Natural house cleaning: baking soda and its many uses
Natural house cleaning has become increasingly popular over the years as people realize that harsh chemicals are not necessary to properly clean and care for a home. In fact, these more typical commercial cleaners can be abrasive and destructive on some types of materials. Most importantly, many of these cleaners can endanger your health. Respiratory problems and skin problems are especially common risks of using these cleaning products. As this information becomes widespread among the general population, more and more people are turning to green cleaning and natural household cleaning products as an alternative.
There are many natural cleaners and of these, baking soda is one of the best – safe, effective, and versatile. It can be used in different solutions for various household cleaning tasks, including as a spray to clean appliances or countertops, as a paste to clean stoves and bathtubs, and directly to freshen and deodorize a room.
To start using baking soda to clean your home, you will need a couple of recipes. A general purpose cleaner can be made with a couple of teaspoons of baking soda mixed in 2-3 cups of warm water. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the solution to create an even more effective cleaning agent. The ratio of baking soda and water can be adjusted, depending on how dirty the item you are cleaning is. To make a paste, simply mix a little baking soda with a small amount of water to your desired consistency.
Baking soda is an excellent kitchen cleaner. Can be used as a general purpose cleaner on white appliances such as the refrigerator, stove, oven, toaster, microwave, and dishwasher. Also, use it on cabinets and walls to clean dirt and stains. Cut grease in the kitchen and remove stains well. The same solution can be used to clean kitchen counters and backsplashes. If you find a stain on the counter that cannot be easily cleaned, use a little paste solution and the rough side of a sponge to rub it in. It will most likely clean well, as baking soda is very effective on organic stains. Baking soda paste can be used to clean very dirty areas in the kitchen, including the stove (use the paste or general cleaner depending on how dirty the stove is), inside the oven or refrigerator, and the sink. You will be amazed at how easily they clear up!
Baking soda is also a great tool in the bathroom. As in the kitchen, the general cleaner can be used on countertops, cabinets, and walls. Use it on the outside of the toilet for quick and easy cleaning. Sprinkle generously into the toilet bowl and shake with a toilet brush to clean and deodorize. Use a paste solution to scrub the walls of the shower and bathtubs and to clean the bathroom sink. Follow up with a rinse and pat dry and you’re done.
Lastly, baking soda is a wonderfully effective air deodorizer and a much healthier alternative to commercial aerosol air fresheners. To deodorize a refrigerator or freezer, simply leave an open box of baking soda inside. Change boxes regularly and you’ll never have to wonder about that unpleasant smell coming from your open refrigerator again. Similarly, you can spray a generous amount directly down your sink drains to remove unpleasant odors. Do the same for trash cans every time you take out the trash. Wherever you encounter odors in your home, simply leave a box open or spray a little and it will absorb odors quickly and naturally, leaving your home fresh and clean.
Natural house cleaning is a fast growing and healthy trend. Baking soda is an important natural cleaning product due to its versatility and ease of use. It will not harm most materials and is totally safe for you, your family and the environment. Start using it today as a cleaning product in your home and take the first step towards a happier and healthier tomorrow.