It’s hard to believe that cleaning products we’ve come to depend on for home cleaning such as Napisan and Spray n’ Wipe didn’t always exist. These modern products are made up of complex chemical combinations however did you know that some foods can produce similar chemicals reactions.
It mainly has to do with acidity levels but also texture found in foods such as salt, and reactions between products for example baking soda and vinegar.
Lemon, baking soda and vinegar are excellent for cleaning however we’ve discovered that onions, herbs, tea, grapefruit and salt can also be used to leave the house looking spick ‘n span.
Below is a list of Foods to Help you Clean your Home:
1. Onion
At a bbq there is always one poor person left to chop up the onions however it can also be used around the home. Here are a few ways:
– Polish metal: On taps and other metal fixtures use a mixture of chopped up raw onion and equal parts water with a damp cloth and rub. Rinse off afterwards.
– Rust: jab the knife into a whole onion and leave for a few moments
– Paint smells: Slice onions and place in a bowl with some water to absorb the smells. Ideally leave overnight if possible.
– Clean bbq: Scrub the onion with a brush to remove the worst of it. Then using a chopped in half onion turn bbq off and run the onion over the grill
2. Herbs
Herbs not only great to add a punch of flavor to your cooking but they can also be added to your home cleaning regime. More than just creating lovely essential oils with rosemary, thyme and mint; herbs such as lemongrass and peppermint have great uses.
Lemongrass can be used to clean glass with it placed in a spritz bottle with vinegar. Simply spray on mirrors or glass and wipe clean. You can also leave the lemongrass mixture in the bottom of vases to clean.
Peppermint is a great natural pest control. Using it around the home will ward you of any ants and mosquitos.
3. Tea
Tea with its tannic acid is great at cleaning wood, aluminium and musty smells.
Floor cleaner
The harsh chemicals found in many floor cleaners can damage your hardwood floor however black tea is a perfect substitute. Providing it’s natural ability to protect and shine, it will extend the life of your flooring.
To mop the floor using a cloth/pad mop you will need to do the following:
1. Make a pot of tea and place in bucket
2. Put in mop and ring out extra liquid (wear gloves if using your hands to protect yourself)
Deodorise outdoor furniture
With wooden or wicker furniture the tea will replace the tannins that are taken out by the harsh sun, this means it will bring it’s lovely brown wooden look back to its full potential.
To clean make a strong pot of tea and pour into bucket half filled with hot water, dip in a broom into the mixture and lightly brush over the furniture. There’s no need to rinse.
4. Grapefruit
An alternative to the fruity smell of an orange, a grapefruit is a perfect substitute and perhaps its best use is as a bath scrub when combined with salt. All you need to do is cut the grapefruit in half and sprinkle with loads of salt and get that elbow grease working.
5. Salt
With it’s grainy texture and ability to be heated to a higher temperature it can be used in a variety of ways but here are a few useful ones we found.
Freshen up sponges: After use, soak sponges in a salt and water solution making them clean and rid of odours.
Carpet stains: Using a paste of ¼ cup of salt and 2 tablespoons vinegar, rub into carpet, leave to dry and then vacuum.
Have you got any other tips? Let us know in the comments below
These sound great, thanks for sharing.
I was surprised when I read this blog, I can’t believe that even an onion can also be useful to clean some of our furniture. Thank you Katie for sharing this unique ideas!
Me too. I’m using onions to polish metal and rust. That is one I assure you. Cheap and easy to find in the kitchen.
Wow! I have no idea that tea can be a substitute at cleaning wood, aluminium, etc. Love this post. Thanks for sharing.