Introduction
With a major part of our waking hours at work, finding time to clean the house can be difficult. If it can't be done immediately or requires too much effort, we tend to put it off till the weekend. When that time comes, we tend to use store-bought products to clean, right?
However, the existence of chemicals in many cleaning materials can be a cause for concern, as they can be toxic and hazardous to health. As a result, many people have started to move on to using natural ingredients such as lemon juice, baking soda, and white vinegar as they are natural ingredients. They are easily available, are highly effective as cleaning products, and promote sustainability while reducing one's carbon footprint.
In this article, we will discuss how to use lemon juice, white vinegar, and baking soda to clean clothes as well as different areas around the house. These homemade ingredients can freshen up our homes, save on costs, and promote sustainability.
Cleaning with Vinegar
Cleaning vinegar is available at most grocery stores. It can be used to clean surfaces and household utensils and is made from distilled corn or grain. It contains 6% acetic acid so it should be used with gloves. Compared to this, distilled white vinegar has 5% acetic acid and can be used to clean most surfaces and utensils without any health consequences. You can use it to remove stains, eliminate odors, and as a natural disinfectant. Below we dive into some useful applications:
Cleaning Toilets and Sinks
White vinegar can be used to clean bathroom toilets and sinks. To achieve this, you have to fill the sink with a few inches of hot water and add one or two cups of white vinegar. Wait for around ten minutes and wipe clean. The mixture of water and vinegar will cut through the grime and soap scum and make your sink look sparkling clean. You can also use it to clean out your drain and unclog it as well.
As a Fabric Softener
White vinegar is a natural fabric softener. It can be used as a safe alternative for people who have sensitive skin issues. To do this, you just have to add half a cup of vinegar to the washing machine before the rinse cycle.
Cleaning Kitchen Stoves
Put a few drops of white vinegar on the surface of the greasy kitchen stove. Let it sit for five minutes. Then, you can scrub off the dirt using a soft cloth. You can use dishwashing liquid if the grease has not been removed effectively. You can also use vinegar to clean any kind of surfaces in the house, from kitchens to living rooms.
Cleaning with Baking Soda
Baking soda is another effective natural cleaning agent. It is a mild abrasive and can be used to clean surfaces, scrub floors, and clean other household items. It neutralizes odors and can also be used to clean ovens and remove stains on clothes. You can even use it to remove mildew stains.
Stain Removal in Clothes with Mildew
To use baking soda as a stain remover, you will have to mix a quarter tablespoon of baking soda in a quart of water and mix them thoroughly. It is recommended to put it in a spray container so that it can be sprayed on the affected areas. Wait for five minutes, and then rub the affected area with a scrubbing brush to get rid of the stains.
As an Oven Cleaner
Mix half a cup of baking soda with three tablespoons of water to use baking soda as an oven cleaner. Then, you can spread this solution in the oven. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes before you wipe it clean. Be careful to avoid the heating elements. To clean the interior of the oven, it is recommended to use a three-to-one mixture of baking soda and water. Then, wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
As an Odor Neutralizer
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer. To get rid of the nasty smell from utensils and other items put a mixture of baking soda and water in an empty spray bottle. Spray the items that you want deodorized and leave them overnight. Then, rinse thoroughly and clean with dishwashing liquid. End by wiping with a sponge.
For Hairbrushes and Combs
You can also use baking soda to clean hairbrushes and combs. Make sure to remove the hair before immersing the items in a solution of baking soda and water. Then let it soak for 30 minutes. Wash it out thoroughly with water before using them again.
Removing Crayon Marks
A mixture of baking soda and water is also effective in removing crayon marks from walls. Just dip an old toothbrush and spread it over the affected area. You can then wipe it off with a cloth.
Cleaning with Lemon
Lemon juice can also be used as a cleaner for household items. Its acidic properties make it effective for cutting through grease. It can be used to remove old stains on clothes due to its natural bleaching properties. It also replaces unpleasant odors with a natural scent.
As a Natural Bleaching and Brightening Agent for Clothes
An effective natural bleaching agent, mix half a cup of lemon juice with one cup of water and use it in the washing process instead of your regular bleach.
As a Pre-Treatment for Stains
Lemon juice can also be used to remove rust stains and armpit stains. To do this, you would first have to sprinkle some salt on the affected area. Pour some lemon juice on the item and leave it to dry in the sun. Then you can wash off the stain as you would normally with soap or detergent.
To Clean Glasses
To use lemon juice to clean drinking glasses, mix three tablespoons of lemon juice with one cup of water. Then put it in a spray bottle and spray on and in the glasses to clean them. Rinse off with normal dishwashing liquid and water to complete the process.
To Polish Furniture
Lemon juice can be used to polish hardwood furniture. Just mix half a cup of lemon juice with one cup of olive oil to create a good furniture polish. You can apply it on the furniture and clean it off a little later after it dries.
Keep Your Laundry Sustainable with Rinse
There is great emphasis on using eco-friendly and sustainable methods to make the planet a better place to live. Rinse is committed to these goals as well. We use eco-friendly detergent, no fabric softener, efficient machines, and cold water in our laundry process. We also prefer air drying rather than using a dryer machine, reducing energy consumption.
If you want to join in the green revolution, choose Rinse. You can contact us by phone, SMS, email, or our mobile app to get started. We even have a Valet service that picks up, washes, and delivers your clothes right to your door!
Contact us at Rinse today to see our skill in action.
