- 1. White Vinegar:
- Use: All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, fabric softener, and mildew remover.
- How to Use: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle for an effective all-purpose cleaner. For glass, use more vinegar than water.
- 2. Baking Soda:
- Use: Scouring agent, deodorizer, carpet cleaner, and unclogging drains.
- How to Use: Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces and scrub with a damp sponge. For drains, pour baking soda followed by vinegar.
- 3. Lemon Juice:
- Use: Natural disinfectant, stain remover, and deodorizer.
- How to Use: Use lemon juice to clean countertops, cutting boards, or mix with olive oil for a natural wood polish.
- 4. Castile Soap:
- Use: Gentle yet effective soap for personal care or cleaning.
- How to Use: Dilute with water for use as a body wash, shampoo, or all-purpose cleaner.
- 5. Hydrogen Peroxide:
- Use: Disinfectant, stain remover, and whitener.
- How to Use: Use it in place of bleach for whitening clothes or mix with water in a spray bottle for a disinfectant.
- 6. Essential Oils:
- Use: Adding fragrance, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
- How to Use: Add a few drops to any of the above solutions for added scent and effectiveness. Tea tree, lavender, and lemon are popular choices.
- 7. Cornstarch:
- Use: Window cleaner, furniture polish, and carpet cleaner.
- How to Use: Mix with water to create a window cleaning solution or sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming.
- 8. Olive Oil:
- Use: Furniture polish and stainless steel cleaner.
- How to Use: Mix with lemon juice or vinegar for a furniture polish or use a small amount on a cloth to clean stainless steel.
- 9. Salt:
- Use: Scouring agent, deodorizer, and stain remover.
- How to Use: Use salt on its own or mix with other ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar for scrubbing and cleaning.
- 10. Rubbing Alcohol:
- Use: Disinfectant and window cleaner.
- How to Use: Mix with water for a disinfecting surface cleaner or use to clean windows and mirrors for a streak-free shine.
Remember, when using these alternatives, always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not damage the surface. Additionally, some of these ingredients, like vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, should never be mixed with bleach as it can create harmful gases.
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