When you’re looking to sell, showing off a clean, well-cared-for home will impress buyers.

Even if you’re not planning to move, it’s important to keep your place clean for your own mental and physical well-being!

Here are three of the tried-and-true natural cleaners.

BAKING SODA

Nope, you don’t need chemical abrasives for many cleaning tasks. Baking soda will do the trick much of the time. Simply dip a stiff-bristled scrub brush into a bowl of baking soda and get scrubbing!

As many know from seeing the ubiquitous box in the fridge, baking soda is also an effective deodorizer. Try sprinkling some into the carpet, allowing time to absorb scents, then vacuuming it up. Fresh and natural!

VINEGAR

Vinegar has gained renewed fame in recent times due to its cleaning power and non-toxicity. As a kid I recall my dad dragging me outside each spring and fall to clean the exterior windows. Vinegar + hot water + squeegee + newspaper was our recipe! I still use it to this day. Newsprint is a fantastic way to get rid of streaks and drips without leaving those little fuzzies behind like cloth can. It’s semi-green in that you’re reusing – but less green in that you might have to go out of your way to buy a paper these days!

Vinegar is also awesome for cutting through soap scum. Mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts hot water to get rid of that pesky film on dishes and in bathrooms.

In combination with baking soda it can clear and deodorize clogged drains. Try 1 cup baking soda followed by one cup hot vinegar. Rinse well after 5 minutes.

A bowl of vinegar can be left out on its own to absorb odors such as those from cooking or from stuffy closets.

 

BORAX

Grandma used it in the laundry, and it will amplify the effectiveness of many detergents. Borax is also wonderful for cleaning walls and baseboards. Dissolve 1 part Borax into 2 parts hot water and then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray down surfaces well, wipe with a damp cloth, and let dry naturally.

Try Borax in the toilet bowl overnight to remove pesky rust stains, and as an alternative to chemicals. Let sit overnight, scrub in the morning and flush your way to a brand new day.

 

There are few people out there who REALLY enjoy cleaning. But most of us love having a clean space after the fact.

Happy Green Cleaning!