Store-bought cleaning products are usually laden with chemicals, which are potentially harmful and, frankly, unnecessary. With a few simple ingredients that you probably already have around the house, you can make household cleaning products that are environmentally friendly, safe, and really work!
All-Purpose Cleaner
In a spray bottle, mix together half water, half white vinegar, the fresh rind of one lemon, and a few drops of rosemary essential oil (the essential oil is optional, we just like the clean smell). Let the mixture sit for about a week so the ingredients can infuse together, then it’s ready to use. This mixture works well as an all-purpose surface cleaner for the kitchen, bathroom, and all over your home.
Deodorizer
Baking soda is great for cleaning out those areas that begin to smell a little off, such as the fridge, oven, and compost container. Mix baking soda with water and wipe down any surface that could use a little deodorizing.
Scouring Scrub
Mix coarse salt with a bit of lemon juice and use it to scrub away stubborn messes on enamel surfaces and cookware.
Scouring Powder
For a powerful scouring powder to use on cookware and household surfaces, mix together 1 part borax, 1 part salt, and 2 parts baking soda. Lightly wet the surface you want to clean, then sprinkle the scouring powder on. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrub the surface with a brush and wipe away any excess with a damp cloth.
Drain Cleaner
To deodorize drains and flush out minor clogs, mix together baking soda and vinegar, pour the mixture down the drain, then wait about 15 minutes before flushing the drain with water. Because vinegar and baking soda foam and fizz when mixed together, this also makes a great toilet cleaner. Simply pour the mixture into the toilet bowl, let sit a few minutes, and flush.
Wood Cleaner
Mix together ¼ cup white vinegar, ¾ cup olive oil, and, if you like, a few drops of the essential oil of your choosing (we like sweet orange, rosemary, or lavender). Spray or dab the mixture onto wooden surfaces, then buff with a clean, dry cloth. This solution also works great to make stainless steel surfaces shine again!
Sometimes you’ve got to call in the professionals to get the bigger jobs done. At Anago, our franchisees only use green, non-toxic cleaning products to ensure a safe, sparkling clean space.