11 foods that can scrub, shine, and freshen your home
Housekeeper Bridgett Dyer was at a loss. Her client’s shower door had a buildup of soap scum, and the regular commercial cleaner wasn’t getting the job done. Then she had an idea. Sliced white potato, baking soda and some dish detergent.
“I just thought it would make a good scrubber,” Dyer said. It worked.
Dyer, who has been cleaning homes for more than a decade, was used to experimenting with whatever she finds handy to clean. One day while cleaning a hotel room, she came across a bottle of coca cola that a guest had left behind. On a hunch, she poured it into the toilet and, using the toilet brush, scrubbed the bowl clean. The soda, she discovered, can also remove rust stains.
Food items have long been used to clean certain items around the home. Winfred Foley in her book, The 1850 Finley Guide to Home Economic in Industrial Schools, reportedly suggested sponging grated potato on grease spots. Before vacuum cleaners, maids would sprinkle damp tea leaves and baking soda on carpets and rugs to catch the dust, according to Mind Your Manors by Lucy Lethbridge. They would then sweep the rugs and carpets after the leaves dried.
To wash tea towels, they would also rub raw potato on cloths before boiling them, repeat the process, then steep them in cold water for an hour before rinsing them. Powdered starch, used to starch clothes, was made from wheat bran or rice. Onions, at least three, were boiled in water for an hour, a soft brush was then dipped into the water and used to freshen up the color and shine of gilt picture frames. Milk was used to enhance the high gleam on patent leather. In fact, to remove water stains from leather shoes, you could dissolve a teaspoon of washing soda in two tablespoons of hot milk, use a cloth to apply the solution to the stain and wait for it to dry. Repeat, then polish the shoe.
In today's world, many are making the shift to more eco-friendly cleaners that are both effective and gentle on the environment. But did you know that some of the best cleaners might already be in your kitchen? From vinegar and baking soda to lemon and olive oil, these foods are amazing edible eco-friendly cleaners. With their surprising cleaning power, these natural alternatives help reduce reliance on harsh chemicals, but they also come with the added benefit of being safe and non-toxic. In this post, we'll explore how everyday pantry staples can double as powerful, eco-friendly cleaning agents - proving that what you eat can also help you clean! Try our selection of edible eco-friendly cleaners.
But note: Always do a patch test first.
The multi-purpose baking soda is a great edible cleaner. It can be used to clean anything from drains and carpets to grout and silver. It can be used by itself or with vinegar. It’s a powerful alkaline solution that when combined with acid produces dioxide gases, which are effective at removing stains from multiple surfaces.
Deodorizing the trash can by sprinkling a small amount of baking soda into the trash can once a week to help absorb odors.
Clean stainless steel sink by making a paste of baking soda and white vinegar. Dip reusable paper towels in the paste and wipe down the sink.
Stovetop Cleaner by pouring baking soda directly onto a grimy surface and let sit for 5 minutes. Wipe with a damp sponge, scrubbing gently then wipe your stovetop clean with a microfiber cloth.
Non-self-Cleaning Oven Cleaner by mixing 1 cup white vinegar with ½ cup lemon juice in a spray bottle. Spray the bottom of the oven. Let sit for 10 minutes, then sprinkle baking soda on top. Let sit for 10 minutes and wipe clean.
Fruit and Veggie Wash by mixing water, baking soda and lemon juice together. Wipe fruits and veggies with mixture to remove wax.
Silverware Polish by making a paste with 3 parts baking soda, 1 part water. Rub paste onto silverware with a clean cloth, then rinse and dry.
No-Wax Floor Cleaner by mixing ½ cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water. Mop the floor and rinse with clean water.
Microwave Cleaner by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and scrubbing residue.
Dishwasher Cleaner by sprinkling baking soda in the bottom of your dishwasher and run as usual to help freshen and remove stains.
Garbage Disposal Refresher by pouring baking soda slowly down the garbage disposal drain while running warm tap water.
Cutting Board Deodorizer by sprinkling a cutting board with baking soda, then scrub and rinse.
