Natural cleaning agents in your home

Many store-bought cleaning products use harsh chemicals. Some can disrupt the body’s hormone functions and irritate allergies, asthma and skin sensitivities. Using natural cleaning agents can reduce the amount of chemicals and toxins that you are exposed to and are better for the environment.

Here are some common household items that can act as natural cleaning agents:

Baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate is slightly alkaline and can remove odours and act as a light abrasive. When combined with water in a thick paste, it can help to remove rust, stains and grime. Soaking pans in baking soda can help you to remove food residue. Adding baking soda to the toilet and scrubbing it with a brush can help to remove stains. You can also create an all-purpose cleaner by diluting baking soda in water.

White vinegar
White vinegar is a weak acid with strong antibacterial properties. It’s great for removing limescale, rust and soap scum due to its high acidity. It can be combined with water to clean mould and mildew. White vinegar is also effective for cleaning glass and stainless steel appliances, cutting through kitchen grease and removing stains.

Lemons
Lemon acid has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Lemons can help to get rid of stains from containers and countertops, clean microwaves and copper pots and pans, remove odours, dissolve limescale deposits, remove grease and can act as a natural bleach on stains.

You can use these household staples by themselves or to create simple cleaning solutions to clean various parts of your home. They’re inexpensive, natural and free from chemicals!