Reading Time: 7 minutes 12 Cleaning Product Alternatives That Work
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Cleaning supplies are often harsh chemicals. But it doesn’t need to be that way. Try one of these 12 cleaning alternatives.
From vinegar to lemon juice, these ingredients can help you get the job done, without harsh chemicals. So next time your home needs a good cleaning, reach for one of these natural options!
Table of Contents
Baking Soda Is an Alternative To Harsh Chemicals For Cleaning Counters, Tables, And Floors
Baking soda can be a great alternative to harsh chemicals when cleaning. Whether you have counters, tables, or floors needing cleaning, baking soda can do the job. You can also use baking soda to clean your oven.
Baking soda is especially good at removing stains from mattresses.
Not only is baking soda cheaper than purchasing harsh chemicals, but it’s also safer and better for the environment since no harmful toxins are released upon use.
Additionally, baking soda adds sparkle and shine to surfaces other cleaners may not provide. So next time you’re looking for a cleaning alternative that works, why not try baking soda? You won’t regret it!
White Vinegar Can Be Used To Clean Windows, Mirrors, And Stainless Steel Appliances
White vinegar is a powerful tool for cleaning various surfaces around your home. It can eliminate dirt, grime, and even hard water stains. You can use it to clean windows and mirrors, as the acidic solution helps to prevent streaks and smears.
Additionally, white vinegar can keep stainless steel appliances looking like new.
Utilizing vinegar mixed with distilled water on a microfiber cloth can help prevent debris buildup while delivering an extra shine to these often-used surfaces in any kitchen.
With this eco-friendly cleaning alternative, you can have sparkling windows, mirrors, and appliances without spending a fortune or causing environmental damage.
As parents of 3 little kids, Force of Nature is our go-to all purpose cleaner. It's nontoxic but is EPA approved for use against Covid-19.
We love vinegar, but we use Force of Nature every day.
Lemons Are Perfect For Getting Rid Of Tough Stains On Clothing And Upholstery
Whether on clothes, upholstery, microwaves, or countertops, lemons are a great way to get out tough stains naturally. The naturally occurring acid in the lemon juice can help to break down the stain and make it easier to cleanse with soap and water.
Not only are they an effective cleaning alternative that still works, but they’re also inexpensive and keep harsh chemicals away from your home. Their acidic properties can be harnessed for a refreshing smell when dabbed on door handles throughout your house.
Try different lemon juice and water mixtures for tougher stains. You’ll have no problem getting rid of them with this natural solution!
Rubbing Alcohol Is Ideal For Disinfecting Surfaces Like Door Handles And Light Switches
Rubbing alcohol is the perfect cleaning alternative for disinfecting surfaces to eliminate germs and bacteria.
It’s safe to use on door handles, light switches, countertops, and many other surfaces around the home. Rubbing alcohol can also be used on fabric and upholstery.
It is ideal for disinfecting and removing hard water stains and other stubborn spots. Its antibacterial properties help to clean any surface as it evaporates quickly, leaving a streak-free shine.
Many households make sure that they keep rubbing alcohol in stock as it produces an effective cleaning solution.
Hydrogen Peroxide Can Be Used To Clean Moldy Shower Curtains And Grout Lines On Tile Floors
Hydrogen peroxide is a strong cleaning alternative that many people find compelling when dealing with mold and mildew on shower curtains and in grout lines of tiled floors.
It can work wonders in removing stubborn discolorations caused by bacteria-related problems like those found in bathrooms.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used as an all-purpose cleaner or added to homemade cleaners used to disinfect surfaces throughout the home.
In addition, it has antibacterial properties that make it especially useful for the germs often found in bathrooms: mold, mildew, and other gross substances found to lurk around shower curtains and tile grout.
So don’t just throw out your moldy shower curtain. Instead of throwing money away on new products, try using hydrogen peroxide to clean up the mess!
Cornstarch can be used to dust furniture and absorb spills on carpets or floor mats
Cornstarch is one of the most underrated cleaning alternatives, but it works incredibly well. It can be used to dust the furniture and has tremendous absorption potential that works like a sponge to soak up spills on carpets and floor mats.
To finish the job, you only need a dab of cornstarch sprinkled onto the affected surface, which should absorb the mess nicely. Another benefit of using cornstarch for cleaning is that it leaves no sticky residue behind, so there’s no need to rinse off your carpets or furniture after cleaning.
With its proven effectiveness, cornstarch deserves its spot as one of the best cleaning alternatives!