Dishrag Deodorizer by soaking smelly dishrags in a bucket of warm water and baking soda. And sponge cleaner by soaking smelly sponges in 4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water regularly.
Removing soap scum by sprinkling a wet rag or sponge with baking soda and rub on sinks and bathtubs to remove stubborn soap scum.
Shower Grout Cleaner by making a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Spread the paste on the grout lines with a toothbrush, then let the paste sit for several minutes before wiping away.
Shower Curtain Cleaner by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge, scrub curtain and rinse off with clean water.
Comb and Brush Cleaner by soaking combs and brushes overnight in a cup of warm water mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Closet Freshener by placing an open box or small glass jar of baking soda on a closet shelf to keep musty smells at bay.
Drawer Freshener by filling an old sock or small cloth bag with baking soda and place it in a drawer to absorb odor.
Mattress Deodorizer by sprinkling baking soda over the surface of the mattress after vacuuming it, then let the baking soda sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming thoroughly.
Oil Stain Remover by sprinkling baking soda over the stains and scrub with a stiff-bristle brush.
Lawn Furniture Cleaner by mixing ½ cup baking soda with 1-quart warm water. Wipe down, rinse and allow to dry.
Grill Cleaner by sprinkling baking soda on the grill grates and scrub with a brush. Rinse and wipe clean.
Chrome Polisher by making a paste of baking soda and water. Wet clean cloth with paste, rub on chrome and wipe off. Rinse and dry.
Drain Cleaner by pouring ½ cup baking soda followed by ½ cup vinegar down the drain. Let sit for a few minutes. Then pour 6 cups of hot water down the drain.
Carpet stain remover by mixing 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup salt and 1 cup white vinegar into a paste. Apply to the stain and allow it to dry before vacuuming thoroughly.
Toy cleaner by dissolving 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1-quart warm water. Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spray toys. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Water spot remover by making a paste with baking soda, water and toothpaste. Apply the paste with a soft cloth to wood and rub away rings and spots.
Vacuum cleaner odor remover by sprinkling baking soda on the carpet and vacuum up to help remove odors inside your vacuum cleaner.
Marble cleaner by dissolving 3 teaspoons of baking soda in a quart of warm water. Wet a clean cloth with the mixture and wipe down the marble.
Laundry brightener by adding ½ cup of baking soda to a load of laundry to boost colors and help fight stains.
Air freshener by mixing water, baking soda and a drop of your favorite essential oil together to make a room spray.
Sterling silver jewelry cleaner by removing tarnish, lining the bottom of a dish with aluminum foil (shiny side up). Dissolve 1 tablespoon baking soda in 1 cup boiling water (the solution may bubble). Place your jewelry in the dish, making sure it’s touching the aluminum foil. Pour the solution into the dish. Let it sit for 2 to 10 minutes. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Make sure silver is completely dry before storing.
Before different commercial cleaning products became available, this powdery carbohydrate extracted from corn was used in many households to clean anything from glass to wood. You can use this edible cleaner to do the following:
Clean glass by adding a tablespoon each of white vinegar and cornstarch to two cups of water, pour the solution into a spray bottle and use on windows or mirrors for a streak-free shine.
Remove stains on rugs, clothes and some furniture by mixing cornstarch and water into a thick paste, then let it sit until it dries before brushing or vacuuming. Repeat this process to remove stubborn stains. You can also apply a healthy scoop of cornstarch onto a grease stain on a piece of clothing, allow it to sit for 12 hours then wash it as normal. The cornstarch will absorb the grease directly from the clothing. As for removing carpet stains, sprinkle cornstarch on the carpet and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before vacuuming. This can work as an all-over treatment or be used to treat specific spots on your carpet since cornstarch is especially good at drawing out oily spots on your carpet. This process can also be used to absorb odors and freshen carpets by sprinkling a little over your carpets and letting it sit for 10 to 20 minutes before vacuuming thoroughly.
