Thursday, 24 March 2016

Five Common Natural Cleaning Products Used at Home

It is essential to keep homes clean and germ free. This allows people to live in safe and healthy environments. Today, many people are going green and getting rid of the many cleaning products found in most homes. Using natural cleaning products ensures safety from side effects such as asthma and toxicity that may be caused by industrial chemicals. One is able to breath in clean air and ensures their home has a fresh smell. Therefore, it is highly advisable to use natural and green cleaning products to protect one's health and home as well as the environment at large.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a commonly used cleaning agent. The naturally occurring mineral (sodium bicarbonate) has numerous cleaning properties. It easily cuts through grease stains since it reacts with other fatty acids forming mild detergents. It softens water, whitens laundry and removes stains. It is abrasive in nature hence does not scratch kitchen and tile surfaces.

2. Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice has citric acid that deodorizes, brightens whites in laundry and kitchens, inhibit mold growth, cleans glass, removes stains as well as disinfects toilets. It is used to clean bathrooms since it removes grouting on tiles, cleans edges and also shower heads. It also removes grime that accumulates at the base of taps.

3. Salt

Salt is a disinfectant and gently abrasive. It is mainly used for cleaning stained utensils and clearing drains. When used with baking soda, salt cuts through grease. It also removes tough burn marks from edges of dishes and staining in china ware. Salt and cold water whitens bread boards when used daily.

4. Washing Soda

Washing soda is a naturally occurring product called sodium carbonate. It has been used for hundreds of years and is a stronger base compared to baking soda. Therefore, it the preferred choice for cleaning tough stains like petrol and grease found on garage floors. It also softens water.

Washing soda is used for cleaning painted walls, kitchen surfaces and hard floors. Its high level of alkalinity allows it to be used for removing stains on clothes and tough fabrics. Care should be taken when using this cleaning agent. Gloves and masks are highly advised when handling washing soda.

5. White Vinegar

This is one of the most versatile natural cleaning agents available. It has acetic acid that quickly dissolves calcium, which builds up in coffee pots, dish washers, kettles, shower screens, windows and sinks. It also cuts through grease. Vinegar forms scum when mixed with soap that carries away foul odor when it evaporates. This makes it a popular toilet and bathroom cleaner. White vinegar mixed with olive oil removes wood stains. Mixed with baking soda or salt, it polishes copper and brass. Finally, white vinegar mixed with water and salt is a good cleaning compound. Recommended resource for further reading.

When going all natural during home cleaning, it is not enough to simply use natural cleaning products. Rather it is important to consider using natural cleaning tools as well. These include bristle brushes, linen cloths, cellulose sponges, elbow grease, steel wool and old garments as rugs.