Here’s how to use them safely and effectively in your home:
Vinegar:
Vinegar is a rich source of acetic acid – this is a mild, natural acid that can kill bacteria and mould as well as breaking through soap scum and dirt. Most types of vinegar are excellent cleaning agents – look for white, distilled or apple cider vinegar, but avoid balsamic (unless you want black, streaky stains on your benchtop!).
Vinegar can be used for a variety of purposes – air-freshener, multi-purpose spray or bathroom disinfectant. Some people choose to use it on its own, but you can also add essential oils and natural perfumes to take away the mild vinegar smell.
Vinegar surface cleaner: Mix 500ml distilled vinegar with 10 drops of essential oil (lavender or rosemary). Shake well. Pour into spray bottle.
Bicarbonate of soda:
Bicarb soda, or sodium bicarbonate is made from soda ash – a compound that can be mined or processed from sodium chloride. It’s an excellent cleaning agent because it has alkaline properties, which cause dirt and grease to dissolve easily. It also works well to neutralize odours, and doesn’t have the strong, distinctive smell that vinegar carries.
Bicarb soda can be used almost anywhere throughout the house. It can be scattered on carpet prior to vacuuming to neutralize carpet odours, or interspersed through the bathroom, and then wipe clean with a hot wet cloth. It’s also an excellent replacement for a cleaning cream cleanser on your stove top or oven.
Oven cleaner cream cleanser: Simply mix bicarb soda with hot water to make a thick paste. This can be spread over the stovetop, oven or benchtop to remove grease and grime. Leave to rest (for tough stains, let it rest overnight), then wipe clean with a fresh cloth.
Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice is one of the most refreshing scents to enjoy in the home, it also works as an excellent cleaning agent and is environmentally friendly as well (especially if you grow your own lemons!).
Lemons are naturally high in citric acid, which gives them a low (acidic) pH. They also contain natural antibacterial properties, which work to kill germs on most surfaces.
You can use lemon juice as an air-freshener, surface cleaner, dish detergent, rinsing aid (in your washing mashine or dishwasher), or even to clean and shine metals such as brass or copper. Mixed with baking soda and vinegar it makes a superb all-purpose cleaner.
All-purpose cleaner with vinegar, lemon and bicarb soda: Mix together ¼ cup vinegar with 2 ½ tablespoons baking soda and 4 cups of hot water. Squeeze in the juice of 1 small lemon and allow to cool. Pour into spray bottles and label clearly.