Natural Cleaners To Use Around The Home

Do you like cleaning and dusting around the home? I must admit I don't mind dusting, Eddie is wonderful at vacuuming and strange as it may seem to some, I find ironing quite therapeutic!
I have a pair of yellow gloves, similar to those in the above picture, and always wear them when I'm washing up and cleaning ... do you?

I recently came across this article from Tess Patrick which I now share with you, it does have some helpful tips; the only one I'm not too keen on is to disinfect with a shot of vodka! I'm sure this works well, but vodka is great in recipes like this low carb, vegetarian 'Cheesy Cauliflower alla Vodka Casserole' here or this tasty low carb 'Salmon with a Bacon Tomato and Vodka Cream Sauce' dish here. Then of course there are cocktail recipes that use vodka (or gin), like this one for a dirty martini and can make a great 'Saturday Cocktail', see here  

Now on with the article! Tess Patrick writes:

We spend so much time detoxing our cupboards, making sure we know everything that’s in our make-up and skincare products and investing in our health and wellbeing. But if we’re soaking our home in harsh chemicals at any given opportunity, a lot of that work goes out the window. For every storebought, chemical-based cleaner, there’s an option you can make from home with 100% natural ingredients. It makes for a fun family activity, plus you can re-use old bottles to cut down on your plastic! Here are a few that stay in our cupboards.

1. Mop Your Floors With Vinegar 
Instead of drenching your floors in harsh bleaches and alcohols, a simple household vinegar does the trick. Mix one part vinegar with two parts hot water for the best, most effective, antibacterial floor cleaner. It’s a wonderful option for bathrooms and tiled floors because the acidic nature of the vinegar stops the floors from becoming dangerously slippery. If you have varnished wood floors, it is recommended that you patch-test an inconspicuous corner first to ensure it doesn’t affect the varnish. 

2. Clean Chopping Boards With Fresh Lemon 
Porous chopping boards are one of the easiest places for germs to hide, unless we are giving them regular cleans, they can become a hive for all sorts of bacteria. If you’re trying to avoid synthetic chemicals in your household, try simply rubbing a freshly cut lemon over the surface and leaving to sit for 10 minutes. The acidic compounds in the citrus will draw out and kill any harmful bacteria lurking. You can also condition your boards with a coat of coconut oil for a smooth, protective surface. 

3. Use Baking Soda And Vinegar To Unclog A Drain 
If you ever took science in school, you’ll be familiar with a favourite volcano trick. This very basic chemical reaction can actually be used around the home to breakthrough grime and nasties setting up residence in your drainpipes. Simply pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, then slowly pour one cup of vinegar in after it. Cover the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. If it bubbles like a volcano, it means it's working as planned. Flush with boiling water and enjoy your free moving pipes. 

4. Tea Tree Oil For Mould & Mildew 
Tea Tree Oil is a staple disinfectant in our household, and it works just as well on mold and mildew as it does on scraped knees and elbow grazes. By blending a cup of vinegar, 10 drops of lemon essential oil, ad 10 drops of tea tree essential oil in a reusable spray bottle, you’ll have the best cleaner money can buy. Spray on any surface and leave for 10 minutes before wiping away, the acidic and disinfectant properties will fight off any germs hiding in spaces. 

5. Disinfect With A Shot Of Vodka 
One of the easiest disinfectant sprays could be a cocktail, of sorts. Half a cup of high-proof vodka and half a cup of white distilled vinegar, shaken with three-quarters of a cup of water and 50-60 drops of tea tree essential oil or lavender essential oil will be your new best friend. Say goodbye to bleach once and for all. 

6. Make Our All-Purpose Antibacterial Cleaner 
There’s a multitude of greenwashed all-purpose sprays on the market, with some kind of variant of the word natural in their branding, but you can’t get much more natural, cheap, and environmentally friendly than our favourite home-made recipe. With vinegar, lemon, bicarb, and castile soap goodness, this cleaner can be made in moments and lasts for weeks, see details here 

Have you got any go-to homemade cleaners? 
Do please share them in the comments. 

Dear reader, this blog is presented in a magazine style - we hope something for everyone. You will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, photographs, cartoons, music and recipes! 

However, not all the food and recipes ideas featured in this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. 

All the best Jan