How to make cleaning products at home? Our grandmothers did it this way
It's time for a big autumn cleaning. Have you ever run out of cleaning products? Or are you wary of using toxic chemicals? Do they scratch your throat? Do they sting your eyes? Do they trigger coughing? Do they cause skin rashes? Are you more interested in natural, health- and environmentally friendly solutions? Or do you just like to try homemade tricks? Then some old, proven, quick-to-make recipes can come in handy. Open a window, put on rubber gloves and get started!
First of all, how do you make disinfectant at home?
We all remember that disinfectant was in short supply in the spring. So in the shadow of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, it can definitely be useful to know how to make a natural disinfectant at home. What ingredients can you think of?
Tea tree oil can be one of the best choices. It is a popular disinfectant with antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. You can make your first, own, general cleaning product that also disinfects by mixing just half a liter of water and a few drops of tea tree oil. Of course, it is not a problem if you use eucalyptus, grapefruit, orange or peppermint essential oils for this.
But let's not forget about the natural disinfectants that are lurking in most households. Do you have lemon, vinegar, baking soda, or salt? What are these versatile kitchen miracle products good for?
What can you cook with in the kitchen?
A mixture of baking soda, baking powder, and water works great for cleaning your oven and stovetop. Add a little baking powder to the baking soda and just enough water to make a thick paste. For stubborn stains, leave it on for a few minutes before wiping with a damp cloth.
The combination of salt and water can also be effective, as surprising as it may seem. Mix up a salt-water solution and try it! Or simply sprinkle salt on the surface to be cleaned and rub it with a damp sponge!
What makes the bathroom shine?
Citric acid or vinegar are excellent descaling agents. They work well for cleaning tiles and bathtubs, and for polishing faucets and shower heads. Just add 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid to half a liter of water, or 1/3 vinegar to 2/3 water, and you're off to a sparkling start!
A mixture of lemon juice and vinegar can tackle grease stains, soap scum, and even mold. Together, they make a great all-purpose cleaner. To do this, pour half a cup of vinegar and the juice of one lemon into a spray bottle! Let the liquid sit for a few minutes, and then you can use it. Spray it on the problem surfaces, then wipe it off with a cloth!
Mixing baking soda, citric acid, and lemon oil together makes a very effective, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing cleaner that will start to fizz when poured into the toilet. To do this, mix equal amounts of baking soda and citric acid, then stir in a few drops of oil. Sprinkle it in the toilet bowl, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then scrub it well with a brush before rinsing with water.
What will clean the window and mirror?
Our grandmothers scrubbed windows and mirrors clean with an equal mixture of vinegar and water , then wiped the surfaces dry with newspaper.
You can also try a mixture of lemon juice and water if you don't have vinegar at home or you hate its smell, which usually only lasts for a few minutes and then disappears.
What works on wooden surfaces, parquet and marble?
The combination of black soap and lukewarm water is the best solution for keeping delicate, natural surfaces clean. Dissolve two tablespoons of black soap concentrate (this is a very thick olive oil) in half a liter of lukewarm water, then pour it into a spray bottle and use it on wooden surfaces. You will see, they will shine. To mop, add a tablespoon of black soap concentrate to 4 liters of lukewarm water and mop! The degreasing effect will be strong.
What do you use to clean the drain?
Baking soda and boiled water can be effective for cleaning drains. Mix boiling water with baking soda, then pour the mixture down the drain! For a stronger effect, you can sprinkle baking soda directly into the drain, just don't be alarmed if it starts to fizz. After waiting a few minutes, finally pour a large amount of boiling water down the drain, and this problem is solved too.
A combination of baking powder and boiled water also works if you don't have baking soda at home.
How do you clean the carpet?
Salt and cold water will remove stains after you've dusted or vacuumed the carpet.
Cornstarch can also be successful in this area. Pour the grits on the stain, let it swell, then vacuum it up and the stain will be gone.
Baking soda also noticeably eliminates odors. Sprinkle it on the carpet and vacuum it up after half an hour!
What do you use for washing?
Washing soda is an old, well-known detergent that ensures that it will not cause irritation even to those with sensitive skin. Just dissolve two tablespoons of washing soda in a little lukewarm water and your liquid detergent is ready. If your clothes are very stained, add another tablespoon of baking soda and you can start washing.
A mixture of vinegar and citric acid is an excellent substitute for fabric softeners, and as incredible as it may sound, it leaves no odor behind. To do this, simply add one tablespoon of citric acid to 1.5 dl of vinegar.
Sunlight has a disinfectant effect, so stretch out in the sun and trust nature!
