Right before the festive season is when we as South Africans make a collective decision to prepare for the increase in social gatherings and events that comes with the sunny season, and how do we do that? By whipping out our cleaning agents and utensils and cleaning out our homes.
While we may be trying to do good, some cleaning products can contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment, and you and your family. There are a variety of environmentally-friendly alternatives that you may already have in your home which you can use to clean your space.
Make your own cleaning products
The best cost effective way to incorporate eco-friendly cleaning in your home is to make your own cleaning products with the ingredients that you may already have in your home.
Embrace natural ingredients
Step number one is to embrace all the natural ingredients you have at your disposal. Vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and essential oils are powerful, environmentally-friendly alternatives to cleaning products that contain chemicals. They have multi-purpose and cleaning properties like removing dirt, keeping insects and flies away and freshening the air of any space without harmful side-effects.
Vinegar: is a natural and mild disinfectant compared to commercial disinfectant products. It has the ability to remove stains, and clean smooth surfaces. It also keeps pests and flies at bay.
Bicarbonate of soda: is good for cleaning hard surfaces and surfaces that need scrubbing. It is good for keeping fridges, carpets and couches smelling fresh and dirt free.
Essential oils: Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, and lemon not only add a fresh, pleasant scent but also have antibacterial properties, making them a great addition to your homemade cleaning solutions.
Toxin-free strategies to spring clean your home:
Remove grime
Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water and add a few drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil for its antibacterial properties. This cleaner is great for countertops, sinks, and even windows. The acidity in vinegar effectively removes tough grime and bacteria. The tea tree oil or lemon will also add a hint of fragrance, helping your space smell fresh.
Stubborn stains on hard surfaces
Bicarb is the miracle-working ingredient when it comes to cleaning. Make a paste using bicarb and water to remove stubborn stains in the kitchen and bathroom. It’s especially useful on sinks, grout, and stovetops. Bicarb’s slight abrasiveness helps scrub off grime without scratching surfaces.
Disinfect your home
Use citrus peels and place them in a jar of vinegar. Let it sit for two weeks. Then strain the mixture and transfer the liquid to a spray bottle. You can use this as a natural disinfectant and as a bonus, the mixture has a refreshing smell, which makes it ideal for cleaning surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom and keeping your bin refreshed.
Natural wood polish
Mix a cup of olive oil with ½ cup of lemon juice. Use a soft cloth to apply the mixture to wooden furniture for a natural shine. The olive oil nourishes the wood, while lemon juice helps cut through any grime and adds a fresh scent.
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Feature image: Pexels