Polish silver by mixing 1 part cornstarch to 2 parts water and rubbing the paste all over the silver with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to remove the tarnish before rinsing it off. Test this in some hidden areas before you use it on all your silver. The cornstarch is abrasive enough to clean your dinnerware without leaving any scratches behind. Once it’s dry, wipe it off and buff it clean to make the silver sparkle.
Clean Stuffed Animals by putting them in a paper bag or zip-loc plastic bag, sprinkling enough cornstarch onto the animals in the bag to coat them and shake the bag until the cornstarch as spread over the toys. Allow it to sit for a few minutes or overnight before shaking and brushing the animals to remove the cornstarch. You can also use a vacuum attachment to help remove the cornstarch.
Clean Pots, Pans, and Cooktops by mixing 1 part water with 2 parts cornstarch to make a non-abrasive scrubbing cleaner, which can be used on bathrooms and other surfaces like cook-tops in the kitchen. Scrub pots and pans with a small sprinkle of cornstarch to remove stains and burned on foods.
Wood Polish by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray your wood furniture with the mixture and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Clean Leather and Suede Stains by dusting a bit of cornstarch onto the stained area and let it sit overnight.
Ketchup
Ketchup, a condiment packed with citric acid and vinegar, is a wonderful edible cleaner. It can be used to clean a variety of metals such as copper and silver. Still, as previously mentioned, first test out a small discreet spot on your item to ensure its safety.
Copper, when exposed to air develops a layer of copper oxide, making it look tarnished. To remove the tarnish, spread ketchup onto your copper-bottomed pots and leave it on for as long as you can. Then wipe and rinse. Follow the same ritual with stainless steel, which develops the same sort of tarnish, as well as silver. If your silver is embedded with detailing, use a toothbrush to scrub the ketchup into the grooves. Rinse immediately after scrubbing.
Cast-iron skillets, which often develop rust-spots that can be removed by covering the rust spots with ketchup, letting it sit, then wiping it clean.
As for brass, place a generous amount of ketchup on a paper towel, place the paper towel onto the brass, let it sit for at least 40 minutes, then wipe and rinse.
Ketchup can also be used to clean stuck-on messes on your dishes and baking pans by covering the surfaces with ketchup, letting it sit overnight and then rinse.
Toilet cleaner by adding ¼ cup of ketchup to the toilet bowl, increasing the quantity depending on the toilet's size and stain buildup in order to cover all sides of the bowl, especially visibly stained or discolored areas, with the toilet brush. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the acetic acid in the ketchup to break down the stains while its thickness Its thickness ensures it adheres to the bowl's sides. Then scrub the bowl with the toilet brush, focusing on areas with stubborn stains or noticeable discoloration to ensure they're effectively cleaned. After scrubbing the whole bowl, flush the toilet to remove the ketchup and reveal a clean and fresh toilet.
Cream of Tartar
This powdery spice of potassium hydrogen tartrate, which is a byproduct of winemaking, is an acidic substance like lemon or vinegar, making it a cleaning gem. This edible cleaner helps with variety of cleaning jobs such as:
Drains by combining ¼ cup of baking soda and salt with 1 tbsp of cream of tartar, pour the mixture into the drain, followed by 2 cups of hot water. Let it sit for an hour before rinsing with tap water.
Aluminum pots and pans by making a paste of cream of tartar and water to remove rust stains.
Stainless steel pans by sprinkling cream of tartar on the surface of the stained pan, then cover with an inch or so of hot water. Let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing at the pan with a sponge, rinsing and drying.
Appliances by mixing a ¼ cup of cream of tartar with 1 tbsp of water, applying the mixture to the grime on the appliance in circular polishing motions, then wipe it away with a clean cloth.
Grout by combining 2 parts cream of tartar to 1 part distilled white vinegar to form a thick paste then using an old toothbrush to scrub the paste onto the dirty, discolored grout, and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping it away.
Clothes by serving as a replacement to bleach and removing ink stains from shirts or pants. Mix cream of tartar with lemon juice, dab paste onto the stain and let it sit for 3 hours. Cream of tartar can also be combined with vegetable glycerin to create a stain-remover; or whiten soiled clothes by combining 1 tsp of cream of tartar with ¼ of warm water to act as a pre-soak.
