Cleaning tips: Baking soda, vinegar and other natural products to keep your home chemical-free

Baking soda is a versatile cleaner that's great for removing tough stains. (Image: Canva)

If you are conscious of the harsh chemicals your cleaning products are sending out into the environment, you can do something about it. Whether you're scrubbing the stove, polishing furniture, or disinfecting surfaces, there are tonnes of chemical-free alternatives that get the job done just as well—if not better.

These natural cleaning hacks use everyday items like baking soda, vinegar, lemons, and even olive oil to tackle grime and stains without all the harsh chemicals. Plus, they smell amazing and are budget-friendly, so you can feel good about what you’re using in your home.

From scrubbing with salt to freshening with essential oils, these hacks are easy, safe, and super effective. Ready to ditch the chemicals and give your home a natural, sparkling clean?

Baking soda for scrub

• Baking soda is a versatile cleaner that's great for removing tough stains, deodorising, and scrubbing surfaces.
• How to use: Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces like sinks, countertops, and stovetops. Use a damp sponge to scrub and then rinse with warm water.
• For stubborn stains: Create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing.

• White vinegar is a powerful natural disinfectant that can be used to clean a wide range of surfaces.
• How to use: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a multi-surface cleaner. It’s perfect for countertops, mirrors, and glass.
• For limescale and soap scum: Use undiluted vinegar to tackle limescale buildup in the bathroom or soap scum on shower doors.

• Lemons are not only great for cooking, but their natural acidity helps cut through grease and grime.
• How to use: Use lemon juice to clean glass and mirrors for a streak-free shine. You can also rub a lemon directly on metal surfaces, like faucets, to remove water stains.
• For grease: Add lemon juice to your dish soap to make it more effective at cutting grease.

• Olive oil can be used to polish wooden furniture, giving it a fresh, natural shine.
• How to use: Combine 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice and apply it to wood furniture with a soft cloth. Buff gently to bring out the shine.

• Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that can be used as a safer alternative to bleach.
• How to use: Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide on cutting boards, countertops, or any surface that needs disinfecting. Leave it on for a few minutes before wiping it clean.

• Cornflour can be used as a natural abrasive to help clean glass surfaces without leaving streaks.
• How to use: Mix 1 tablespoon of corn flour with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of vinegar. Use this solution to clean windows and mirrors.

Essential oils for a fresh scent

• Essential oils not only leave your home smelling fresh but also have natural antibacterial properties.
• How to use: Add a few drops of tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus essential oil to your homemade cleaners for added cleaning power and a fresh scent.

• Salt is a natural abrasive that’s perfect for scrubbing tough stains and deodorising surfaces.
• How to use: Sprinkle salt on cutting boards or in the kitchen sink, then scrub with a damp sponge. It can also be used to scrub cast iron pans.

• Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that can help clean and whiten grout in your bathroom or kitchen.
• How to use: Apply toothpaste directly to grout lines and scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse with water to reveal clean, bright grout.

• Steam is an effective way to clean and sanitise surfaces without any chemicals. A steam cleaner can be used on floors, countertops, and even upholstery.
• How to use: Use a steam cleaner to deep-clean your floors, kitchen appliances, and bathroom surfaces. It’s especially good for removing tough grime and killing bacteria.