How to make cleaning products at home? That's how our grandmothers did it
It's time for the autumn clean-up. Have you ever run out of a cleaning product? Or are you wary of using toxic chemicals? Do they scratch your throat? Sting your eyes? Do they make you cough? Do they cause skin rashes? Are you more interested in health and environmentally friendly solutions made from natural ingredients? Or do you simply like to try out home remedies? Then you could use some tried and tested, quick-to-make recipes. Open a window, put on some rubber gloves and get cracking!
First, 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 epidemic, it's definitely useful to know how to make a natural disinfectant at home. What ingredients can you even think of?
A tea tree oil can be one of the best choices. It is a popular disinfectant with antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. With just half a litre of water and a few drops of tea tree oil, you can make your first all-purpose cleaner that also disinfects. Of course, it's no problem to 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 workers good for?
What can you cook with in the kitchen?
The baking soda, baking powder and water is great for cleaning the oven and hob. To the baking soda, add a little baking powder and just enough water to make a thick paste. For stubborn stains, leave it on for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
Salt and water can also be effective, surprising as it may seem. Mix up a salt and water solution and try it! Or simply sprinkle salt on the surface to be cleaned and rub it with a wet sponge!
What makes your bathroom shine?
Citric acid or vinegar are excellent water softeners. They are good for cleaning tiles and baths, polishing taps and shower heads. Just add 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid to half a litre of water, or 1/3 of vinegar to 2/3 of water, and shine!
Lemon juice and vinegar can already tackle greasy stains, soap residue and even mildew. Together they make a super all-purpose cleaner. To make it, pour half a cup of vinegar and the squeezed juice of a lemon into a spray bottle. Let the liquid sit for a few minutes and then you're ready to use. Spray it on problem areas, then wipe well with a towel!
Baking soda, citric acid and lemon oil also makes a very powerful bleach, disinfectant and deodorant cleaner that fizzes when poured down the toilet. To do this, mix equal amounts of both baking soda and citric acid, then drizzle with a few drops of oil. Spread it over the toilet bowl, leave for 10-15 minutes, then brush it well before flushing it with water.
What makes the window and mirror clean?
Vinegar and water our grandmothers used to clean the windows and mirrors with an equal mixture of vinegar and water, and then wipe the surfaces dry with newspaper.
Lemon juice and water if you don't have vinegar at home, or you hate the smell of vinegar, which is only noticeable for a few minutes and then disappears.
What works on wood surfaces, parquet and marble?
Black soap and lukewarm water is the best way to keep delicate, natural surfaces clean. Dissolve two tablespoons of black soap concentrate (it's a very thick olive oil) in half a litre of lukewarm water, then pour into a spray bottle and use on wooden surfaces. You'll see, they'll shine. To wash up, add a tablespoon of black soap concentrate to 4 litres of lukewarm water and wash up! The degreasing effect will be powerful.
What to clean the drain with?
Baking soda and boiled water can be effective for cleaning drains. Mix boiled water with baking soda and pour the mixture down the drain. For a stronger effect, you can also sprinkle the baking soda directly down the drain, just don't be alarmed if it starts to fizz. Finally, after waiting a few minutes, pour a big splash of boiling water over it and that problem is solved.
The baking powder and boiled water also works if you don't have baking soda at home.
What to clean your carpet with?
Salt and cold water will remove stains after you have dusted or vacuumed the carpet.
The cornmeal 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.
The baking soda noticeably repels odours. Sprinkle it on the carpet and vacuum after half an hour.
What to use for washing?
The washing soda an old, well-known detergent that ensures it won't cause irritation to even the most sensitive skin. Just dissolve two tablespoons of washing soda in a little lukewarm water and you've got your liquid detergent. If your clothes are very stained, add another tablespoon of baking soda and you're ready to wash.
Vinegar and citric acid is an excellent substitute for rinses and, as incredible as it sounds, no odour is left behind. To do this, just add a tablespoon of citric acid to 1.5 dl of vinegar.
And sunlight is disinfectant, so spread out in the sun and let nature take care of you!
