Have you ever run out of a cleaning product unexpectedly right when you needed it? It can be a hassle to go to the store and sometimes they might not even have what you need. While there are some situations where you may need a stronger disinfectant, many household messes can be handled with DIY cleaning supplies.
Here are some ways you can use what you probably already have to make cleaning products:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most versatile natural cleaning ingredients. It is a deodorizer, degreaser, and mild disinfectant. You can combine 4 tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of warm water for a quick and easy cleaning solution that you can use all around your house. Baking soda can also be used on its own to scrub stubborn char or grease. If you combine it with an equal amount of vinegar, it makes a great foaming toilet bowl cleaner.
Vinegar
Vinegar’s acidity makes it perfect for creating cleaning supplies. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar work best, but if you have another type of vinegar on hand you can use that instead in a pinch. Use equal parts vinegar and water for cleaning. You can use this mixture to wipe down any area of your home, let it sit in your sink to sanitize it, or use it to clean a coffee maker or blender.
Citrus
Citrus fruits contain a compound called limonene which breaks down the lipid molecules in grease. Lemon is the best option, but you can also use an orange, grapefruit, or lime if that is what you have available. There are a few different ways you can take advantage of the degreasing abilities of citrus. The easiest is to combine juice with a little bit of baking soda and use this to scrub away the stain. We recommend starting with ½ cup of baking soda and mixing in juice until you have a thick paste. If you have citrus essential oils at home, you can use these instead.
If you have some time to prepare or are looking for a clever way to use food waste, try soaking citrus peels in vinegar. You should add enough vinegar to cover the peels and leave the mixture in an airtight glass container for two weeks. Strain the vinegar and combine it with an equal amount of water. This doubles as a degreaser and a mild disinfectant.
When You Need Stronger Disinfectants
Cleaning and disinfection are different and while the above items can help you clean and may partially disinfect surfaces, they are not the same as heavy-duty disinfectants. There are some situations where you may need to use a stronger item. This is particularly true if a household member is sick.
Want to Save Time and Effort?
If you don’t want to spend your free time cleaning your house, TrueClean can help. We will clean and disinfect your home so you don’t have to go through the hassle. We use the best cleaning supplies for the job, including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved disinfectants, as well as natural products when possible.
