Devin J
Why rush to the store when your kitchen already holds the key to a cleaner home? With a few staple ingredients, you can put together DIY cleaning solutions that tackle everything from grimy countertops to stubborn bathroom stains. Here are ten quick recipes that will have your home looking fresh in no time.
Vinegar and Water
Start by adding an equal amount of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and you’ll have a solution that works wonders on countertops, windows, and even floors. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer, so say goodbye to those mystery smells. If you’re not a fan of the “salad dressing” scent, add a few drops of your best essential oil.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is most effective at tackling proteins, grease, and messes from animals, so sprinkle it on your sink, stovetop, or even in the bathtub, then grab a damp sponge and start scrubbing. This all-natural solution for eliminating odors is gentle enough not to scratch surfaces but tough enough to lift stains.
Lemon
When life gives you lemons, clean everything! Lemons are acidic enough to tackle stains, grime, and even rust. Slice that lemon in half and use it to scrub your faucets or stainless steel sinks. The acidity will help break down grease and grime while the natural oils polish and shine. Plus, your kitchen will smell like a citrus grove—what’s not to love?
Olive Oil
This staple kitchen ingredient works wonders on wooden furniture. Slowly dab a bit of olive oil onto a soft cloth and delicately rub it into your wooden surfaces. It’ll give them a nice, polished shine and help protect the wood. It also performs on leather—just don’t overdo it, or your couch might start smelling like a salad.
Cornstarch
Combine a tablespoon of cornstarch with a cup of vinegar in a microwave-safe container and heat it just enough to get warm. Once it’s ready, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and give those surfaces a good spritz. Let it sit for about five minutes to break down the grime, then wipe everything clean.
Salt
If grease splatters have taken over your kitchen, sprinkle salt on the stovetops or pans and let it sit for a few minutes. The salt will soak up the grease, making it easier to wipe away. Salt also works wonders on red wine spills—but act fast and scatter it on the stain before it sets!
Coffee Grounds
Do you have a funky smell lingering in your fridge or garbage disposal? Place a plate of used coffee grounds in your fridge or sprinkle them in your garbage disposal to completely neutralize odors. Thanks to their gritty texture, you can also use them as a gentle abrasive to scrub away stubborn grime on pots and pans.
Tea Bags
After brewing a pot of tea, save the used bags, let them dry, and then place them in spots prone to foul odors, like your fridge, shoe cabinet, or trash bin. The tea leaves naturally absorb and neutralize unpleasant smells to leave your space smelling fresher. You can also use them to clean and shine wooden surfaces.
Flour
To shine up stainless steel, sprinkle a bit of flour on a dry surface and buff it with a soft cloth until you get a gleaming finish. It’s particularly effective on stainless steel sinks. Flour can also be used to polish copper and brass items—mix it with a bit of salt and vinegar to make a paste, then rub it on the metal before buffing it clean.
Rice
If you have ever painstakingly tried to clean a narrow-necked bottle or jar, this one is for you. Add a handful of rice, a bit of water, and a drop of dish soap to your jar, then shake it thoroughly. The rice will scrub the inside of the jar clean, reaching places your sponge can’t.
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