Spring is just around the corner, and that means you’re probably getting geared up to do some spring cleaning. One great way to save on spring cleaning is to ditch the harsh chemicals and expensive name brand products.
Instead, make use of everyday household products that you may not even think of, initially, as cleaning agents.
8 Household Items You Can Use for Cleaning
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Ketchup
You wouldn’t think it, but ketchup is actually excellent for cleaning copper or brass! It is great for pots and pans with copper bottoms that need cleaning.
To clean with ketchup apply a thick coat of ketchup to the copper or brass and allow to dry for a few hours. Then use a wet cloth to remove and you will have a nice shine.
Olive Oil
Instead of using an expensive specialty stainless steel cleaner, I use olive oil and a cloth to clean and shine up stainless steel appliances in my home.
Simply spritz some oil or dab a little onto a cloth and apply to stainless steel surfaces. A side benefit of cleaning with Olive Oil is that your home smells like an Italian restaurant for a few days.
Vinegar
Vinegar is my favorite cleaning agent. It removes soap scum from your bath tub or washing machine. When combined with baking soda, it can help unclog drains.
Vinegar can also be used to make a cleaning solution for mildew-ridden shower curtains. Simply throw your dirty shower curtains in the washing machine along with a few wash cloths or towels, plus baking soda and a half portion of your normal detergent.
After it has run the entire wash cycle, add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle and then remove the curtains before the final spin/dry cycle and hang to dry.
For even more ways vinegar can make your house sparkle, check out 15 Ways to Use Vinegar to Clean Your Home.
Used Dryer Sheets
After they’ve been used in the dryer for your clothes, keep some dryer sheets on hand instead of tossing them out.
They make a great duster for wiping down blinds, ceiling fans, vents, bookcases, shelving, or wooden surfaces that collect dust.
Polish kitchen appliances, bath fixtures, etc. They work particularly well on chrome faucets.
My favorite dryer sheet use is to remove baked on food from pots and pans.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is great for removing ink stains. I’ve used it to remove fresh pen stains made by a draw-happy two year old who happened to pick up a ballpoint pen and draw on linen bed sheets.
It also cleans chrome fixtures and mirrors, is great for sanitizing earrings before inserting into ears to avoid infection, and can be used to clean and remove residue from rings.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used for so many cleaning applications! It removes grime, can unclog drains, and is a gentle cleanser for washing surfaces like walls.
It can even be used for cleaning produce! It can also serve as a great bathroom cleaner when mixed with ammonia, vinegar, and warm water.
Lemons
Use sliced lemons with baking soda to scrub down tough stains on your counter tops.
You can also use fresh lemon juice to get tough stains off of plastic tupperware or cups. Let stained items sit in the sun for a few hours with lemon juice and then rinse and scrub.
When you are finished using the lemons remember to put them through the garbage disposal. They clean and freshen your sink too!
Cornstarch
Cornstarch can help remove ink stains from carpet when you mix it with milk to create a paste. Cover the stain with the paste mixture, allow to dry for a few hours, then vacuum it up.
It can also be used to create a silver polish mixture; simply mix cornstarch with water, and apply mixture with a wet cloth. Allow the mixture to dry. Then use another clean cloth to rub off the dried mixture and shine it.
What DIY cleaning solutions are your favorite?
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By contributing writer Laura
Clara Nussbaum says
Try using plain water on a rag to clean mirrors & windows. No streaking & can’t get any cheaper!