The Ultimate Green Cleaning Hack: Clean Everything in Your Home with These 4 Simple Ingredients

Shannon Quinn - February 13, 2023

Photo: Credit: The Spruce

Cleaning your home can often be a daunting task, especially if you have a busy schedule and don’t have access to a wide range of cleaning products. However, you don’t need to rely on store-bought cleaners that are often filled with harsh chemicals. Instead, you can use common household items like lemon, baking soda, vinegar and salt to clean just about everything in your home. These natural ingredients are safe, effective, and will leave your home smelling fresh and clean. You don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals being used around your kids or pets. Here are some simple cleaning recipes you have probably never tried before.

Toilet Cleaner

Making a toilet cleaner with baking soda and vinegar is a simple and effective way to clean and deodorize your toilet without using harsh chemicals. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the toilet bowl. The mixture will fizz, which is normal. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. Use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl, including the rim and under the rim.

Flush the toilet to rinse away the baking soda and vinegar mixture. If you have any tough stains or mineral buildup in your toilet, you can sprinkle some extra baking soda on the affected areas and then pour a little more vinegar on top, repeating the same process over again. The baking soda and vinegar work together to remove dirt, grime, and stains, while leaving your toilet smelling fresh and clean.

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Microwave Cleaner

Cleaning a microwave with baking soda is a simple and effective way to remove food spills, stains, and odors. Here’s how you do it. Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Be sure to remove all of the baking soda paste.

The steam from the baking soda solution will help soften any food or grease residue, making it easier to wipe away. Rinse the cloth or sponge and wipe the inside of the microwave again to remove any residue. Lastly, dry the inside of the microwave with a clean cloth, and you’re done! The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and helps to break down and remove tough grime, while its deodorizing properties help to eliminate any lingering odors.

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Dish Soap Booster

Never heard of a dish soap booster? The baking soda helps to boost the cleaning power of your dish soap, making it more effective at removing grease, food spills, and other tough grime. It also helps to deodorize your dishes, leaving them smelling clean and fresh. Fill your sink with warm water before adding your dish soap. Swirl it around to create suds.

Next, sprinkle a pinch of baking soda into the suds and stir to combine. Wash your dishes as you normally would, using the suds to clean and sanitize them. This is a really simple way to get your dishes cleaner, especially if you know that they will be particularly tough to clean after a long night of cooking.

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Oven Cleaner

Making an oven cleaner with baking soda is a simple way to remove stubborn stains from the inside of your oven. Before you get started, remove any loose debris from the oven, such as crumbs or baking sheets. Next, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. The consistency should be thick. Spread the paste evenly over the interior of the oven, making sure to cover all stained areas.

Let the paste sit for several hours or overnight. The longer the paste sits, the easier it will be to remove the grime. Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe away the paste. (You may need to use some elbow grease to remove stubborn stains!) Rinse the cloth or sponge and wipe down the inside of the oven to remove any residue. Dry the inside of the oven with a clean cloth.

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Coffee Maker Cleaner

Unfortunately, coffee makers are notoriously hard to clean. But making a coffee maker cleaner with baking soda and vinegar is simple and effective. It removes mineral deposits, stains, and odors from your coffee maker. Fill the water reservoir of your coffee maker with equal parts water and white vinegar. Run the coffee maker as if you were brewing a pot of coffee, but do not put a coffee filter in the basket. Allow the mixture of water and vinegar to run through the coffee maker.

After the coffee maker has run the mixture of water and vinegar, turn it off and unplug it. Allow it to cool completely. Repeat this process. Only this time, fill the reservoir with water and a generous amount of baking soda instead. Rinse the coffee maker several times with fresh water to remove any residue from the vinegar and baking soda.

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All-Purpose Cleaner

During the peak of the Pandemic, every store ran out of Lysol. Making an all-purpose cleaner with lemon is a simple and effective way to clean and deodorize various surfaces around your home. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and lemon juice. Add a few drops of dish soap to the spray bottle and shake to mix.

Spray the all-purpose cleaner onto the surface you wish to clean, and then wipe it down with a cloth or sponge. For tough stains, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping it down. This all-purpose cleaner can be used on a variety of surfaces. The lemon juice helps to remove grease and grime, while the dish soap acts as a surfactant to help break down dirt. The lemon also provides a fresh, natural scent that will leave your home smelling clean and fresh.

