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I recently did a cleaning products tour of my house. I looked under the kitchen sink, in the pantry, and under the upstairs bathroom sink. I dragged out every single cleaning product I own and piled them all on the kitchen table. The result was a little bit ridiculous. The table was full to overflowing with three different bathroom cleaners, three different kitchen cleaners, three types of floor cleaner (one for hardwood, one for linoleum, and one for carpet), oven cleaner, dusting spray, bleach, and more. Here is what I now wonder—is there a way to streamline my cleaning supplies without sacrificing the cleanliness of my house? The answer is yes. I, and anyone else, can simplify the situation under my kitchen sink with products I already have in my home.
I have a cleaner for each and every surface of my house. I have even been using a different cleaner for the stove than I use for the counters. Let’s face it: my behavior thus far has been utterly wasteful. To make a surface cleaner that will thoroughly clean countertops, linoleum floors, sinks, and even your toilet, simply mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. The vinegar is mildly acidic, and will break down dried on food particles, spilled milk, soap scum, and grease splatters to leave the surfaces of your home sparkling clean. You can also use vinegar to make a glass cleaning solution. You will need one cup of water, one cup of rubbing alcohol, and a tablespoon of vinegar. Mix in a spray bottle, and you’re all set.
Baking soda can be used to clean just about any hard surface. If you have tough coffee or wine stains on your counter tops, or in the bottom of your bathtub, baking soda might just be the answer to your prayers. For every day cleaning, simply dampen a sponge and sprinkle on a little bit of baking soda. Use the sponge to wipe down your bathroom sink, counter tops, stove, and more. For tougher stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and spread over the area. Let sit for just a few minutes, wipe up the paste, and rinse thoroughly with water. Not only can the baking soda bring up these marks, it will also deodorize your home without leaving any trace of sometimes offensive chemical smells.
I have wood floors and a few lovely wooden pieces of furniture I inherited from my grandmother. I definitely want to keep these items safe and clean. Furniture polish can be expensive and generally comes in an aerosol can, which is terrible for the environment. It is possible to keep your wood surfaces clean and shiny using products that are both green and inexpensive. Simply pour a cup of olive oil and half a cup of lemon juice into a spray bottle and shake vigorously. Use the solution to dampen a rag and spread it evenly over the surface. Use the dry side to polish the surface to a shiny, clean finish.
Stephanie Parker holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, with a focus in English and Communications, from Eastern Kentucky University. Stephanie loves to contribute articles about home appliances and furniture, such as memory foam mattresses.
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