Bathroom sink or tub by mixing equal parts cream of tartar with distilled white vinegar to form a cleaning paste, use a scrub brush or sponge (preferably non-scratch) to apply paste onto your bathroom, then rinse or wipe off with a clean, damp cloth.
Brass and copper by mixing 2 parts cream of tartar to 1 part vinegar to create a paste, use an old toothbrush to apply the paste, moving in a gentle circular scrubbing motion to reach every groove. Then rinse with warm water or wipe it away with a clean and damp cloth and use a microfiber cloth to dry thoroughly.
Coffee pots by filling the coffee maker with water and 2 or 3 teaspoons of cream of tartar, depending on the size of your machine. Run the coffee maker, then let it sit in the pot for 10 minutes once the brew cycle has finished before pouring out the cream of tartar water and scrubbing away any residue inside the pot. To ensure there are no remaining residue, run the pot with a few more cycles of clean water before making coffee.
Fireplace by combining 2 parts cream of tartar with 1 part water to make a paste, spread the paste over the area covered with soot and ash stains and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping away with a clean, damp cloth.
Lime and lemon
While you may keep lemons in your home to make lemonade or squeeze into some water to add vitamin C, thus creating a powerful antioxidant, this common citrus can also help clean your home. Citric acid, the acid in lemons and other citrus fruits, is a reducing agent that can unravel proteins, like those found in viruses. Their antiseptic property makes them a must-have for the natural cleaner. It’s great to keep fresh and frozen lemons on hand for all sorts of cleaning chores. When cleaning with lemon juice, you can maximize the amount of juice you get out of a lemon by placing the lemon in hot water for 15 minutes or heating it on low in a microwave for a minute.
Aside from providing a fresh fragrance, this amazing edible cleaner can clean a variety of items such as:
Cleaning pots by sprinkling some coarse salt on the cut side of a lemon and rubbing it over any copper, aluminum, or brass kitchenware. You can also mix 2 parts salt with 1 part lemon juice to create an abrasive scrub for the pots. After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse off any residue and then use a soft cloth to wipe the kitchenware dry.
Brightening whites by bringing a large pot with water, with a few lemon slices added, and to a boil. Turn off the heat, add the linens, and let them soak for a few hours or even overnight. Then launder your clothes as usual. Like other natural bleaching agents, lemon juice may not be suitable for all fabrics so always test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to check for any adverse reactions.
Removing fruit and coffee stains by soaking the stained areas in lemon juice for about an hour. If some of the stain remains, then gently scrub the dampen the area with a paste of equal parts baking soda and water; or 2 parts salt and 1 part lemon juice to create an abrasive scrub. Use a 50-50 solution of water and lemon juice to treat T-shirts with underarm stains, allow the T-shirt to remain in solution for 30 minutes placing it in the washing machine. To freshen towels, add ½ cup of bottled lemon juice to top-loading washing machines and ¼ cup to front loaders and rewash your towels.
Cleaning the cutting board, which tends to be hard to keep clean because they're so porous, by rubbing a cut lemon on the surface, allowing it to soak for 20 minutes before rinsing. For a quicker solution, sprinkle some salt or baking soda on the cutting board, then scrub with the cut side of half a lemon. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before scraping it off with a spatula for maximum deodorizing. Be sure to wash, dry, and oil the board. Be aware that they shouldn't be put in the dishwasher, and you shouldn't use them to cut raw meat.
Sanitizing the garbage disposal by pouring 1 tablespoon of baking soda and ½ lemon into the disposal. You can also use frozen lemon rinds.
Cleaning the microwave by placing inside the appliance a bowl with 4 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 cup of water; or just a bowl of lemon juice and letting it run for 3 to 5 minutes or until boiling. Let it sit for another 5 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen the food stains, then remove the bowl and wipe down the walls of the microwave.
