You may not realise it now – cleaning products are becoming more expensive! That is why; we should all switch to our Grandma’s thrifty housekeeping hacks – DIY cleaning products.
There are various benefits that we can gain from it, such as:
· There is no need to neither spend on cleaning products ever!
· There is no need to go to the shop because everything that you need is in your kitchen.
These two reasons are pretty attractive and convincing, right?
DIY is quite a trend nowadays. DIY tutorials are available in various online platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. People became even more resourceful due to the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. And one way to kill time while in isolation is to discover how new ways to DIY cleaning.
In this article, I’ll show you how to create DIY cleaning products that can be useful around the house.
Let’s get down to it! First, let’s take a look at some of the versatile items which can be an effective cleaning solution:
White vinegar
Acetic acid or white vinegar is an excellent disinfectant and deodoriser. It has antibacterial properties that can reduce and kill pathogenic bacteria. Dilute vinegar with water and use it to rinse and clean everything in the house. Due to its acidic nature vinegar is commonly used as an eco-friendly cleaning product. The acidic compounds in vinegar make it an excellent choice for removing stains and stubborn built-up grime.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a mild alkali, which can remove dirt and grease quickly. It is also mildly aggressive and can lift dirt for easy removal when sprinkled on a surface. Sprinkle baking soda on the surfaces of your home for easy dirt and stain removal.
Baking soda is also a gentle cleaner, making it great for cleaning fragile surfaces such as glass, marble and plush carpets.
Lemon
Lemon has a citric acid which makes it an effective natural cleaning. Dilute lemon juice with water and use it to wipe everything in the house. Like vinegar, it’s antibacterial properties are great for cleaning and removing built-up grime and stains. Not to mention it makes your house smell great.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant that kills viruses and bacteria. It can also remove stains whitens almost anything. Spray hydrogen peroxide on household items for sanitization and disinfection. We use hydrogen peroxide especially in our bathrooms to disinfect toothbrushes, tongue scrapers and toothbrush holders.
Liquid dish soap
Liquid dish soap can remove grease and oil from pots and plates. It is also one of the safest cleaning products. Use the liquid dish soap to clean everything in your home. If you can’t
Corn-starch
Corn-starch is an effective product for removing stains from clothing, remove carpet stains and odour and is also an effective deodoriser. To create a nonabrasive cleaner, mix 1 part water and two parts corn-starch in a container.
Tea tree oil
Essential oils are great for cleaning, not only do they smell great but they have antimicrobial properties. Teatree oil is quite versatile. It purifies the air; it is also an effective deodoriser and a laundry cleaning booster. Combine a teaspoon of tea tree oil and a cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray everything in the house to prevent mould and mildew.
Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is an excellent cleanser; however, you need to learn proper usage to avoid misuse. Squirt some rubbing alcohol on a damp cloth and dab it gently onto the surface that needs cleaning. Leave it for a few minutes until the dirt disappears.
Salt
Salt can remove grime and stains. It absorbs water, so you don’t have to worry about water spots on your sink. It is also abrasive, which makes it suitable for cleaning. Soak the microfiber cloth in a mixture of salt and vinegar. Use the cloth to wipe counters and insides of your kitchen appliances.
Pro-Tip
Even if they’re all safe to use, you should not mix them. Mixing cleaning products may lead to explosion and damage on the surfaces of your home.
Here are some of the cleaning products that you never should mix:
· Hydrogen peroxide + vinegar
· Lemon + vinegar
· Baking soda + vinegar
· Bleach + vinegar
· Bleach + rubbing alcohol
Advantages of DIY Cleaning Products
DIY cleaning products are safe.
DIY cleaning products are safe to use. It will not harm the health of your children and pets. Also, you don’t have to worry about damaging the sensitive surfaces of your home.
It saves money and time.
With DIY cleaning products, you don’t have to spend because most of the ingredients are available at home. Also, there is no need to go out to find the ingredients which makes it more convenient in today’s pandemic situation.
You know what’s in it!
You control the content and strength. Since you’ve made it from scratch you can rest assured knowing that the active cleaning chemicals in the product are safe for your family and pets.
They are effective.
DIY cleaning products are effective. They can naturally remove dirt, grime, stains and improve air quality in your home, as well.
One final bonus tip!
If you’re serious about creating your own cleaning products, conduct research! You’ll find the information that you need online. There are various video tutorials that you can access on YouTube, which can guide you in the making of your DIY cleaning products. Lastly, consult a professional. If it doesn’t feel right, do not do it! So, are you ready to create your own DIY cleaning products?