When it comes to keeping your home fresh and sparkling, some of the best cleaning products are surprisingly already in your kitchen cupboard. Natural, homemade cleaning solutions are affordable, eco-friendly, and super effective. Plus, they help you cut down on harsh chemicals, making them a healthier choice for your family, pets, and the planet.
Here’s your ultimate guide to a few simple, budget-friendly cleaning hacks using everyday ingredients to give your home that “just cleaned and fresh” feeling.
The All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner
If there’s one ingredient that deserves superstar status in natural cleaning, it’s vinegar. White vinegar cuts through grease, removes odours, and even kills some bacteria. Add citrus peels and you get a fresh, uplifting scent that makes cleaning a little more joyful.
You’ll need:
- White vinegar
- Citrus peels (orange, lemon, grapefruit)
- A jar with a lid
- A spray bottle
How to make it:
- Fill your jar with citrus peels.
- Pour vinegar over the peels until completely covered.
- Seal the jar and leave it for two weeks in a cool, dark place.
- Strain the liquid and pour into a spray bottle, diluting with equal parts water.
Where to use it:
Perfect for wiping down counters, sinks, and stovetops. Avoid using on natural stone like granite or marble (vinegar can etch these surfaces).
Bicarbonate of Soda for Everything
Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is a South African kitchen staple that doubles as a powerhouse cleaning agent. It’s mildly abrasive, which makes it perfect for scrubbing without scratching surfaces.
Quick hacks:
- Freshen carpets and matresses: Sprinkle bicarbonate over carpets or bed matress, leave for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
- Scrub stovetops: Mix with a little water to form a paste for stubborn stains.
- Deodorise and unblocks drains: Pour ½ cup bicarbonate followed by ½ cup vinegar down the drain, wait 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Lemon Juice for Stains and Shine
Lemon juice is naturally acidic, which makes it great for cutting through grime, whitening fabrics, and adding shine to surfaces.
How to use it:
- Microwave cleaner: Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for 3 minutes, then wipe away loosened grime.
- Cutting board refresher: Rub a cut lemon over wooden cutting boards to disinfect and neutralise odours.
- Laundry brightener: Add ½ cup lemon juice to your white load for a natural boost.
Salt as a Scrubbing Hero
Salt isn’t just for your dinner—it’s also a natural abrasive cleaner. Coarse salt in particular is brilliant for tackling stubborn grime.
Uses:
- Cast iron pans: Scrub with coarse salt and a damp cloth to remove residue without damaging the seasoning.
- Coffee mugs: Combine salt and vinegar to scrub away tea and coffee stains.
- Oven spills: Sprinkle salt on fresh spills to make them easier to clean once cooled.
Olive Oil for Wood Care & Stainless Steel Shine
Olive oil is excellent for conditioning wood surfaces and bringing back their natural shine.
DIY wood polish:
Mix ½ cup olive oil with ¼ cup lemon juice. Apply with a soft cloth to wooden furniture, then buff to a shine. This works beautifully on dining tables, shelves, and even wooden chopping boards.
For streak-free stainless steel appliances, all you need is vinegar and olive oil.
How to clean:
- Wipe surfaces with a cloth dampened with vinegar to remove fingerprints and grime.
- Apply a few drops of olive oil and buff in the direction of the grain for a polished finish.
One of the best parts about using natural cleaning hacks is knowing you’re being kinder to the environment. You’re reducing plastic waste, limiting harmful chemicals in your home, and saving money all at the same time.
With these easy DIY cleaning hacks, you can refresh your home using ingredients you probably already have on hand. From sparkling windows to fresh-smelling rooms, these natural solutions are proof that you don’t need a cupboard full of expensive products to keep your home looking its best.
Next time you’re about to add a fancy cleaning spray to your trolley, remember—vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and lemon might just do the job better!
