Cleaning can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially when you have to constantly purchase expensive cleaning products. However, did you know that there are everyday items lying around your house that can be used for cleaning? Not only are these items easily accessible, but they are also budget-friendly and environmentally friendly. In this blog post, we will explore ten everyday items that you can use for cleaning and their surprising effectiveness.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a staple in most households and is commonly used for cooking and dressing salads. However, it also has powerful cleaning properties and can be used in various ways to keep your home spotless.

Uses of vinegar for cleaning:

1. Removing stains from fabrics

Vinegar is an excellent natural stain remover. It can be used to remove tough stains such as coffee, tea, and grass on fabrics. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and apply the solution to the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with cold water and washing it as usual.

2. Cleaning windows and mirrors

Instead of using expensive glass cleaners, you can use vinegar to clean your windows and mirrors. Mix one part of vinegar with three parts of water and spray it onto the surface. Wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.

3. Deodorizing surfaces

Due to its acidic nature, vinegar can help eliminate odors from surfaces such as cutting boards and countertops. Simply mix equal parts of vinegar and water and spray it onto the surface. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth.

Benefits of using vinegar for cleaning:

• Environmentally friendly: Vinegar is a natural and non-toxic substance, making it safe to use in your home without any harmful chemicals.
• Budget-friendly: A bottle of vinegar is significantly cheaper than most commercial cleaning products, making it a cost-effective option.
• Versatile: Vinegar can be used for various cleaning tasks, making it a multi-purpose cleaner.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is another everyday item that has powerful cleaning properties. It is commonly used in baking and cooking but can also be used as an effective cleaning agent.

Uses of baking soda for cleaning:

1. Removing odors from carpets

Carpets can trap unpleasant odors over time, and commercial carpet deodorizers can be expensive. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the carpet, let it sit for a few hours, and vacuum it up. This will help absorb any odors and leave your carpet smelling fresh.

2. Unclogging drains

Instead of using harsh chemicals to unclog drains, you can use baking soda and vinegar to create a natural cleaning solution. Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for a few minutes before pouring hot water down the drain to clear any clogs.

3. Cleaning grout

Grout can easily accumulate dirt and grime, making it challenging to clean. However, baking soda can help remove stubborn stains from grout. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to the grout, and scrub it with a toothbrush. Rinse it off with water, and your grout will be sparkling clean.

Benefits of using baking soda for cleaning:

• Non-toxic: Baking soda is safe to use around children and pets, making it a non-toxic alternative to chemical cleaners.
• Gentle on surfaces: Unlike some abrasive cleaners, baking soda is gentle on surfaces and will not cause any damage.
• Cost-effective: Baking soda is readily available and inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option for cleaning.

Lemon

Lemon is a versatile fruit that has many household uses, including cleaning. Its acidic properties make it an effective natural cleaner for various surfaces.

Uses of lemon for cleaning:

1. Cleaning copper and brass

Copper and brass items can easily tarnish over time, but lemon juice can help restore their shine. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt on the cut side. Use the lemon to scrub the copper or brass item, rinse it clean with water, and dry it with a cloth.

2. Removing microwave odors

Microwaves can trap unpleasant odors from food, making it challenging to get rid of them. Squeeze some lemon juice into a bowl of water and microwave it for a few minutes. The steam from the lemon-infused water will help eliminate any lingering odors.

3. Polishing stainless steel

Stainless steel appliances can easily show fingerprints and smudges, but lemon can help remove them. Cut a lemon in half and rub it onto the surface. Wipe it off with a damp cloth, and your appliances will be sparkling clean.

Benefits of using lemon for cleaning:

• Natural disinfectant: Lemon has antibacterial properties, making it an effective natural disinfectant for cleaning.
• Pleasant scent: Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, lemon gives off a fresh and pleasant scent, leaving your home smelling clean and fresh.
• Safe to use: Lemon is non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets, making it a safer alternative to chemical cleaners.

Salt

Salt is a staple in most kitchens, but did you know that it also has excellent cleaning properties? It can be used as a gentle abrasive cleaner for various surfaces.

Uses of salt for cleaning:

1. Removing grease stains from carpets

Grease stains on carpets can be challenging to remove, but salt can help absorb the grease. Sprinkle salt onto the stain and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. Repeat the process if necessary until the stain is gone.

