Keeping your home clean is important for both health and happiness. While store-bought cleaners often contain harsh chemicals, you can keep your home fresh and clean using simple, natural ingredients. Here are my top tips for natural cleaning and creating a pleasant smelling home:
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar for All-Purpose Cleaning
Baking soda and vinegar are two of the most versatile natural cleaning ingredients.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces, deodorize and freshen carpets and upholstery. It’s a mild abrasive so it lifts dirt and grease easily.
Some of my favorite uses for baking soda:
- Sprinkle it on carpets, let sit for 15-20 minutes and then vacuum to freshen. The baking soda absorbs odors.
- Make a paste with water to scrub sinks, tubs, tile and more. Rinse well after scrubbing.
- Deodorize trash cans by sprinkling soda on the bottom.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a great grease cutter and all-purpose cleaner. I always have a spray bottle filled with equal parts vinegar and water for quick cleanup jobs.
Vinegar can be used to clean:
- Windows and glass (follow with newspaper for a streak-free shine).
- Hardwood floors. Add 1/2 cup vinegar to water for mopping.
- Microwaves. Place a bowl of vinegar inside and heat for a few minutes to loosen grease and food. Wipe clean.
Use Essential Oils to Freshen the Air
Adding a few drops of essential oils like lemon, orange, eucalyptus or lavender to your natural cleaners helps to freshen the scent of your home.
A few ways to use essential oils:
- Add 5-10 drops to the baking soda carpet freshener.
- Put a few drops on cotton balls and place in closets or drawers.
- Simmer on the stove. Add 10 drops of essential oil to water in a pot and simmer gently to freshen the air.
Deep Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another good natural cleaner and is especially great for disinfecting. I use hydrogen peroxide to:
- Clean and disinfect counters, sinks and toilets.
- Whiten tile grout. Let hydrogen peroxide sit on grout for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
- Freshen up cutting boards by spraying them with hydrogen peroxide and letting sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Use Castile Soap for Floor Cleaning
Castile soap is made from vegetable oils and is biodegradable and very versatile. It’s great for cleaning tile, wood and laminate flooring.
To clean floors naturally:
- Add 1/4 cup soap to warm water and use to mop tile, wood and laminate floors.
- For tough dirt, let the soap and water solution sit for 5-10 minutes before mopping.
- Rinse the floor thoroughly after mopping.
Castile soap can also be used to make homemade laundry and dish detergent.
Opt for Plant-Based Disinfectants
Commercial disinfectants contain harsh chemicals. For a more natural option, I like to use:
- Tea tree oil – Has antimicrobial properties. Add 20 drops tea tree oil and 1/4 cup vinegar to a spray bottle filled with water.
- Thyme oil – A powerful antibacterial. Add 10 drops thyme oil and 1/2 cup white vinegar with water in a spray bottle.
- Rubbing alcohol – Makes a good natural disinfectant. Spray undiluted onto surfaces.
Be sure to rinse surfaces thoroughly after using these homemade cleaners. Only use on appropriate surfaces.
Prevent Dirty Buildup with Regular Cleaning
Prevention is just as important as cleaning when it comes to a fresh smelling home. Here are some habits that help:
- Open windows regularly to let in fresh air.
- Vacuum carpeting and mop tile floors at least once a week.
- Clean the bathroom thoroughly once a week.
- Take out the kitchen trash every night.
- Clean pet areas and litter boxes frequently.
With regular light cleaning, you won’t have to deep clean as often. A little effort goes a long way towards a pleasant smelling home.
Conclusion
You don’t need harsh chemicals or a lot of expense to keep your home clean and fresh smelling. With natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and essential oils, you can tackle dirt, grease and grime. Plus your home will smell as nice as it looks. Develop regular cleaning habits to prevent dirt and odor buildup. With just a little effort each day, you can easily keep your home clean, green and smelling fresh.