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Window Cleaner

Most people buy Windex when they want to clean their windows, but it’s actually possible to make it at home. Making a window cleaner with lemon juice is a simple and effective way to clean and streak-free shine to your windows. First, fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and lemon juice. Next, spray the solution onto the window, and then use a clean, dry cloth to wipe it down. Start at the top of the window and work your way down. For tough stains or grime, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping it down. And for a streak-free shine, use a second clean, dry cloth to buff the window.

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Cutting Board Cleaner

Cleaning a cutting board is tricky. Some people think they need to spray it with Lysol, while others wipe it down in the sink. But making a cutting board cleaner with lemon and salt is an effective and natural way to clean and sanitize your cutting board. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt on the cut side. Rub the lemon on your cutting board, using the salt as an abrasive.

The lemon juice will help remove any food stains and odors, while the salt helps to scrub away any remaining grime. Once you’ve scrubbed the entire surface of the cutting board, rinse it with water to remove any lemon juice and salt. To further sanitize the cutting board, use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, and then rinse the board with water.

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Dishwasher Detergent

Making your own dishwasher detergent with lemon is a simple and effective way to clean your dishes while also taking advantage of the natural cleaning properties of lemon. First, fill a small container with 1 cup of baking soda. Cut 2 lemons into small pieces and add them to a blender or food processor along with 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth. Pour the blended lemon mixture into the container with the baking soda and stir until well combined.

Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the detergent into the dishwasher’s detergent dispenser for each load of dishes. This dishwasher detergent is an effective and natural way to clean your dishes. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to help scrub away food residue and stains, while the lemon juice helps to remove grease and grime and provides a fresh, natural scent.

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Garbage Disposal Cleaner

Cleaning a garbage disposal with lemon is a simple and effective way to remove odors and build-up in your garbage disposal. Here’s how to do it: Cut a lemon into small pieces and add them to the garbage disposal. Turn on the cold water and turn on the garbage disposal, grinding the lemon pieces for about 30 seconds.

Let the lemon and water sit in the disposal for about 10 minutes to help remove any odors and loosen any build-up. Turn on the cold water and the garbage disposal, and continue grinding the lemon and water until the disposal is clear. Rinse the disposal with cold water for a few seconds, and then turn it off.

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Bathroom Cleaner

Making a bathroom cleaner with baking soda and lemon juice is an effective and natural way to clean and sanitize your bathroom. In a spray bottle, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1 cup of water. Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients, and then spray the mixture onto the surfaces in your bathroom that you want to clean.

Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow it to work its magic, and then scrub the surfaces with a scrub brush or a sponge. Rinse the surfaces with water to remove any residue. The lemon juice contains natural antibacterial properties, making this bathroom cleaner a great choice for cleaning and sanitizing your bathroom.

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Cast Iron Skillet Cleaner

If you’ve seen Emily in Paris, you already know that some people are very sensitive about how they clean their cast iron skillets. Using salt is a simple way to remove any residue. First, heat the skillet over medium heat to loosen any stuck-on food. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt into the skillet and use a stiff brush or sponge to scrub the salt into the surface, working in a circular motion.

Once you have scrubbed the entire surface, use a paper towel or a clean cloth to remove the salt. If there is still some residue left, repeat the process until the skillet is clean. Once it is clean, rinse it with hot water and dry it thoroughly. To restore the seasoning on the skillet, add a small amount of oil to the skillet and use a clean cloth to spread the oil evenly over the surface.

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Carpet Stain Remover

Finding a stain on the carpet is horrifying. But it’s basically inevitable when you have pets or kids. Luckily, salt is a natural stain remover. Start by removing any excess solid material from the carpet. Blot up as much of a liquid stain as possible using a clean cloth. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on the entire stained area. Let the salt sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.

The salt will help to absorb the stain, making it easier to remove. Vacuum up the salt. You may need to repeat this step several times to remove all of the salt. If any stain remains, mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Using a clean cloth, blot the solution onto the stained area. Blot the area dry with a clean cloth, and let it air dry.

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Bathtub Scrubber

Most people would never imagine using salt to clean their bathtub. But the abrasiveness of the salt makes it a great scrubber for removing tough grime and stains from bathtub surfaces. And because salt is a natural and non-toxic cleaner, you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals or fumes. Fill a spray bottle with water. Add 1/2 cup of salt to the water and shake well to dissolve.

Spray the salt water solution generously over the surface of the bathtub. Let the solution sit for several minutes. Scrub the bathtub with a scrub brush or sponge, using circular motions to loosen any dirt or grime. Rinse the bathtub with warm water to remove the salt and dirt. Dry the bathtub with a clean cloth.

