Do you ever get annoyed by all the cleaning products that exist? There's a cleaner on the market for every home surface; quite frankly, your cleaning closet can get messy fast. If you're looking for a solution to a cleaner closet that doesn't involve another shelf or organizing gadget, look no further than these two magnificent products: baking soda and vinegar. One can eliminate approximately ten or more products, reducing countless chemicals and toxins from their home. These items are even edible, so you don't have to worry about pets or kids getting into them, and if they do, it's not likely going to be an issue. Here are some simple cleaning solutions that will replace regular cleaners.
1. Window cleaner is about as easy as it gets when it comes to natural cleaners. A simple 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar in a spray bottle is all you'll need. Bonus tip: use old newspapers to wash your windows and mirrors (in place of paper towels). You won't believe how squeaky clean your windows will get!
2. I lied; baking soda as carpet fresh is much easier than washing your windows. It doesn't smell like anything, but baking soda is incredible at absorbing undesirable odors. Baking soda can refresh more than just carpets. Your vehicle, couch, or mattress are all perfect places to use baking soda. Dust the rug with baking soda and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before vacuuming it off.
3. Speaking of carpets, you can also use vinegar as a cleaning solution! Add ½ cup of vinegar to your carpet cleaner water reservoir and clean like normal. Yes, your house will stink like salad dressing for a little while, but once it dries, the vinegar smell goes away, and your carpets and upholstery will be deodorized and smell fresh.
4. One of the most fun cleaners to make drain cleaner! All you need to do is put baking soda into your drain and pour vinegar into the pipes afterward. Let that sit for a few minutes, then run a pot of boiling water down the drain to wash away stubborn clogs. It will also deodorize your drain if a foul odor is present. I never measure, but depending on the size of your clog, you'll need around a 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar. This method is also a great way to clean your garbage disposal too.
5. Toilet bowl cleaner is next. To scrub and deodorize your bowl, sprinkle 1/3 of a cup of baking soda and wash like normal. To clean the outside of the tank, spray straight vinegar all over the seat, handle, etc. Let the vinegar sit for a few minutes before wiping it with a clean cloth. Vinegar is not a strong disinfectant, but it will kill many germs by letting it sit for 10 minutes.
6. For a simple all-purpose cleaner, mix a 50/50 ratio of water and vinegar into a spray bottle.
7. Baking soda makes a quick and easy dry shampoo for humans and dogs. Sprinkle a little bit onto your hair and style or brush as usual.
8. Fabric softener and odor eliminator; use 1/2 cup of vinegar instead of fabric softener. The odor in your clothing will NOT be present at the end of the cycle.
9. Odor eliminator- For must, smoke, and other nasty smells, place a bowl of vinegar in the room to absorb the smell.
10. Linen and clothing spray: If you need to get one more wear out of a jacket or piece of clothing, spray a 50-50 mixture of vinegar and water before hanging the item to dry. For added freshness, drop a few essential oils into the sprayer.
Here's a fun bonus idea for you to try
Add some orange peels and lemon peels to a vinegar jar for a delectable-smelling household. Throw in thyme or oregano for good measure! Allow the concoction to sit for two weeks, then strain; be sure not to miss any bits by running through a cheesecloth first if you're going to put the mixture into a spray bottle--I'll let everyone know how well it works/ smells after the experiment is over ;)
Update: For me, this was just okay. The jars catching light in my kitchen window for two weeks were pretty, but I didn't care for the smell and didn't see any added benefit for cleaning. I know many people like doing this little trick, but for me, it's just easier to use plain vinegar.
Summary: Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda is a great way to shorten your shopping list, cut the clutter under your sink, and remove many harsh toxins from your home. What did I miss? Do you have any other cleaning tips involving these two products? If so, join the conversation and comment below!
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