Gin or vodka as jewelry cleaners
Good old-fashioned gin or vodka can be used to polish and clean your jewelry! The use of common alcohols as a cleaning agent dates back centuries, where, as strong solvents, they have been used to dissolve dirt and rust.
While it is recommended that you test the solution first on an inconspicuous spot on the item to be sure there will not be any damage from the alcohol, many people have found success with cleaning their jewelry this way.
So if you are short on cleaners or need a quick sparkle for your pieces, reach for that bottle of gin and try it!
Related: How to Clean Silver – Easy DIY Silver Cleaners (No Harsh Chemicals)
Shaving cream in place of stainless steel cleaner
Shaving cream is one of the most useful things to clean your stainless steel appliances. While it may seem odd, cleaning and polishing chrome surfaces works wonders.
The ingredients in shaving cream help break down dirt and grease without damaging the delicate surface of stainless steel, leaving it looking shiny and new.
To use shaving cream as a stainless steel cleaner, put a small amount of cream on a damp cloth and rub it over the surface, then wipe with a dry cloth to finish. This cleaning method will help you enjoy your quality appliances for many years.
Related: How To Clean Stainless Steel: Complete Guide Including Do’s & Don’ts
Fabric softener as baseboard cleaner
Fabric softener makes an excellent baseboard cleaner and can be surprisingly effective, even if the results aren’t permanent. Interestingly, you don’t need liquid fabric softener for this task. A few dryer sheets will do just as well!
To use fabric softener to clean baseboards, dampen a cloth with warm water and add a lightly-squeezed dryer sheet to the mix. Your cloth should now be slightly soapy and ready to be used.
Wipe it along the length of your baseboards, making sure to reach any problematic crevices that may contain grime or dirt.
After wiping down all your surfaces, rinse any excess soap with another warm, dampened cloth. This should leave you with sparkling clean baseboards!
Related: DIY Reusable Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets
Toothpaste in place of shoe cleaners
Who knew toothpaste could be an excellent solution for those pesky shoe stains? Toothpaste removes scuff marks and shoe polish stains from leather and canvas shoes.
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering cleaning alternatives, but it could save you money while keeping your shoes looking like new.
First, dampen the area with a cloth to utilize this resource correctly. Apply some white toothpaste on an old toothbrush or clean cloth and gently rub the stained area in circular motions with pressure, applying an even coat across the entire region.
Once you have rubbed the whole surface, allow the paste to sit for several minutes before rinsing it off with a damp cloth – and voilà ; clean shoes.
Coconut oil as a shower cleaner
Coconut oil is a powerful and natural way to keep showers clean. Its low chemical content and natural antibacterial properties make it an ideal cleaning agent for bathrooms that come into contact with bare skin.
Coconut oil can be used as a grout cleaner, glass cleaner, tile surface scrubber, and soap scum remover.
It has the potential to remove mold growth in showers as well, making it a multi-purpose cleaning agent that is both kind to your home and the environment.
Used regularly, coconut oil will help reduce dirt buildup in your shower and prevent hard water stains from accumulating.
Related: DIY Homemade Shower Head Cleaner – No Tools
Witch hazel in place of floor cleaners
Natural cleaning alternatives are a great way to keep your house free of excess chemicals and fragrances. Witch hazel is a powerful astringent commonly used in facial toners, but it also works incredibly well as an effective floor cleaner.
Not only does witch hazel leave your floors looking immaculate, but it can also be used on counters, countertops, and other surfaces around the home!
A combination of equal parts water and witch hazel can be used safely on any surface without fear of tarnishing or chipping away at the material.
As a bonus, using this concoction for cleaning will leave your home with a pleasant smell without an overbearing fragrance. In summary,
Witch Hazel is an all-natural remedy that offers multiple uses around the house- from floor cleaner to facial toners.
You Don’t Need Harsh Chemicals To Clean
Several cleaning alternatives still work great and don’t involve harsh chemicals. The next time you need to do some cleaning, consider reaching for one of these unlikely but effective cleaners.
Have you tried any of these before? What other unorthodox cleaners have you found to be successful?
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Erin is the mother of identical twin girls and their slightly older brother. She is a domestic engineer, and previously had a career leading customer service teams for a major HVAC company. Cleaning without harsh chemicals, and cooking easy and usually healthy meals are part of Erin's daily life. She volunteers with youth leaders, and genuinely wants to help others win. Erin has a degree in Communications, with a focus on Broadcast Journalism.