When you think you can only cook in the kitchen, think again. There are actually ingredients in your pantry that you can use to start green cleaning your home. According to Jennica Janae of Maid Sailors Home, an NY maids service provider, “Choosing to use green cleaning products means choosing to create a safer environment inside and out.”
Below are five kitchen cleaners you can start doing and using at home
Tile and Wood Floor Cleaner
Your floor can be home to a lot of germs and bacteria, especially it is in a high-traffic area. The good thing is that you can clean with just some white vinegar, water, and a mop.
Supplies
- White vinegar
- Water
- Mop or cloth
Instructions
- Combine one cup of white vinegar with a gallon of warm water.
- Spray and wipe your tiled or wooden floor. Be careful not to oversaturate your floor, especially if it is made of wood.
- Wipe your floor with clean, dry cloth when necessary.
When cleaning your floor, make sure that you wring your mop or cloth each time you dip it in your cleaning solution. In case of leftover vinegar-water solution, you can store it for later use. Take note that vinegar have a distinctive smell, so it is best that you work in a well-ventilated area. You may also opt to add a few drops of essential oil so that acidic smell will not bother you.
Carpet Stain Remover
Clean carpet are visually pleasing. In addition, cleaning your carpet makes it last longer. Not to mention the health benefits you can reap from it, since a clean carpet means less allergens.
Supplies
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Scrub brush
- Vacuum cleaner
Instructions
- If your carpet has stains, douse the whole stained area with baking soda.
- In a spray bottle, combine a half-and-half blend of white vinegar and water. Spray it on the stained area. The solution will cause the baking soda to bubble, but there is nothing to worry about.
- Let the mixture set for at least three hours before gently scrubbing it with a nylon brush.
- Let the carpet dry overnight. The following morning, you will notice some chalky residue on your carpet. Clean it using a vacuum cleaner.
When scrubbing your stained carpet, it is important you should not scrub too hard. Otherwise, you will risk disturbing the fibers of your carpet. In case there are still chalky residue left after vacuuming your carpet, you may gently wipe it off using a clean cloth.
Bathtub and Shower Cleaner
According to Ellen Gans, “A shower is supposed to make you feel clean, but it’s hard to feel clean when your tub and shower are full of grime, mildew, and soap scum.” Good thing, you can make an affordable and effective cleaning solution with the ingredients that you can find in your pantry.
Supplies
- Liquid dish soap
- White vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Funnel or measuring cup
- Cleaning cloth
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe dish or measuring cup with a spout, heat a quarter cup of vinegar. Be careful not to burn yourself.
- Carefully pour it in a spray bottle and then add a quarter cup of liquid dish soap. Swirl it to mix.
- Spray the solution on affected areas in your bathroom, making sure it is completely coated. Let it set for 30 – 45 minutes, or overnight if possible.
- Rinse your vinegar-liquid dish soap solution with a cleaning cloth and water.
Take note that your cleaning solution should not be runny when sprayed. Also, having a detachable shower head can make cleaning your bathtub and shower easier. Because you need an extremely hot vinegar, it is not advisable to make a big batch of bathtub and shower cleaner for later storage. Nonetheless, you can make smaller amounts when needed.
Toilet Cleaner and Deodorizer
Toilet cleaners and deodorizers contain harsh chemicals and ingredients that are not safe in the skin or lungs. You can avoid this by making and using green or eco-friendly cleaners.
Supplies
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Tea tree oil
- Spray bottle
- Toilet brush
- Paper towels or cleaning cloth
Instructions
- In a spray bottle, combine one cup of white vinegar and ½ teaspoon of essential oil.
- Spray it on your toilet seat, lid, based, and the bowl; and then sprinkle a half cup of baking soda.
- Scrub it with a toilet brush and then wipe your toilet with a paper towel when done.
For stubborn mineral deposits, you may use pumice stone for scrubbing. Just remember to test it first in an inconspicuous area to make sure that it will not scratch the surface of your toilet.
Glass Cleaner
No matter how much you clean them, glass and shiny surfaces easily collect dirt. And nothing spoils a clean bathroom like spots on the mirror. Below is a simple recipe that can help you remedy the dirt and water residue on mirrors and shiny surfaces.
Supplies
- Rubbing alcohol
- White vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Warm water
- Spray bottle
- Newspaper or cleaning cloth
Instructions
- In a spray bottle, combine ¼ cup of vinegar, ¼ cup rubbing alcohol, 1 tbsp. cornstarch, and 2 cups of warm water. Shake thoroughly to mix.
- Spray the mixture on your mirror, glass, or other shiny surfaces.
- Wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth or newspaper.
When cleaning with a newspaper ‒ while it is an effective, old trick for mirrors and windows ‒ it may be difficult to crumple and use them to clean chrome materials such as faucets.
Safety Measures
Before you move on with making and using homemade cleaners, it is best to take these safety measures into consideration:
- Test first. It is advisable to test your cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous place first. That way, you will know whether a solution can damage your kitchen or bathroom surface or not.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. That way you can avoid skin and eye irritation.
- Label and store cleaners properly. In case you have leftover cleaning solution, it is best to label and store them properly. That way, you’ll know which one is which, as well as keep it out of the sun and reach of kids and pets.
- Don’t experiment. Some ingredients can be toxic combination. So it is best not to experiment on untested combinations.
