10 Budget-friendly Home Cleaning Recipes Beyond Vinegar & Baking Soda

1. Lemon Salt Scrub for Tough Grime

When life gives you lemons, scrub your surfaces! A mixture of salt and lemon works wonders on tough stains and grime.

Squeeze the lemon into a bowl of salt, making a paste, and scrub the surfaces. The lemon's acidity works with the abrasive salt to break down stubborn grime.

2. Olive Oil Polish for Shiny Furniture

Surprisingly, your kitchen's olive oil isn't just for cooking. It can polish your wooden furniture to a high shine. Mix two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice for a refreshing scent and let your furniture glow!

3. Toothpaste for Silverware

Yes, you heard it right! Non-gel white toothpaste can be your silverware’s best friend. Apply a bit of toothpaste, scrub gently, rinse, and see the tarnish vanish!

4. Cream of Tartar for Appliances

The secret ingredient in your cleaning arsenal is cream of tartar. Make a paste with water and scrub your appliances for an exceptional shine that removes even the toughest stains.

5. Rubbing Alcohol for Mirrors

Give your mirrors a streak-free shine using rubbing alcohol. Mix it with water in a spray bottle, spritz onto the mirror, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide for Grouts

Dirty grout lines ruining the look of your tiles? Use hydrogen peroxide. Apply it directly, let it sit for 15 minutes, scrub, and rinse. The peroxide's oxidizing properties will work magic on grout.

7. Citrus Peels for Fresh Scent

Don't discard those citrus peels just yet! Put them in a pot of boiling water, let it simmer, and your home will smell like a citrus grove. Or, dry and grind them into a powder to use as a deodorizer.

8. Borax for Toilet Cleaning

Borax, a common ingredient in many cleaning products, can be used alone to clean toilets effectively. Sprinkle borax, let it sit for a while, scrub, and flush for a clean, shiny bowl.

9. Cornstarch for Windows

Want spotless windows? Try cornstarch! Mix one tablespoon cornstarch with a quart of warm water. Spray and wipe for crystal-clear windows.

10. Coffee Grounds for Odor Absorption

Last, repurpose your morning coffee grounds. Dry them out, place in a bowl, and let them absorb odors in the fridge, bathroom, or anywhere else that needs a refresh.

Conclusion

The secret to a clean, fresh-smelling home isn't always found in expensive, commercial cleaners. Whether it's polishing furniture with olive oil, cleaning silverware with toothpaste, or freshening up your home with citrus peels, there's a DIY cleaner for every job. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves, welcome a greener way of living, and most importantly: save money!