Hello Lovelies,
Besides being a healthier solution, it is less expensive to clean with household products vs. store bought. My husband Ollin often says, “I’ve never seen someone clean as much as you.” It’s not that I like to clean that much, but I love a clean house even more. Everything seems to go better when I feel the house is clean. A clean, organized house is an absolute luxury for me.
I don’t exclusively use organic cleaners but clean with household products when possible. I’ve gathered and used these household products to get tasks done around the house, and they have been effective. So, I wanted to share my experience with some common problem spots.
Rubbing Alcohol
Marker stains on walls: Rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, aerosol hairspray, and white toothpaste can remove marker stains from your walls. Be very careful when rubbing the walls, though. If you rub too hard, you can end up removing the paint.
Sanitize electronic equipment: Nix the extra expense for sanitizers. Sprinkle a small amount on a paper towel or cloth and swipe them clean. I do this often, especially with my phone.
Mayonnaise
Remove dust and dirt from plants: Dab a small amount on a cloth and wipe leaves.
Remove rings from wood: If you’ve got a stubborn stain on a wood surface, try dabbing a bit of mayonnaise with a microfiber cloth. Rub it in and let it sit for a couple of hours. Then, remove it and use some natural wood cleaner to finish the job. It works like a charm!”
Removes tree sap: Spread some mayo using a cloth or gloves to remove the stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe away the softened sap with a cloth soaked in warm water. The sap should come right off.
Crayons on the walls: Mayonnaise contains oils that help break down crayon wax. To remove crayon stains, apply a small amount to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe it away with a damp cloth.
Lemon
Make Potpourri: To make your home smell amazing, simmer lemon peels in boiling water. You can also toss in orange peels, cinnamon sticks, or vanilla to create a natural air freshener.
Copper cleaner: Grab a lemon, cut it in half, and sprinkle some table salt on the juicy side. Then, use the lemon like a sponge and rub it all over your copper pots and pans to remove tarnish. Add more salt if you need extra scrubbing power.
Brightens whites: Instead of using bleach, you can add one-quarter to one-half cup of lemon juice to your wash cycle to whiten your clothes. To play it safe, use lemon juice for cotton and polyester. Pour lemon juice or vinegar into the soap dispenser drawer and run the machine empty of clothes through a cycle. It softens clothes, too.
Freshens dishwasher: Half a lemon on the top shelf of a dishwasher: It’s great for tackling grease and limescale, plus it leaves the dishwasher smelling super fresh and zesty!
Club Soda
Removes red wine stains: I was astonished the first time I saw this happen. After blotting away the wine, pour some club soda on the stain, let it fizz, and soak for at least 10 minutes. It works like a charm for clothes or the carpet!
Vinegar
Cleans garbage disposal: Here’s a nifty cleaning trick for your garbage disposal. First, sprinkle 1/3 cup of baking soda into the disposal and give it a quick whirl to spread it around. Let it sit for 15 minutes to battle any odors. Next, pour in one cup of vinegar and let the two ingredients work their magic for about 5 minutes. Finally, run hot water and drain the disposal. It’ll be sparkly clean!
Cleans toilet: Clean your toilet with vinegar and baking soda instead of harsh chemicals. Pour some vinegar into the bowl, sprinkle baking soda, leave it overnight, and scrub it with a toilet brush in the morning. It’s a safe and inexpensive way to keep your toilet clean!
Removes gum from carpet: Put a good amount of vinegar on the gum stain. Let it sit for a while to soak in. Then, gently wipe the spot until it’s gone.
On a side note, peanut butter removes gum from hair if you ever find the need. Years ago, someone threw gum and hit my son in the head at the movies. It was in the 70’s, so his hair was longer, so it was peanut butter to the rescue rather than a pair of scissors.
Cleans windows: Mix equal parts vinegar and water for a streak-free clean. You can use a spray bottle or soak a rag in the solution like any regular cleaner.
Brightens stainless steel: Keep your stainless-steel appliances clean using a simple combo of vinegar and olive oil. Pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and give your stainless-steel appliances a good spray. Then, wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. Once they’re clean, dab a bit of olive oil onto your cloth and rub in the direction of the grain for some extra shine and to eliminate any streaks.
Do you clean with household products? Tell us about them in the comments.
You might enjoy Fragrant Mosquito Repellant., Or 10 Ways to Tidy Your Home.
