Simple Cleaning Methods To Make Your Home Shine
Cleaning does not have to be a chore. If you use the proper techniques and supplies, it can actually be simple and inexpensive. There is no need to purchase expensive cleaning products or high-tech equipment. Grandma used a broom and products from the kitchen and her house was always spotless. Go back to the basics to achieve the same great results.
Even the most cutting-edge commercial cleaning services recommend natural cleaning solutions. Homemade concoctions cost little to create and tend to be safer for the environment. Regarding equipment, there is no need to purchase a $500 vacuum cleaner when a reasonably priced model with a good filtration system delivers the same result. Keep things simple and the experience will be more pleasant for your wallet, the environment, and yourself.
Vinegar is a safe and effective alternative to bleach. Add equal parts water and white vinegar to a spray bottle to create a general surface cleaner. Once dry, this solution will have no smell. Vinegar is also good for removing household odors. Pour some vinegar into a pot and simmer for a half-hour on the stove. Even laundry can benefit from a little vinegar. Add ½ cup to the rinse cycle to soften clothes and break down detergents harsh on sensitive skin.
Vinegar is not the only inexpensive and non-toxic multipurpose cleaner. Baking soda is a safer scrubber than abrasive bleach-based cleaning products. It also absorbs food odors within the freezer and refrigerator. Place a box in these areas and change it regularly. When combined with white vinegar, baking soda prevents drains from clogging. Once a week, pour ¼ cup baking soda down the sink drain, following it with a cup of white vinegar.
Essential oils are useful for more than just massaging and aromatherapy. Add 20 drops of a nice-smelling essential oil to 1 ½ cups of baking soda and blend with a spoon. Sprinkle some of this on carpets to keep them smelling fresh. When shampooing carpets, replace chemical cleaners with an all-purpose citrus organic cleanser for a more eco-friendly approach.
You can achieve the same window cleaning results as commercial cleaning services by using a natural window cleaner. Combine 1/3 teaspoon of vegetable-based liquid soap, three tablespoons of white vinegar, and two cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake well, spray on windows, and wipe off with a microfiber cloth as you would a regular window cleaner, for sparkling results.