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Carpet Deodorizer

When you have pets, carpets can get very stinky. Thankfully, making a carpet deodorizer using baking soda is an effective way to keep your carpets smelling fresh and clean. Sprinkle baking soda evenly over your carpet. Be sure to cover the entire carpet surface, including high-traffic areas and areas where pets and kids play. Let the baking soda sit on the carpet for 15-30 minutes.

Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove the baking soda. The baking soda will absorb any odors and dirt, leaving your carpet smelling clean and fresh. You can also add a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or lemon, to the baking soda before sprinkling it on the carpet to give it a pleasant scent.

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Silverware Polisher

Normally, if you want to polish silver, you have to buy a special product. It’s usually very smelly, and makes it difficult to breathe. So finding a natural alternative for polishing silver is amazing. First, line a basin with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Next, fill the basin with warm water and add 1/2 cup of baking soda. Stir until the baking soda is fully dissolved. Place your silverware in the solution, making sure it’s fully submerged. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes.

Remove the silverware from the solution and rinse it thoroughly with water. Dry the silverware with a soft cloth. If your silverware still has tarnish or discoloration, make a paste with 1/4 cup of baking soda and a few tablespoons of water. Rub the paste onto the silverware using a soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a soft cloth.

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Fruit and Veggie Wash

This fruit and veggie wash is a safe and effective way to remove dirt, pesticides, and other contaminants from your produce, without the use of harsh chemicals. The baking soda helps to neutralize any pesticides, while the lemon juice helps to remove dirt and kill bacteria. To make it, you first need to fill a large bowl with water.

Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda and the juice of half a lemon to the bowl. Stir until the baking soda is fully dissolved. Place your fruits and vegetables in the bowl, making sure they’re fully submerged. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse the produce thoroughly with water. Dry the produce with a clean cloth or paper towel.

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Dishrag Deodorizer

Dishrags get very dirty, and they can smell even after you try to clean them in the washing machine. Making a dishrag deodorizer with baking soda is a simple and effective way to keep your dishrags smelling fresh and clean. First, fill a container with 1 cup of baking soda. Add your dishrags to the container, making sure they are fully covered with the baking soda.

Let the dishrags sit in the baking soda for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. Remove the dishrags from the container and shake out the excess baking soda. Wash the dishrags as you normally would, either by hand or in the washing machine. To maintain the fresh scent, sprinkle a little baking soda in with your laundry detergent each time you wash your dishrags.

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Sponge Cleaner

Similar to dishrags, sponges can also get nasty really quickly. Most people just replace their old sponges. But you can extend the life of your products with this cleaner. First, fill a bowl with 1 cup of warm water. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water and stir until it dissolves. Place your sponges in the baking soda solution, making sure they are fully submerged. Let the sponges soak for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, remove the sponges from the solution and rinse them thoroughly with water. If there is still any residue on the sponges, use a stiff brush to scrub it off. Once the sponges are clean, squeeze out any excess water and let them air dry. The baking soda solution will help to kill any bacteria and remove any unpleasant odors, leaving your sponges fresh and clean.

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Comb and Brush Cleaner

A lot of people never stop to think about cleaning their brushes and combs, but you really should. Cleaning combs and brushes with baking soda is a simple and effective way to remove build-up of hair products, oils, and other debris. Fill a bowl with warm water. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water and stir until it dissolves.

Place your combs and brushes in the baking soda solution, making sure they are fully submerged. Let the combs and brushes soak for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the combs and brushes from the solution and rinse them thoroughly with water. If there is still any debris on the combs and brushes, use a stiff brush to scrub it off. Once the combs and brushes are clean, dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth.

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Shower Curtain Cleaner

Over time, shower curtains will get covered in soap scum and mildew. Some people just replace them, since they’re cheap enough to buy. But cleaning a shower curtain with baking soda is an easy and effective way to remove buildup. Fill your bathtub with warm water and add 2 cups of baking soda. Stir the solution to make sure the baking soda dissolves.

Place the shower curtain in the bathtub and let it soak for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, use a stiff brush or sponge to scrub the shower curtain, paying special attention to any areas with heavy buildup. Once you have scrubbed the entire shower curtain, rinse it thoroughly with water. If there is still any buildup, repeat the soaking and scrubbing process until the shower curtain is clean. Hang the shower curtain to air dry, or use a clean cloth to pat it dry.

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Closet Freshener

Does your closet smell bad? Closet fresheners made with baking soda are a simple and effective way to keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean. Fill a small container with 1 cup of baking soda. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda. Some good options include lavender, lemon, or peppermint. Stir the mixture until the essential oil is evenly distributed throughout the baking soda.