Cleaning glassware by using a mixture of lemon juice with a small amount of vinegar and water. Removing mineral deposits like limescale formed from hard water (consisting of calcium and magnesium) on showerheads and faucets by rubbing the area with a cut lemon or spraying the affected area with lemon juice to loosen the deposits then wiping it clean after 10 to 15 minutes. Citric acid acts as a chelating agent, which seizes magnesium and calcium. You can also soak a cloth with the lemon juice and tie it to the faucet.
Removing soap scum on shower doors and walls by combining the acidic lemon juice and vinegar in equal parts and spraying the surfaces. Use a sponge to wipe the surfaces clean, rinse off any remaining residue and use a cloth to dry.
Polishing wood by combining ½ cup sweet almond oil and the juice of half a lemon into a container and use a cloth to polish your wood tables and chairs. This should also help to hide scratches and leave a high-shine finish. Rub the polish into furniture surfaces using a soft cloth. Remember to try the polish on a small, out-of-the-way section to confirm that it won’t stain.
Cleaning the stovetop by squeezing the juice from a cut lemon all over the glass cook top, allowing the citric acid from the lemon to break down in dried-on spill. Then sprinkle baking soda over the lemon juice and cover the stove-top with a warm wet towel for 30 minutes before wiping it clean.
Removing stains from plastic containers by rubbing the lemon juice from a cut lemon onto the stains and letting it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Cleaning a cheese grater by scrubbing it on both sides with a lemon to loosen any debris stuck in the crevices before washing. Also, using the lemon will save you from ripping apart your sponges!
Cleaning the floorboards by mopping them with a solution of 1 part lemon juice, 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water.
Cleaning grill grates by turning the grill on high and, using a sturdy pair of heat-safe tongs to rub the grates with the cut side of half a lemon dipped in coarse salt. It will get hot, so work quickly.
Cleaning grout by spraying lemon juice on the target area, letting it sit for at least 10 minutes then scrub away any dirt and discoloration. You can also mix lemon juice with borax or baking soda to create a paste. Then use a stiff toothbrush to apply the paste to grout lines; let it sit awhile to bleach the grout and wipe off. Be aware that lemon juice is an acid, which means it can damage tile, stone, and composite surfaces, so make sure you wipe up any spills immediately.
Degreasing pans and dishes by placing them into a solution of 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and soapy dishwater. Clean water spots off your China and silverware using a microfiber cloth dampened with a touch of concentrated lemon juice.
Removing rust by making a scrub with 1 part lemon juice and two parts salt. This can also be used to clean piano keys.
Cleaning the oven by filling an oven-safe baking dish with water and lemon juice, baking it for 30 minutes at 250°F then roving the dish after the oven has cooled and wiping away any grime from the interior.
Cleaning mirrors and windows by combining water and lemon juice in a spray bottle, spraying it onto the surface and wiping it clean with a soft cloth. to clean glass windows, mirrors, and doors. If you’re transitioning from a commercial cleaner, place club soda in a spray bottle and add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
Cleaning dishwasher by placing a bowl of lemon juice in the top rack or basket and run the machine on a normal cycle. The juice will mix in with the cycling water to remove hard water spots and iron build up.
Cleaning blenders and coffee grinders by popping in frozen lemon to clean the blades. Turn on the power and let blades whirl.
Cleaning marble with lemon juice then rubbing it down with a little vegetable oil to bring out the luster.
Disinfecting surfaces to stop the spread of colds and germs using a mixture of water and lemon juice sprayed on a cloth to wipe down often-touched surfaces such as doorknobs; car door handles; refrigerator handles; switch plates; telephones, and TV controls.
Mayonnaise
My sister loved dipping her fries in mayonnaise. We all thought she was weird until we tried it ourselves. And a new tradition was born. Interesting to realize that this dip for your fries and dressing for your salad is an awesome edible cleaner. It can also be used to clean certain items in your home such as:
Removing water marks and heat stains on wood by using a white cloth to gently rub a layer of mayonnaise into the water blemishes on the surface. Allow it to sit overnight, and the next day use a damp cloth to wipe off the mayo. Do the same to remove heat marks from your wooden furniture. But be prepared to repeat the treatment multiple times. The heat stains may not disappear after a single treatment.