2. Cleaning cast iron pans

Cast iron pans are notorious for being difficult to clean, but salt can help remove stubborn food residue. Sprinkle some coarse salt onto the pan and use a damp cloth to scrub it. Rinse it with water and dry it thoroughly to prevent rust.

3. Removing wine stains from fabrics

Spilling red wine on your clothes or furniture can be frustrating, but salt can help remove the stain. Blot the stain with a paper towel to soak up as much wine as possible. Then, sprinkle salt onto the stain and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing it with cold water.

Benefits of using salt for cleaning:

• Affordable: Salt is inexpensive and readily available, making it a budget-friendly option for cleaning.
• Gentle on surfaces: Salt is a mild abrasive cleaner, making it safe to use on various surfaces without causing damage.
• Multi-purpose: Salt can be used for various cleaning tasks, such as removing stains and deodorizing surfaces.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is commonly used in cooking, but it also has surprising cleaning properties. It is an excellent natural alternative to chemical-based polishes and conditioners.

Uses of olive oil for cleaning:

1. Polishing wooden furniture

Commercial furniture polish can be expensive, but olive oil can help bring back the shine to your wooden furniture. Mix equal parts of olive oil and lemon juice and apply it to a soft cloth. Use the cloth to wipe down the furniture, and it will be left looking shiny and new.

2. Conditioning leather items

Leather items, such as shoes and handbags, can easily become dry and cracked. Olive oil can help condition and moisturize the leather, making it look like new. Apply a few drops of olive oil onto a soft cloth and rub it onto the leather item in a circular motion.

3. Removing stickers and labels

Stickers and labels can leave behind sticky residue that can be challenging to remove. Olive oil can help dissolve the adhesive, making it easier to remove. Apply a small amount of olive oil onto the sticker or label and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean.

Benefits of using olive oil for cleaning:

• Natural and non-toxic: Olive oil is a natural substance, making it safe to use for cleaning without any harmful chemicals.
• Nourishing: Olive oil has moisturizing properties, making it an excellent option for conditioning and preserving wooden and leather items.
• Cost-effective: A bottle of olive oil can last a long time and can be used for various cleaning tasks, making it a cost-effective option.

Toothbrush

A toothbrush may seem like an unlikely item to use for cleaning, but its small size and bristles make it perfect for getting into tight spaces and removing stubborn dirt and grime.

Uses of a toothbrush for cleaning:

1. Cleaning grout and hard-to-reach areas

Grout and other hard-to-reach areas can easily accumulate dirt and grime, but a toothbrush can help scrub it away effectively. Use an old toothbrush with some baking soda or vinegar to scrub away any dirt and grime, leaving your surfaces clean and shiny.

2. Removing stains from upholstery

Upholstered furniture can easily become stained, and a toothbrush can help remove them. Mix equal parts of water and dish soap, dip a toothbrush into the solution, and gently scrub the stain. Rinse it off with a damp cloth and let it air dry.

3. Cleaning small appliances

Small appliances, such as coffee makers and blenders, can be challenging to clean due to their small parts. A toothbrush can help get into these tight spaces and remove any dirt or residue that has built up over time.

Benefits of using a toothbrush for cleaning:

• Affordable: Toothbrushes are inexpensive and can be found in most households, making them a cost-effective option for cleaning.
• Versatile: A toothbrush can be used for various cleaning tasks, including removing stains and scrubbing hard-to-reach areas.
• Easy to use: The small size and bristles of a toothbrush make it easy to use for intricate cleaning tasks.

Microfiber Cloth

Microfiber cloths are a must-have for any cleaning arsenal. They are made of synthetic fibers that are incredibly absorbent and can effectively trap dust and dirt.

Uses of microfiber cloths for cleaning:

1. Dusting surfaces

Microfiber cloths are perfect for dusting surfaces, as they effectively trap dust and prevent it from spreading around. Simply wipe down surfaces with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust and debris.

2. Cleaning stainless steel appliances

Stainless steel appliances can easily show fingerprints, but a microfiber cloth can help remove them. Moisten a microfiber cloth with water and use it to wipe down your appliances. Dry it off with a dry microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.

