Detergents, floor cleaners, stain removers, ammonia, grease solvents, window cleaners, oven cleaning foams… the list of chemical products that “help keep your home clean, germ-free and looking good” is long and can absorb a considerable part of your monthly budget, but many times they could be replaced with things you even have in your refrigerator.
Some cleaning products are purchased in anticipation of a one-off problem, and after being used, they are left forgotten in some corner of the house, until the problem recurs months or even years later, and they are no longer useful because they have dried out, become damaged or have passed their expiration date.
There are a number of substances that do not pollute, are always at hand and can be used to clean the home, without having to take risks or spend a lot of money. It is just a matter of knowing them and taking advantage of them. Here we give you ten fabulous cleaning solutions with natural and super accessible substances.
1. According to Silvia Ribas Hidalgo, an expert in economics and domestic management, the kitchen extractor hood can be cleaned and degreased with the help of a citrus fruit that is very common in most kitchens and available all year round: lemon. You should boil the juice of three or four lemons. In addition to being aromatic, the steam it generates is an excellent degreaser and dirt softener, and makes it easier to clean the extractor hood with the hot solution.
2. Coffee is not only one of the most popular drinks in the world, it also helps eliminate bad odors. If you place a little ground coffee on a hot stove burner, the aroma will fill your home.
3. This drink is also useful for unclogging drains. Put some coffee in water and then pour this liquid into the clogged pipe, let it sit overnight and in the morning pour a large amount of hot water. Done!
4. The popular vinegar is not only used to flavour salads, but can also be effective in removing lime deposits from the washing machine. To remove limescale from this appliance, simply pour four litres of water with vinegar (one third of vinegar for every two thirds of water) into the drum and run a high-temperature wash programme.
5. Bathtubs will look whiter and free of streaks if they are cleaned periodically with water with fine kitchen salt or water with vinegar, then rinsed with tap water.
6. To remove sweat stains from clothes, simply soak them in water with a few drops of vinegar for a few hours before washing them in the washing machine.
7. Salt is not only one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen, but it also has a multitude of uses if you want a “greener” household cleaning. To clean a burnt pan, put a good amount of salt in the bottom, pour boiling water over it and let the mixture sit overnight.
8. If you want to clean the windows in your house, you should rub the glass with a cloth soaked in salt water. Afterwards, you should simply polish the surfaces by wiping them with a piece of newspaper.
9. Likewise, the color of wicker furniture can be restored by rubbing it with a brush and a solution of water and salt, in a proportion of one tablespoon of sodium for every 5 liters of liquid," says Silvia Ribas Hidalgo.
10. You can clean the refrigerator with a soft sponge moistened with hot water and baking soda. To avoid bad smells, put a few drops of vinegar in the water or place a small jar with baking soda.
FOUNTAIN: Univision House.
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