House cleaning doesn’t have to involve toxic products or hours of scrubbing. You can clean anything quickly, safely, and economically with some natural cleaning products available in your pantry. Here’s our collection of 11 safe and effective cleaning hacks that demonstrate how everyday household items like lemon, baking soda and vinegar can get the job done, from polishing appliances to cutting grease and odor removal.

All the hacks get the job done but have safety as the forefront. You will also find easy and quick instructions that can be used for busy workplaces. Majority of these cleansers are items that are nontoxic and biodegradable, a huge win for kids, pets and the planet. So grab your gloves and let’s begin with some easy natural cleaning hacks you can use right now!

1. Toothpaste for Stainless Steel

Stainless steel sinks and appliances can start to look dull and streaky after a while. Instead of reaching for a chemical-filled polish, just use plain white toothpaste, in a non-gel formula to make the steel clean and shiny again.

Use an abundance about the size of a dime and put it on a clean, soft cloth.
Using circular motions, rub the toothpaste over the surface, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Buff the surface dry and you’ll have a streak-free shine.

Why it works: Toothpaste has mild abrasives that will remove dirt without scratching the surface.

2. Fabric Softener + Alcohol for Wrinkle-Free Clothes

Did you forget to iron last night? Don’t worry, here’s a quick solution.

Mix 1 part of fabric softener, 2 parts of water, and a splash of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
Lightly spray the wrinkled laundry.
Either smooth the wrinkles from the clothing with your hand, or hang the item to dry.

One warning: Don’t do this with delicate fabrics (wool, silk, etc.), etc.

3. Baking Soda + Vinegar for Drains

Got a clogged drain? Don’t waste your money on toxic drain cleaners. Make a homemade solution.

Pour down the drain ½ cup of baking soda.
Next, pour ½ cup of white vinegar on top.
Let it fizz for 10 minutes and then flush with hot water.

Bonus: This combination will remove odors in the drain pipes too!

4. Lemon + Salt for Rust Removal

If you have rusty tools or bathroom fixtures, use lemon and remove the rust in no time. Lemon juice contains citric acid which breaks down rust, and salt acts as a mild abrasive

Simply sprinkle salt on the rust and squeeze lemon juice over it.
Let it sit for 2-3 hours then scrub with a brush and rinse.

5. White Vinegar for Hard Water Stains

Hard water leaves horrible white stains on faucets and showerheads. Dreadful stains that seem impossible to dissolve away.

White vinegar will dissolve them away in no time!
Wrap a cloth around the stained area that has been soaked in vinegar.
Let it sit for 30 minutes then scrub lightly.
Rinse with water.

Pro Tip: For showerheads, fill a small plastic bag with vinegar and secure it over the showerhead with a rubber band overnight.

6. Baking Soda for Odor Control

Baking soda is not only used for baking but it can also be used as a natural deodorizer. Here’s how you can use it to control odor in trash cans, refrigerators, carpets and rugs.

Place an opened box of baking soda in the refrigerator somewhere kids cannot reach.
Sprinkle a handful of baking soda all over the carpet, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuum.
Sprinkle some baking soda into the bottom of your trash can before you put the bag in.

7. Hydrogen Peroxide for Disinfection

3% hydrogen peroxide is a perfectly safe disinfectant. All you have to do is spray the following with hydrogen peroxide and let them sit for 5 minutes before wiping them clean:

Countertops
Cutting boards
Sinks

Bonus: Hydrogen peroxide is helpful for getting stains out of white fabric too!

8. Dish Soap + Warm Water for Greasy Surfaces

Do you have grease built up on your stove or counter? Don’t worry, here’s what you can do to get rid of it:

Mix a drop or two of dish soap in warm water.
Just dab a little on your sponge, scrub, and wipe off.

Bonus: It cuts through the grease like butter, especially from stove tops and countertops!

9. Lemon Water for Microwave Cleaning

Does your microwave look like a food bomb went off? Try this:

Fill a bowl with 1 cup of water + 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Place on high for 3-5 minutes or until you see it steaming.
The cloth should glide through the microwave – everything that stains will be so easy to wash away.

Bonus: Your microwave will not only look clean but also smell fresh as new.

10. Mild Soap for Delicate Surfaces

If you are cleaning glass, marble, or wood, skip the harsh cleaners. Use the following mixture and get streak-free and damage-protected surfaces.

Mix 1 tsp. mild liquid soap to 1 quart of warm water.
Clean gently with a soft cloth.

11. Microfiber Cloth for Dusting

Using just a regular cloth to dust leaves you just spreading the dust around. Microfiber cloths do a much better job of pulling the dust in.

For electronics and furniture, use them dry.
For an extra dusty surface, dampen the cloth before using it.

Pro tip: These work best if you wash them separately!

Safety Tips:

Safety always comes first! Here are some simple but important safety practices to observe when working with cleaning products of any strength (even weaker ones) for a clean, safe home:

Never combine bleach and vinegar or bleach and ammonia no matter what the circumstances are because its fumes are poisonous.
Always test in an inconspicuous area if you’re going to clean a delicate surface with any of the above-mentioned products.
Always wear gloves so you protect your sensitive skin.
Read the labels and instructions or directions given by the manufacturer.
Always ventilate the area and open windows before cleaning. You can use a fan too, if the cleaner has a really strong smell.

Keep in mind, “the safest cleaning strategy is to only use one product at a time” and follow guidance on container labels.

Conclusion:

Cleaning your home can be practically effortless and safe while you have a busy schedule. These 11 safe and effective cleaning hacks show you that you can achieve amazing results without spending money on toxic chemicals. So, try out a few of these DIY cleaning tips and hacks and share them with your friends. Let us know what worked best for you and them. Happy cleaning!

11 Safe and Effective Cleaning Hacks for a Sparkling Home