3. Polishing furniture

Microfiber cloths are excellent for polishing wooden and metal furniture. Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface after applying polish for a shiny finish.

Benefits of using microfiber cloths for cleaning:

• Reusable: Microfiber cloths can be washed and reused, making them an environmentally-friendly option.
• Absorbent: Microfiber cloths are highly absorbent and can pick up dust and dirt effectively without spreading it around.
• Safe to use: Microfiber cloths are gentle on surfaces and will not cause any scratches or damage.

White Vinegar

White vinegar has similar cleaning properties to regular vinegar, but it is also more acidic and can be used for tougher cleaning tasks.

Uses of white vinegar for cleaning:

1. Cleaning kitchen appliances

Kitchen appliances such as microwaves and refrigerators can easily become dirty, but white vinegar can help remove stubborn stains and grime. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and use it to wipe down the surface. Rinse it off with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.

2. Removing hard water stains

Hard water stains can make your faucets and showerheads look dull and dirty, but white vinegar can help remove them. Soak a paper towel in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected area. Let it sit for a few hours before rinsing it off with water.

3. Disinfecting cutting boards

Cutting boards can harbor bacteria and germs, but white vinegar can help disinfect them effectively. Spray the cutting board with pure white vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water.

Benefits of using white vinegar for cleaning:

• Powerful disinfectant: White vinegar is highly acidic, making it an effective disinfectant that can kill bacteria and germs.
• Affordable: A bottle of white vinegar costs much less than most commercial cleaners, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Chemical-free: White vinegar is natural and non-toxic, making it safe to use around children and pets without any harmful chemicals.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic and disinfectant commonly used in first aid kits. However, it also has surprising cleaning properties and can be used in various ways around the house.

Uses of hydrogen peroxide for cleaning:

1. Whitening grout

Grout can easily become discolored over time, and commercial grout cleaners can be expensive. Mix hydrogen peroxide with water in a spray bottle and spray it onto the grout. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a toothbrush and rinsing it off with water.

2. Removing stains from carpets

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective stain remover and can help remove tough stains from carpets. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it clean with a damp cloth.

3. Cleaning cutting boards

Cutting boards can harbor bacteria and germs, but hydrogen peroxide can help disinfect them effectively. Spray the cutting board with pure hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth.

Benefits of using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning:

• Effective stain remover: Hydrogen peroxide can effectively remove stubborn stains from various surfaces.
• Natural disinfectant: Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic and can help disinfect surfaces without harmful chemicals.
• Budget-friendly: A bottle of hydrogen peroxide is relatively inexpensive and can last a long time, making it a budget-friendly option for cleaning.

Club Soda

Club soda, also known as sparkling water or carbonated water, may seem like an unlikely item to use for cleaning. However, its carbonation makes it an effective natural cleaner for various surfaces.

Uses of club soda for cleaning:

1. Removing carpet stains

Club soda can help remove tough stains from carpets, such as coffee and wine. Moisten the stained area with club soda and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting it clean with a cloth.

2. Cleaning jewelry

Jewelry can easily become dull and dirty, but club soda can help bring back its shine. Soak your jewelry in a bowl of club soda for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water and drying it with a cloth.

3. Cleaning toilets

Club soda can be used to clean and deodorize toilets effectively. Pour a cup of club soda into the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a brush and flushing it.

Benefits of using club soda for cleaning:

• Natural and chemical-free: Club soda is a natural and non-toxic alternative to chemical cleaners.
• Gentle on surfaces: Club soda is not abrasive and will not cause any damage to surfaces, making it safe to use on various items.
• Budget-friendly: A bottle of club soda is inexpensive and can be used for various cleaning tasks, making it a cost-effective option.

Conclusion

Cleaning does not have to be a chore, and you do not always have to rely on expensive and harsh chemical-based cleaners. By using everyday items that you already have in your home, you can effectively clean and disinfect various surfaces without causing harm to yourself, your family, or the environment. Vinegar, baking soda, lemon, salt, olive oil, toothbrushes, microfiber cloths, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and club soda are just some of the many items that you can use for cleaning. So, next time you reach for that expensive cleaner, think about the everyday items lying around your house that could do the job just as well.