Repairing very light scuffs and scratches on wooden surfaces by cleaning the area with a damp cloth, then carefully massaging an even layer of mayo onto the affected areas. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, use a clean, soft cloth to buff the wooden surface clean. This method may not be suitable for larger, deeper scratches.
Removing fingerprints from stainless steel surfaces by rubbing a little mayo onto the surface and then buffing it with a cloth.
Getting rid of adhesive mess by coating it with a generous amount of mayo. Then, leave the mayonnaise on the sticker for up to an hour. Then rubbing the sticker off the surface. The mayo will have broken down the gluey bond between the item and the sticker.
Getting rid of crayon marks on walls by coating the marks with an even layer of mayonnaise and allow it to sit on the surface for at least an hour (it can be longer if need be). Then use a damp white cloth and wipe the entire area down. Repeat the process if necessary.
Polishing silver and removing tarnish from silverware by dipping a cloth in some mayo and gently rubbing the surface with the mayo. You can also use this method on silver jewelry.
Removing grime from piano keys by wiping them down with a dab of mayo on a cloth. Be sure to thoroughly wipe the condiment off the surface before you move on to clean another section.
SALT
Salt, a mineral that is composed of sodium chloride, was used in time pass as a preservative to keep certain food from spoiling. It’s a natural abrasive that can double as cleaner in a pinch. This edible cleaner can be used to clean a variety of items such as:
Cleaning the kitchen drain by pouring a mixture of salt and hot water down the kitchen sink to deodorize and prevent grease buildup.
Freshen up the coffee pot by adding a cup of crushed ice, a tablespoon of water and a few teaspoons of coarse salt to a room-temperature glass coffee pot. The salt will scour the bottom of the pot while the ice helps to agitate it for a better scrub while you swirl the content. Then rinse.
Cleaning cast-iron pots by sprinkling a little salt on the skillet and wiping with a reusable paper towel.
Cleaning the oven by sprinkling a handful of salt on the food spill, which will form a crust. Once cooled, making the mess much easier to clean once cooled, use a sponge to clean.
Brighten items by dipping a washcloth in a strong saltwater solution, wring it out and briskly rub faded rugs and curtains to brighten the colors.
Removing bloodstains by soaking the stained fabric in cold saltwater; then washing in warm, soapy water. Boil afterwards.
Getting rid of mildew by spraying the spot with a mixture of salt and lemon juice and setting it in a sunny spot for bleaching, then rinse the area and dry it thoroughly.
Getting rid of sweat stains by spraying the affected area with a solution of four tablespoons of salt and one quart of hot water.
Removing wine stains by blotting the spot and covering it with a pile of salt. Let the salt sit for at least 30 minutes before throwing the item into the wash.
Removing rust by making a paste with water, salt, and cream of tartar, then use a sponge or cloth to rub the mixture onto the rusted item, before letting it dry, brushing it off and then buffing with a soft, dry cloth.
Polishing metals such as copper and brass by blending equal parts flour, vinegar and salt into a paste, rubbing the paste on the metal and letting sit for an hour before using a clean, soft cloth to buff it. Remember to test it on a hidden area.
Removing water rings by making a thin paste of salt and vegetable oil and using a cloth to gently buff out any glass rings on wooden tables.
Sugar
Sugar has been known to be great at trapping gnats and flies by adding a spoonful to a solution of apple cider vinegar and dish soap in a bottle. The bugs will be drawn to the sugar and ultimately get trapped. But sugar is also one of our edible cleaner as it possess some cleaning abilities such as:
Removing grass stains on clothes by mixing a paste of sugar and water, rub it on the stains and allowing it to sit for 30 minutes while the sugar draws out the stain then tossing then washing the item.
Cleaning your hand-held grinder by grinding a cup of white sugar to eliminate any lingering odors.
