For scrubbing, baking soda and salt are mild abrasives that can easily take the place of commercial scrubbing powders. Salt is slightly more abrasive but still gentle enough for most surfaces. To mix your own general-use scented cleanser, stir a drop or two of essential oil into baking soda or salt using a wire whisk. Store the mixture in a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. As the fragrance fades, refresh it with another drop of oil. Now to tackle that grime: Use this all-purpose, all-natural vinegar cleaner: mix 1 cup vinegar, 2 teaspoons borax, 4 cups hot water, 5 drops liquid dish soap, 10 drops tea tree oil, and if desired, 10 drops your favorite essential oil. Read on for more natural cleaning ingredients to put to use in your home. And before you dive in, know that some cleaners (especially acidic ones) should not be used on certain surfaces and materials, such as marble and granite. Follow specific care guides for these materials, and when in doubt, always test a cleaner in an inconspicuous spot before cleaning. To remove rust or food stains on countertops, rub a cut lemon over the spot or squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the area and let it sit for up to 30 minutes.
Clean Your Home with Vinegar
Ammonia: Dilute 1 tablespoon of ammonia in a pint of water for a strong grease-cutting solution. Liquid Dish Soap: To create a single-use homemade cleaning solution, dissolve a teaspoon of liquid dish soap in a quart of water, then add a teaspoon of vinegar. (Do not add the two at the same time; the acid in the vinegar will neutralize the alkali in the soap.)
