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You don't have to go to the supermarket in the cleaning aisle to find the best options for cleaning the house. Just search inside the kitchen cabinets and the answer will be easier than you can imagine.
After I started replacing some commercial cleaning products with home-made options, the house was not only cleaner, but I was also confident that I wouldn't be causing harm to myself and the environment. This is because products that contain mainly chlorine can damage our respiratory system and cause an environmental imbalance.
The products straight from the kitchen that are the champions in killing bacteria are alcohol vinegar, baking soda (yes, the same one used as yeast!), Citrus peels and even olive oil (for polishing).
Alcohol vinegar
Vinegar is the key part of cleaning - it cleans just as well as the commercial products available. Just mix equal portions of vinegar and water and use it on almost all surfaces. And don't worry, the house will not smell like a salad, because when the surface dries up the smell will go away.
This solution of water and vinegar can receive essences for a clean house smell. We can put in the bottle that we are going to use to prepare the mixture peels of lemon, orange, or even some natural essence, such as eucalyptus, mint, rosemary, lavender, etc.
The most suitable use of vinegar + water is in sinks and taps in the bathroom and kitchen, cleaning the toilet, glass, and floors in general. Vinegar (or lemon) with its acidity not only disinfects but polishes chrome materials such as taps and sinks very well. In window glass and mirrors, the mixture leaves no stains.
To a better effect, the best application is with a spray letting it act for a few seconds before wiping with a soft cloth.
Sodium bicarbonate
It can be used as a cleaning paste just like commercial products available. It has a mildly abrasive action, removes stains in general, sanitizes, deodorizes. And you know what's even better? It costs less than a standard cleaning product.
Simpler than baking soda with water you won't find. This mixture can be used in the kitchen (sink, faucet, stove, oven, other appliances), in the bathroom (box, shower, sink, tap, toilet). It can be used to clean pans, cutlery. We just need to note that because it is a powder paste, the application cannot be strong or even with an abrasive sponge, as it can scratch the surface.
You know that science fair volcano, mixing sodium bicarbonate (alkaline component) with vinegar or lemon juice (acid)? This rash helps to clean drains (heavier cleaning) and is a natural deodorant. Applying the mixture on carpets helps to remove the smell, in addition to sanitizing and removing stains.
Tip 1: Before testing any product on new surfaces, test on a small area.
Tip 2: Just be careful when using acid combinations in granite and marble. The acid can penetrate these stones, and as they are more sensitive and porous, they cause unwanted stains. Bicarbonate also needs to be used with caution: even though it is not very abrasive, the use of the product in these two stones can cause stains.
DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaning
1 glass bottle (I used 1.5l)
Peel of 1 orange or mandarin (to give the smell)
1/2 part Water
1/2 part Alcohol Vinegar
The mixture here is simple: put the orange peels inside the bottle, complete the bottle with half water and half vinegar.
Leave the mixture to stand for a week, so that the essence of the fruit's peels incorporates into the liquid.
P.S .: depending on the use of the product, I still add a tablespoon of baking soda. But be careful, both in the mixture and in the use of the final product (as informed in the text above).
Give it a try and tell me the result! :)