Polish wooden furniture by mixing sugar with a small amount of olive oil or lemon juice to create a thick paste. Then gently rub the paste onto the wooden surface using a soft cloth or sponge, moving in the direction of the wood grain. The sugar acts as a mild abrasive to gently buff away dirt and grime while the oil or lemon juice adds shine and helps nourish the wood. After polishing, wipe away any excess paste with a clean, dry cloth.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a cleaning tool that can nourish surfaces and loosen stains, grease, and grime. So next time you need a polish, grab this edible cleaner.
Cleaning stainless steel appliances by removing any grease with vinegar or soap and water, then pouring a little bit of oil at a time onto a microfiber cloth, then rubbing it on in a circular motion or in smooth overlapping motions from one side to the other. This will remove additional grime, fingerprint and water spots and restore the original sheen.
Cleaning leather chairs by dabbing a little olive oil onto a cotton cloth and using it to repair scratches, restore color, and add luster to worn-out leather seats. This can also work on shoes and coats as well as other leather items.
Cleaning kitchen cabinets by mixing 1 part lemon juice or vinegar to 2 parts olive oil to condition wood. Use a microfiber cloth to rub the solution over the cabinets as well as wooden tables and chairs along the grain of the wood. This will brighten the wood and lessen imperfections. It will also soften the look of scratches on light-colored wood.
Cleaning cast iron pans by making a scrub with coarse salt and olive oil to remove debris. Use a stiff brush to scrub the mixture into your cast iron pans, then rinse with hot water. Be sure to wipe the pans dry to avoid rust.
Cleaning silverware by using a soft cloth with a small bit of oil to rub the cutlery, giving it a protective coating.
Removing sticker residue by soaking stickers in olive oil for several minutes to loosen the glue and remove it with a scraper. The oil can also remove other adhesives from glass surfaces by applying it with a soft cloth, rubbing firmly, and rinsing with warm, soapy water. For tougher jobs add a dab of toothpaste with olive oil.
TEA
Tea, one of the most popular drinks around the world with a history dating back thousands of years, can also be a wonderful cleaning agent. It has a high level of astringency, which makes it very useful to cut through grease and remove dust. This comes from the high levels of tannins in tea, which is the part of the tea plant that becomes bitter when you let it steep for too long. While it may not be versatile like vinegar, unlike vinegar that can be entirely stripping, black tea’s acidity levels are much milder. This edible cleaner can be useful in certain areas such as:
Developing a dusting spray by making tea using 2 tea bags. After the tea cools, pour it into a spray bottle and add 1 tsp of lemon juice. Spray the mixture onto a microfiber cloth and dust.
Cleaning mirrors and windows by brewing a pot of tea, using 5 tea bags per 1 liter of hot water. Let the tea bags sit in the water, let it cool down to room temperature and pour into a spray bottle. Just spray on the glass surface and wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth. You can use used tea bags for this solution, which can also be used for cleaning and shining eyeglasses, and other glass furniture. It also helps in removing fingerprints, dirt, and grime.
Cleaning the toilet by scrubbing the bowl with used tea bags. Used tea bags can remove tough stains in the toilet. Just let it soak for several hours, scrub it after, and flush when done.
Cleaning hardwood floors by brewing a pot of tea, using 6 black tea bags per ½ gallon of hot water. Let it steep for 10 to 20 minutes, remove the bags and pour the tea into a bucket then start mopping. This solution will cut through the dirt and debris on the floor to leave a wonderful shine. You can also pour this cleaning solution into a spray bottle and use a rag to rub your hardwood floors in a circular motion for a more precise cleaning for areas that might require more attention. Still, since all floors are different, test a small area to ensure no adverse reaction.
Preventing your cookware from rusting with the tannins in the tea, which prevents the oxidation that causes rusting. Clean your cookware and wipe a used damp black tea bag on its surface to keep moisture from ruining your cast iron!
Removing grease from dishes, baking sheets, and utensils by placing it all in the sink, add warm water, drop two to three used tea bags in it, and let it soak overnight, allowing the tannins in the tea to reduce the grease.
Cleaning the Fireplace by sprinkling wet tea leaves from used tea bags on top of the ash. The moisture will keep the ash from spreading around, making it less messy and dusty when you clean.
