The year 2020 has brought about some unique challenges, and if there is one big takeaway, it is that keeping things clean and sanitized is very important. Many people are on the lookout for natural cleaning tips to make sure that their spaces stay clean and virus-free.
Many stores are running low on popular cleaning products now that cold and flu season is in full force, and it can be difficult to know which are most effective when out shopping for cleaning solutions. Additionally, some chemical products can be harmful, so avoiding those is important as well.
This guide will offer helpful tips and tricks for getting your apartment clean through the use of natural, chemical-free options, provide insight into the difference between natural and chemical-based products, and teach you how to make your own cleaners with items you probably already have at home, like baking soda and white vinegar.
Chemical-Based vs. Natural Cleaning Solutions
There are several good reasons to switch to natural cleaners. A few of the benefits of using chemical-free products include:
Fewer toxins
Natural cleaning products are less harmful if swallowed. Chemical cleansers often contain toxins that can cause a plethora of problems if consumed. That even includes products that are thought of as natural, such as castile soap.
Air quality gets a boost
Natural cleaners can provide better indoor air quality. People who suffer from allergies often have complications when exposed to the chemicals in common household products, especially when used on an ongoing basis.
Lowered exposure
Natural products tend to be safer over time. Some store-bought household products contain chemicals that cause issues with hormone functions, whereas natural ones — such as products that use baking soda — rarely cause such problems.
More affordable
Store-bought products tend to be more expensive than DIY products. Plus, if you make your own cleaners, you will probably save space, since you will likely be using the same containers over and over.
You might be hesitant to make the switch to natural products, especially if you have always used traditional sprays and detergents, but most reports concur that going the natural route for your home — including homemade hand soap, window cleaner, floor cleaner, and even all-purpose cleaner — is just as effective as chemically based products.
If you are contemplating mixing up your own concoctions, there are a few things that will help to ensure a good clean.
Must-Have Ingredients
If you are ready to go DIY, there are a few things you will want to have on hand. These items will keep your home clean without the heavy-duty chemicals used in traditional products.
Baking soda
Baking soda is one of the most popular additions to natural products. It helps to break down grease, dirt, and proteins, as well as to neutralize strong odors. You probably already have it in your refrigerator, so pick up a few extra containers and utilize its power to clean. You can make a baking soda paste with a few teaspoons of baking soda and hot water in just a few seconds, then use it to wipe tough grease spots clean.
White vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is a mild acid and helps to remove stains, mold, and soap scum. Vinegar is a common kitchen ingredient that can be used to make dish soap and is usually very inexpensive. Save money and buy it in bulk, since it has endless uses, from washing up liquid to an all-purpose cleaner.
Borax
Borax also helps to remove mold and stains and is a mild alkali that has powerful grease-fighting abilities.
Essential oils
Essential oil will enhance a cleaner’s scent and provide a pleasant ambiance. A few of popular ones often utilized in chemical-free products include lemongrass, tea tree oil, lavender, and eucalyptus. Essential oil also makes a wonderful air freshener for your house or apartment.
Lemon juice
Lemon adds a fresh element to cleansers and sprays. You can use the lemon juice, rind, or even a natural lemon extract when mixing up your DIY cleaner.
Olive oil
Olive oil has been used for centuries as a diet staple, but it is also perfect for polishing metals or mixing with baking soda to make a paste. Use the paste to make metal objects shine like new.
A few other common items that can be used in homemade cleaners include cornstarch, olive oil, hydrogen peroxide, vegetable oil (to make a DIY castile soap), washing soda, and club soda.
Green Natural Cleaning Tips for Your Home
Once you have gathered the necessary elements, it is time to mix up some DIY cleaners. Make sure you have a few basics on hand, such as a spray bottle, microfiber cloths, measuring cups, and storage containers before you combine the elements. With all of that at your disposal, you will be ready to tackle the following natural cleaning recipes.
All-Purpose White Vinegar Cleaner
This all-purpose cleaner is perfect for almost any household surface, including kitchen counters, tabletops, and bathroom surfaces. To make this cleaner, combine the cup of white vinegar, hot water, rosemary, and citrus in a spray bottle or multiple spray bottles, depending on how much you wish to make:
- One cup of vinegar
- One cup boiling water
- Rosemary sprigs
- A few peels of lemon rind, a few drops of lemon juice, or other citrus product
Add the cup vinegar and water first, followed by the rosemary and citrus peels. Once everything is combined, shake it up, and let sit for a week before using. After a week, the cleaner should be thoroughly infused and ready to use around the house.
Clothing Stain Remover
If you have tried everything to get troublesome water stains out of your clothes, try mixing up this natural cleaner. Combine equal parts of the following:
- One cup of powdered dishwasher detergent
- One gallon of hot water
- One cup of regular liquid chlorine bleach
Put the powdered detergent in a bowl and slowly add cups of water. Then mix in the liquid chlorine bleach, and gently swirl. Let stained white clothing soak in the mixture for around 15 or 20 minutes. Once the garment has soaked, wash it as usual with water and laundry detergent, and watch as stains evaporate.
Baking Soda Kitchen Deodorizer
This easy-to-mix kitchen cleaner and deodorizer utilizes the cleaning power of baking soda, a powerful natural cleaning agent. Use this one as an oven cleaner, or even to pour down your garbage disposal to eliminate lingering odors. To make this, combine the following:
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- One quart of warm water
Sprinkle baking soda in the warm water. Let it sit for a while to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined. When you are ready to use it, simply dip a microfiber cloth or scouring pad in the mixture and go to work. The baking soda and water mixture is a powerful grease-fighting force, perfect for stainless steel, the inside of a microwave, or any other kitchen surface.
Contact Our Team for Questions about Apartment Living
If you are moving to the D.C. area and want to learn more about living in style and comfort, contact our team today. Our experts can help with any leasing questions that you might have.
