Plant-Based All-Purpose Cleaner Hacks for Every Room
Kitchen
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Grease Buster:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
- Application: Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake gently. Spray on greasy surfaces, let sit for a few minutes, then wipe down with a microfiber cloth. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive, while vinegar cuts through grease.
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Freshening the Refrigerator:
- Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 cup of water.
- Application: Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray inside the fridge and wipe with a cloth. Lemon not only deodorizes but leaves a fresh scent.
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Microwave Clean:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 1/2 a lemon, a bowl.
- Application: Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen caked-on food, making it easy to wipe down with a cloth.
Bathroom
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Shower Curtains and Tile:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, a few drops of tea tree oil.
- Application: Mix in a spray bottle. Spray onto the shower curtain and tiles, leaving for 10 minutes before rinsing. Tea tree oil harnesses antifungal properties while vinegar combats mold.
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Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of vinegar.
- Application: Pour baking soda into the toilet bowl followed by vinegar. Let it fizz and sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush. This combo effectively removes stains and disinfects.
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Mirror Shine:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar.
- Application: Spray this mix onto mirrors and wipe with a paper towel or cloth for streak-free shine. The vinegar cuts through any grime or water spots.
Living Room
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Dusting Spray:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 10 drops of lemon essential oil.
- Application: Mix in a bottle and shake well before use. Spray onto furniture and wipe with a cloth. The olive oil polishes wood surfaces while lemon leaves a refreshing scent.
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Odor Neutralizer:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of baking soda, a few drops of essential oil (lavender or eucalyptus).
- Application: Mix and place in a bowl or sprinkle on carpets and upholstery. Let sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming to eliminate odors.
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Fabric Freshener:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of vodka, 10 drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Application: Combine in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your fabrics to refresh and eliminate odors without harsh chemicals.
Bedroom
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Dust Mite Spray:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, a few drops of lavender essential oil.
- Application: Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your bedding and mattresses to deter dust mites while promoting relaxation with lavender.
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Scented Pillow Mist:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of witch hazel, 15 drops of chamomile or lavender oil.
- Application: Mix and spray your pillows lightly before bedtime. This will not only refresh but also promote better sleep.
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Wood Furniture Polish:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of olive oil, 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
- Application: Combine in a spray bottle. Apply to wood furniture and buff it with a clean cloth to restore shine and protect the surface.
Home Office
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Screen Cleaner:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar.
- Application: Mix in a spray bottle and use a soft microfiber cloth to clean your screens. Keep it damp, not soaking, to avoid drips.
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Air Purifying Spray:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vodka, 10 drops of essential oil of your choice.
- Application: Spray lightly around the room. The alcohol disinfects while essential oils improve air quality.
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Organizing Desk Surfaces:
- Ingredients: Equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol.
- Application: Use this mix to clean and disinfect paper files and desk surfaces, ensuring a tidy workspace.
Laundry Room
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Laundry Freshener:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 cup of baking soda.
- Application: Add baking soda to your laundry with vinegar during the rinse cycle. It softens clothes and removes odors.
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Stain Remover:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of liquid castile soap, 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
- Application: Mix and apply directly onto stains before laundering. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes for effective stain lifting.
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Fabric Softener Substitute:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 cup of essential oil (e.g., lavender).
- Application: Add vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine to naturally soften clothes.
Garage
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Floor Cleaner:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 gallon of warm water.
- Application: Mix and use to scrub garage floors using a mop. This combination will lift tough stains without harsh chemicals.
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Tool Cleaner:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dish soap.
- Application: Use this to soak rusty tools. Scrub with a brush, letting the mixture do the work for you by dissolving rust.
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Oil Stain Remover:
- Ingredients: 1 cup of baking soda, enough water to make a paste.
- Application: Apply this paste to oil stains on the garage floor. Allow it to sit for an hour before scraping it off for effective stain removal.
Utilizing these hacks with plant-based all-purpose cleaners not only keeps your home fresh and pristine but also supports a healthier environment. By making these small changes in your cleaning routine, you can enjoy a home filled with natural fragrances and the satisfaction of knowing you are using eco-friendly solutions.
Stick to these economical and sustainable hacks, and transform your cleaning experiences from mundane to invigorating, all while nurturing a chemical-free space for you and your family.