From whitening laundry and washing windows to removing rust and sanitizing surfaces, vinegar is a versatile cleaner because it is acidic (with a pH value of 2.4), making it effective for breaking down mineral deposits and stains. While vinegar serves multiple purposes, it is often used for household cleaning because it is effective at removing stains, deodorizing, and removing grime from surfaces.
Vinegar is fermented in a two-step process and is a combination of acetic acid and water. It is well-known that the acetic acid in vinegar has antimicrobial properties, which can help kill certain types of bacteria and germs, making it an effective sanitizer.
While cleaning vinegar and white vinegar are made primarily from acetic acid and water, cleaning vinegar usually has a higher concentration of acetic acid and sometimes it has additional additives or chemicals that enhance its cleaning powers and eliminate specific odors. Here are some additional ways to use this versatile edible cleaner:
Dissolving rust on small items by soaking them in a bowl of distilled white vinegar overnight. For larger items, pour white vinegar over them, let it sit, and rub clean.
Keeping colors bright by adding ½ cup distilled white vinegar to your laundry load right before the final rinse cycle to help remove stains, eliminate odors, and remove mildew.
Whitening your whites by adding ½ cup distilled white vinegar to your laundry cycle along with your detergent to help whiten dingy whites.
Cleaning faucets by using distilled white vinegar to dissolve limescale, soap scum, and mineral deposits. Soak a paper towel in vinegar, drape it over the faucet and let it sit for about an hour, then wipe. Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around your showerhead with a rubber band. Leave it for several hours to remove mineral deposits and improve water flow."
Cleaning windows and mirrors by diluting vinegar (1 part vinegar to 1 part water) in a spray bottle then clean glass surfaces, mirrors, and windows with a clean microfiber.
Descaling your coffee maker by mixing equal parts of vinegar and water, run the mixture through the appliance, and rinsing thoroughly. Vinegar is great for removing mineral deposits and scale buildup in appliances.
Deodorize Trash Cans by scrubbing the inside with a mixture of white vinegar and water using a long-handled brush. Rinse well, then dry.
Eliminate Hard-Water Stains on Glass by using a clean rag with distilled white vinegar on it and rubbing the item. The vinegar will help remove calcium and magnesium buildup.
Getting rid of coffee and tea stains by filling the mug halfway with white vinegar and the other with hot water, allowing the mixture to then sit for about 10 minutes. Drain the mixture and scrub the mug.
Removing mold and mildew from bathroom tiles, shower curtains, and other surfaces by spraying or applying vinegar directly, letting it sit for a while, scrub, and rinse.
Removing stickers and labels by soaking the labels and stickers in white vinegar, then peeling them off.
Neutralize Pet Odors by blotting up the accident, then cleaning the affected area by using a mixture of vinegar and water. Also, the vinegar will neutralize the odor and help prevent your furry family members from having a repeat accident.
Cleaning the dishwasher by running your empty dishwasher with a cup of vinegar to remove odors and mineral deposit buildup.
Cleaning the washing machine by adding 1 cup of white vinegar to an empty washing machine and running it as normal.
Creating a disinfectant by using a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water to wipe down doorknobs, handles, switches, and other high-touch areas.
Cleaning and sanitizing tile floors by mixing ½ cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of water.
Stainless steel appliance cleaner by applying vinegar with a microfiber cloth, then wiping with the grain to remove fingerprints and smudges.
Cleaning bath toys by adding ½ cup of vinegar in a large bucket or bowl filled with warm water and allowing the toys to soak for 10 minutes. Then rinse and dry them.
Shining silver by buffing them with a soft microfiber cloth dipped in vinegar. Then rinse the pieces and dry them.
Incorporating everyday foods into your cleaning routine is not only a sustainable choice but also a cost-effective way to keep your home fresh and sparkling. Whether you're tackling stubborn stains, deodorizing your space, or just looking for a greener way to clean, these edible cleaners prove that nature has the tools to help. So, next tie you're in the kitchen, remember that your cleaning supplies might just be sitting right on your countertop! Happy cleaning!
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