Looking for a chemical free solution to cleaning up your home? We’ve compiled a short list for some of those more common household tasks that can be done chemical free!
Make an All Purpose Cleaner
An all purpose cleaner will give nearly every household surface that shine. Using a combination of 4 tablespoons of baking soda for every litre of warm water will give you the right balance in your all purpose cleaner. Simply formulate your mix in a reusable spray bottle and wipe with a sponge.
Remove that Pet Smell
As much as you love your pets, we are sure you don’t love that pet smell on those soft, cushy places they love to lay on around the house. The easy fix on removing this smell is to sprinkle these surfaces with baking soda and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Vacuum the baking soda up afterwards and the smell should be removed.
Clear that Clogged Drain
Drains have a habit of building up waste over time and slow drainage. When you notice this happening, put ½ a cup of baking soda down the drain and follow it up with ½ a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a wet cloth to contain the reaction of the two products. Whilst waiting, boil hot water and after 10 minutes and flush the drain with it.
Remove Cutting Board Stains
If your cutting board has those extra tough stains, sprinkle the board with baking soda then cut a lemon in half and run the lemon over the board using a bit of elbow grease along the way. Give the board a good rinse afterwards and the stains will be as good as gone.
Clean Oral Items
Toothbrushes, mouthpieces, retainers and the like can get smelly as a result of food and product buildup. Since we want to be avoiding using chemicals on items that go into our mouths, baking soda is a much more appropriate alternative. Placing two tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of water, soak the utensils overnight. Simply rinse off in the morning and your items will be clean.
Clean Your Pots and Pans
One of the toughest items to clean are pots and pans that have baked on food residue. Combine vinegar with baking soda and a scourer you can restore them nicely. Fill the pan or put with water, add a cup of white vinegar and bring the water to boil. Once the water is boiling, add to tablespoons of baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes. Once you empty the pot or pan give it a good scrub. If that doesn’t do the job, create a baking soda paste and apply directly on the affected area and scrub.
Clean your Microwave
Have you just cooked some curry or fish in your microwave and stunk it out? Add two tablespoons of baking soda to a bowl of water and microwave it for about 2 minutes. The steam from the baking soda and water mix will deodorise and loosen up the stains inside the microwave. Give the microwave a wipe down afterwards and the job is done.
Deodorise Sports Gear
Most of us sweat when we train and play sports and generally our feet let out quite a bit of sweat too. Over time our shoes can get a bit smelly. Best way to fix this is to sprinkle some baking soda in the souls of the shoes, let it sit overnight and shake them out in the morning.
Clean Marked Up Walls
Perhaps some of us have kids or we have high use areas that lead to the walls getting marked inadvertently. Make a paste of baking soda and water and use a rag to scrub off the marks.
Clean your Carpets
Carpets are the perfect place to capture dirt, oil, pet hair, food and much more… This can be bad for the indoor area and can contribute to allergies. Sprinkle liberal amounts of baking soda across the carpet and let it sit for several hours and vacuum afterwards. This will leave your carpet looking and smelling much fresher.
For further information on how Hire A Butler can help you clean your home or office click here or call 1300 55 33 41.