Harness The Power of These Natural Cleaners
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The Powerful Cleaning Trio: Hydrogen Peroxide, Baking Soda, and Vinegar
Eco-Friendly Cleaning products are right in front of your nose. Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and vinegar are three common household ingredients that, when used correctly, can tackle a wide range of cleaning challenges. Here’s how you can harness the power of these natural cleaners to keep your home spotless:
Eco- friendly cLEANING RECIPES
The Stain-Busting Combo: Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
- Remove Tough Stains: Combine hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to create a powerful paste that can lift stubborn stains from countertops, sinks, and even clothes. Simply apply the paste to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub gently before rinsing.
- Brighten Grout: To clean and brighten grout lines in your bathroom or kitchen, mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda into a thick paste. Apply the mixture to the grout, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse with water.
- Clean and Disinfect Cutting Boards: Sprinkle baking soda on your cutting board, then spray with hydrogen peroxide. Let it bubble for a few minutes to disinfect, scrub lightly, and rinse off to remove stains and odors.
The Dynamic Duo: Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Unclog Drains: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. The fizzing reaction helps break down grease and grime, clearing the clog. After the fizzing stops, flush the drain with hot water to wash away any remaining residue.
- Deodorize Carpets: Sprinkle baking soda liberally over your carpets and let it sit for 15-30 minutes to absorb odors. Then, spray a light mist of vinegar over the area. After it dries, vacuum up the baking soda, leaving your carpets fresh and clean.
- Clean Your Oven: Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the oven’s interior, and let it sit overnight. The next day, spray vinegar over the baking soda. The foaming action will help lift baked-on grease and grime. Wipe clean with a damp cloth for a sparkling oven.
The Multi-Purpose Powerhouse: Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide
- Sanitize Surfaces: Use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide as a potent disinfecting duo. Spray one after the other (do not mix them in the same bottle) on surfaces like countertops, cutting boards, and bathroom fixtures. This combination is highly effective against bacteria and viruses.
- Clean Glass and Mirrors: First, spray your glass surfaces with vinegar and wipe them clean with a microfiber cloth. Follow up with a light spray of hydrogen peroxide for a streak-free shine and extra sanitizing power.
- Remove Mold and Mildew: Spray vinegar directly onto moldy areas and let it sit for at least an hour. Follow up by spraying hydrogen peroxide and scrubbing the area. This combination effectively kills mold and prevents it from returning.
Bonus Tips for Using the Trio Together:
- Freshen Laundry: For a natural laundry booster, add 1/2 cup of baking soda during the wash cycle and 1/2 cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle. For stubborn stains, pre-treat with a mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda before washing.
- Deep Clean Bathroom Tiles: Mix equal parts baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar to create a powerful cleaning solution. Apply to bathroom tiles and grout, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and scrub with a brush. Rinse thoroughly for a deep clean.
- Deodorize Trash Cans: Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of your trash can, spray with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar, and let it dry before placing a new trash bag. This helps keep odors at bay.
ERIN PLUMMER
Owner of TIDY PRO CLEANING CO.
LOS ANGELES