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5 natural cleaners

When it comes to cleaning our homes, we all want efficient ways to get rid of dirt, dust and germs, so we tend reach for the closest cleaning agent. But regular household cleaning supplies are often filled with chemicals that can be harmful. Take spray cleaners, such as furniture polish, for instance. While spritzing, we inadvertently contribute to air pollution, not to mention breathing in toxins. And then there’s the plastic waste that comes with repurchasing products in plastic vessels. The good news is that non-toxic, homemade cleaning solutions aren’t only better for us; they can also help save us money and protect the environment, too. Take a look – the majority of these powerful, natural cleaners may well already be in your pantry.

1. Vinegar

Thanks to its acidity, vinegar effectively (and gently) eliminates grease and grime. It’s great on kitchen sinks, pans, appliances and even cloudy glasswear. However, it’s not suitable for use on granite, marble or natural stone, as it can damage these surfaces. Also, vinegar should never be mixed with cleaning products that contain bleach, as it can create a harmful concoction.

2. Lemon juice

Natural lemon juice can work wonders on mildew and mould, cut through grease and add shine to hard surfaces. It can make pots, pans, taps and enamel surfaces sparkle. Avoid using it on granite, marble or natural stone.

3. Baking soda

A pantry staple with proven virus-killing abilities, it can also effectively clean, deodorise, brighten and cut through dirt. We use it on ovens and to scrub the shower.

4. Olive oil

Not only great for drizzling over your salad, this good-for-you oil also works as a cleaner and polisher on wood, leather, cast iron and stainless steel.

5. Essential oils

Essential oils have gained popularity, thanks to aromatherapy, but they’re also a natural way to add scent to cleaning products (particularly to tone down the scent of vinegar). Although generally considered safe, some essential oils can trigger allergies in some people, and can be hazardous to pets and children, so keep this in mind if including.

Glass cleaner

Ingredients

25ml white vinegar
500ml warm water

Method

Simply combine the white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and shake.
Spritz onto glass, leave for a few minutes to soak and use a dry cloth to wipe away.

General purpose cleaner

Ingredients

500ml white vinegar
A handful of citrus peel and/or fresh herbs

Method

Pour the vinegar into a clean glass jar. Add a good handful of citrus peel and/or fresh herbs, and screw on the lid.
Leave the jar in a dark place to infuse for at least 14 days. The longer you leave it, the stronger the scent will be.
After 14 days (or longer), sieve the vinegar, and dispose of the peels and herbs. Decant half of the liquid back into the jar for use later, and the other half into a spray bottle.
Top up the vinegar in the bottle with cooled boiled water – so the vinegar and water are a 50/50 solution – and you’re ready to spritz.

Furniture polish

Ingredients

Lemon, orange or grapefruit essential oil
100ml warm water

Method

Add a few drops of essential oil to the warm water, in a clean spray bottle. Mix well and spray onto a soft cotton cloth.
Wipe down your furniture, and then wipe over again with another dry soft cotton cloth to remove any residue.

Stainless steel cleaner

Ingredients

500ml white vinegar
A handful of citrus peel and/or fresh herbs
Olive oil

Method

Fill a clean spray bottle with the vinegar and add 20 drops of citrus essential oil. Replace the lid and shake well.
Spray the mixture on any stainless-steel surfaces that you want to clean. Leave it to soak for a few seconds, before wiping down with a clean, soft cotton cloth.
To add a good shine afterwards, apply a small amount of olive oil to the steel, then work it into the surface using a clean dry cloth. Keep buffing until any streaks disappear.
For good measure, give your steel one last wipe down with another clean, dry and soft cloth.

Cleaning wipes

Ingredients

125ml cooled boiled water
125ml white vinegar
1 tsp dishwashing liquid
5 drops of lemon essential oil
5 drops of lavender essential oil
4 drops of lemongrass essential oil

Method

First, you’ll need some reusable cloths. These could be old flannels, fabric scraps, kitchen cloths or an old towel cut up into squares.
In a measuring jug, mix the water, vinegar, dishwashing liquid and essential oils together.
Place the dry cloths into a clean dry jar and pour in the solution over them, covering evenly. If the cloths feel too dry, make a little more solution. They should feel moist to the touch, not completely sodden.
Whenever you want to clean, simply take a cloth from the jar. You may need to squeeze out some of the homemade cleaning wipes solution if it feels too wet.
Wipe down surfaces (remember, not any natural stone surfaces). Once you’re done, simply pop the wipe in the wash with the rest of your laundry.