White vinegar
  • Hot Water

Instructions: Mix 2 tablespoons Borax, ¼ cup white vinegar, and 2 cups of hot water. Put mixture into a spray bottle. 

5. Wood furniture polish: 

Ingredients needed:

• • Olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 lemon

Instructions: Mix 2 cups of olive oil with the juice of 1 lemon. Use a soft cloth to wipe wood surfaces. 

When creating natural cleaners for your home it is important to remember to never combine ammonia-based cleaners with bleach. The results can be dangerous. Another item to note, when creating natural cleaners, they become less potent and effective after one day. It is recommended to make enough for what will be used at the time of need. However, just because these products may have a short shelf life doesn’t mean they aren’t as effective if not more so than regular home cleaning products. You just need to make a little adjustment to ensure your home is receiving the safest cleaning possible.    

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