Cleaning does not have to be so fancy and filled with expensive items. There are some of the best cleaning solutions right in your kitchen cupboard. Chemical cleaners may be outclassed by white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and a drop or two of Castile soap, not to mention they are safe for your home and the environment.

Here, you will learn about three strong and safe DIY cleaning solutions that actually work- general-purpose sprays, deep-clean kitchen solutions, and greener bathroom recipes.

I have personally tried every single one of these methods, e.g. cleaning off a tough oven stain or cleaning my grout, so I am talking out of experience. On the way, there will be handy actions, expert advice, and what to prevent to make your surfaces safe.

Are you willing to learn how to use daily ingredients to make your house shine? So, let us jump in!

All-Purpose Cleaner – Vinegar & Castile Soap Spray

To remove dirt, grease, and odors, an all-purpose basic, yet versatile cleaner can be used with white vinegar and Castile soap to remove the stains without using hazardous substances.

Ingredients:

• 250 ml of cold boiling water
• White vinegar 250ml
• 1 tsp liquid Castile (eco) soap

Optional: 10-20 drops of essential oil (e.g. lemon or tea tree) to add a smell and additional cleaning effect

How to prepare:

• Add water and vinegar to a spray bottle.
• Add the essential oil and Castile soap.
• Shake gently- do not shake too much to avoid suds.

Use:

• Spray on countertops, bathroom surfaces, and tiled splashbacks.
• Leave it a minute, and clean it off with a white cloth.
• Rinse where food is prepared as required.

The reason why it works:

The acidity of vinegar penetrates grease, Castile soap washes away dirt and essential oils enhance performance and fragrance.

Kitchen Deep Clean – Bicarbonate & Vinegar Paste

A bicarbonate of soda and vinegar paste gives a hard-hitting clean when grime attaches to ovens, pans, or tiles.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp of bicarbonate of soda
• Sufficient white vinegar to produce a thick paste

Steps:

• Combine bicarb and some small water to make a thick paste.
• Spray on the inside of the oven, scorched pans, or grout on the tile.
• Spray the paste with vinegar to make it fizz.
• Keep aside 10 to 30 minutes.
• Use a non-scratch sponge or scrub with a brush and wipe clean.

Pro tips:

• In the case of burnt-on food, first, boil water with vinegar in the pan and then add bicarb
• Make old oven racks new by covering them with paste and foil overnight.
• Clean up the grout with a toothbrush once applied.

I used this paste once to clean a coffee stain off my worktop and it disappeared and the top was again as new.

Eco-Friendly Bathroom Formula – Baking Soda + Lemon + Vinegar

Bathrooms have to deal with soap scum, mildew, and limescale- this is the ideal role of this eco-friendly bathroom cleaner.

Ingredients:

• 250 ml white vinegar (optional cooled boiled water)
• 1 tablespoon tea tree or lavender essential oil
• Half a cup of bicarbonate of soda
• 1/2 cup of liquid Castile soap
• Extra grease cutting and scent optional lemon juice.

Steps:

• Combine some essential oil and vinegar in a spray bottle.
• Put a mixture of bicarb, Castile soap, and lemon juice in a bowl and make a paste.

Application:

1. Showers and sinks: Spray a vinegar mixture and leave to settle for at least 5 minutes and scrub with the paste.
2. Toilet: Put the paste in the bowl, leave it and scrub.
3. Tiles and grout: Paste with a toothbrush, spray with vinegar then scrub and rinse.
4. Faucets: Place faucets with a cloth soaked in vinegar to remove limescale

Benefits:

• Nontoxic to children or pets and naturally antiseptic.
• Leaves a clean smell with no chemicals.
• Effectively removes mildew, scale, and soap residue.

Conclusion

To keep the house clean and healthy, these three DIY cleaning solutions; a multi-purpose spray, a tougher paste, and a bathroom cleaner are easy, cheap, and effective.

You will not have to resort to toxic and harsh chemicals, and the plastic waste can be limited with the endowment of natural ingredients, such as vinegar, baking soda, Castile soap, and essential oils.

Do it with just one recipe this week and you will feel the difference. Soon your trusty homemade cleaners will be on your cleaning cupboard not only because they work, but also because of the convenience, safety, and environmental-friendliness they will provide to your UK house.