Place the container of baking soda and essential oil in your closet, or you can place small sachets in different areas of your closet. The baking soda will absorb any unpleasant odors, and the essential oil will leave your closet smelling fresh and clean. It’s best to replace the closet freshener every 3-4 months, or whenever you notice the scent has faded.

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Litter Box Deodorizer

Unfortunately for cat lovers out there, litter boxes smell very bad…Especially if you’re not cleaning the box properly. But there is a way to prevent your cat from stinking up your home. Baking soda is an excellent natural deodorizer and can be used to keep your litter box smelling fresh and clean. Start by removing any solid waste and cleaning the litter box with warm soapy water.

Rinse the litter box thoroughly and let it dry completely. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom of the litter box, covering the entire surface. Add your usual litter on top of the baking soda. Each time you scoop out the waste, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on top of the litter to help control odor. Once a week, completely empty the litter box and repeat the process, starting with a fresh layer of baking soda.

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Shoe Refresher

Do your shoes stink? Shoe refreshers made with baking soda are a great way to keep your shoes smelling fresh and clean. Fill a small container or a reusable fabric bag with 1 cup of baking soda. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda. Some good options include lavender, lemon, or peppermint. Stir the mixture until the essential oil is evenly distributed throughout the baking soda.

Place the container or fabric bag of baking soda and essential oil inside your shoes. You can also place a small amount of the mixture in each shoe. The baking soda will absorb any unpleasant odors, and the essential oil will leave your shoes smelling fresh and clean. It’s best to replace the shoe refresher every 3-4 months.

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Copper Pan Cleaner

Copper pans are beautiful, expensive, and sophisticated. But the only problem is that most people don’t know how to properly clean them. Did you know you can clean them with salt? Mix 1 tablespoon of salt with enough white vinegar to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the copper pan and use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the surface. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove the salt and vinegar.

Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth. The abrasiveness of the salt combined with the cleaning power of the vinegar makes a great cleaning solution for removing tarnish and restoring the shine of copper pans. Repeat this process as needed to maintain the shine of your copper pans. Note that this method may not be suitable for all types of copper pans, so always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before cleaning.

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Drain Cleaner

Here’s how to make a drain cleaner using baking soda, lemon, and vinegar. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the drain. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug or stopper and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to flush away the mixture.

This simple, natural drain cleaner uses the cleaning power of baking soda, lemon, and vinegar to clear clogs and freshen up drains. The baking soda and lemon work together to break down grease and other buildup, while the vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant. Repeat this process as needed to keep your drains running smoothly.

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Non-Stick Cookware

A lot of people buy non-stick cookware. Based on the name, they assume that it should be easy to clean…But it’s not always. Here’s how to clean non-stick cookware with baking soda. Fill the cookware with warm water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Let the mixture soak for 10-15 minutes. Scrub the surface of the cookware with a soft sponge or cloth.

Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool as they can scratch the non-stick surface. Rinse the cookware thoroughly with warm water and dry with a clean cloth. Baking soda is a gentle yet effective cleaning agent that can help remove buildup from non-stick cookware. For stubborn stains, you can increase the amount of baking soda and let the mixture soak for a longer period of time. Just be sure to rinse the cookware thoroughly to remove all the baking soda before using it again.

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Glass or Ceramic Baking Dishes

If you cook a lot, you probably own a ceramic or glass baking dish for casseroles. But these typically have to be cleaned by hand, and they’re a real pain in the neck. Here’s how to clean baking dishes with baking soda and salt. Fill the baking dish with warm water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of salt. Let the mixture soak for 10-15 minutes.

Scrub the surface of the baking dish with a soft sponge or cloth to remove food residue, stains, and other buildup. For stubborn stains, you can sprinkle some additional salt on the surface and scrub it with a damp cloth. Rinse the baking dish thoroughly with warm water and dry with a clean cloth. Just be sure to rinse the dishes thoroughly to remove all the baking soda and salt before using them again.

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Car Battery Cleaner

If your car battery is covered in acid, here’s how you can clean a battery with baking soda. Mix a solution of equal parts baking soda and water in a bowl. The solution should have a consistency similar to that of toothpaste. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and use it to clean the battery terminals. Make sure to scrub thoroughly, paying extra attention to any corrosion that may have built up on the terminals.

After cleaning the terminals, rinse the cloth and use it to wipe down the rest of the battery to remove any residue from the baking soda solution. Dry the battery thoroughly with a clean cloth. Note that this method is suitable for cleaning car batteries and other lead-acid batteries. For other types of batteries, such as alkaline or lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning a battery.

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