
10 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Hacks You Need to Keep Your Home Sparkling After the Holidays
Jan 17
4 min read
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After the holiday season, your home often looks like a festive battlefield of wrapping paper, ornaments, and leftovers. Cleaning up doesn't have to involve stress and harsh chemicals. Instead, consider these eco-friendly and easy cleaning hacks that can leave your home sparkling clean while being kind to the planet.
1. Lemon Juice as a Disinfectant
Lemon juice is a powerful natural disinfectant and deodorizer. It can be used to clean countertops, cutting boards, and kitchen utensils effectively. Just mix lemon juice with water in a spray bottle. For tougher grime, apply it directly. Let it sit for about five minutes before wiping it off with a cloth. Studies have shown that the citric acid in lemon juice can kill up to 99% of bacteria, making it a highly effective deep cleaner.
Bonus tip 1: Create a Post-Holiday Cleaning Checklist.
2. Baking Soda for Tough Stains
Baking soda is a highly effective stain remover that’s safe for various surfaces in your home, especially carpets and upholstery. To treat a tough stain, create a paste by mixing three parts baking soda to one part water. Apply this paste to the stained area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before gently scrubbing it off. For carpet stains, many have found that this method can reduce visibility by over 80%.
Bonus Tip 2: Declutter Before You Clean.
3. Vinegar: Your Multi-Purpose Cleaner
White vinegar is one of the most budget-friendly and versatile cleaners available. By mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, you can clean everything from windows to tiled floors. This eco-friendly mix can remove grime and mineral deposits, providing a streak-free shine without any toxic chemicals. In fact, vinegar's acidic nature can effectively eliminate up to 82% of mold species, making it invaluable for bathroom cleaning.
Bonus Tip 3: Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions.
4. Olive Oil for Shining Furniture
Give your wooden furniture a gorgeous shine with a simple homemade solution. Combine two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice. This mixture not only polishes wood surfaces but also serves to nourish them. Apply this concoction with a soft cloth and watch how it enhances the natural grain of the wood, leaving it looking revitalized.
Bonus Tip 4: Deep Clean High-Traffic Areas.
5. Essential Oils for Freshness
Essential oils can transform your cleaning routine by providing a natural fragrance. Lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus oils, for instance, can create a pleasant scent in your home without relying on artificial fragrances. Just add a few drops to your cleaning solutions or use a diffuser. Research suggests that eucalyptus oil can reduce airborne bacteria by about 90%, providing both freshness and a cleaner environment.
Bonus Tip 5: Play Some Songs To Make The Cleaning Fun.
6. Cornstarch for Windows and Glass
Achieve streak-free windows with cornstarch. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch in a quart of warm water to create an effective cleaning solution. Apply it with a soft cloth and wipe clean. Users report that this method keeps windows sparkling longer than traditional glass cleaners, with some even noting a 40% reduction in residues.
Bonus Tip 6: Don't Forget The Little Items.
7. Coffee Grounds for Odor Absorption
Coffee grounds are surprisingly effective at absorbing unwanted odors. Simply place a bowl of dried grounds in your fridge, pantry, or any area with musty smells. Coffee grounds can neutralize odors and also add a pleasant coffee aroma. Many find that a single bowl can work for several weeks before needing to be replaced.
Bonus Tip 7: Clean Each Area Once And Thoroughly.
8. Soda for Cleaning Toilets
Soda can do more than quench your thirst; it can also freshen your toilet! Pour a can of soda directly into the toilet bowl and let it sit for an hour. The carbonation will help break down tough stains and grime. Many homeowners report that they can achieve an impressively clean toilet with minimal effort. After scrubbing and flushing, you'll see a noticeable difference.
Bonus Tip 8: Don't Forget The Outside Of Your Home.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide as a Stain Remover
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful stain remover that works well on both fabrics and surfaces. For best results, apply it directly to the stain and wait a few minutes before rinsing. Make sure to test it on an inconspicuous area first, as it can bleach certain fabrics. Many users rely on it to tackle grass stains, which can fade significantly, often by over 70% with just one application.
Bonus Tip 9: Reward Your Self For A Job Well Done.
10. Get professional Cleaning Services
If you are short on time or prefer to leave the cleaning to the professionals, consider hiring a reputable cleaning company that understands deep cleaning and eco-friendly cleaning to help you out.
Embracing a Cleaner Home
Cleaning up after the holidays can be a daunting task, but these eco-friendly hacks make the process easier and more enjoyable. By using natural ingredients like lemon, vinegar, and baking soda, you can maintain a sparkling home while contributing positively to the environment. Remember to Declutter and
stay organized. Adopt these tips to keep your space fresh and welcoming throughout the year.
Happy cleaning!
Baking soda is always a go-to agent for me. It works like magic!