Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Hello, Clean Team!
Here are five all-natural ways to sparkle your home. Ready to save money, reduce harsh chemicals, and tackle messes like a pro?
I’m sharing simple ways to use vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap—plus some smart cleaning tools you’ll want handy. I’ve even included a full cost breakdown so you’ll know exactly what to budget to get your home spotless!
The Recipe Breakdown: What You’ll Need to Purchase
Here’s everything you need to grab at the store or online—and how much you’ll spend upfront.
Ingredient | Size to Buy | Average Price | Total Used for 5 Projects | Leftover |
---|---|---|---|---|
White Vinegar | 1 gallon (128 oz) | $3.50 | ~3.5 cups (~28 oz.) | ~100 oz. left |
Baking Soda | 4 lbs. (64 oz) | $4.00 | ~3.5 cups (~28 oz.) | ~36 oz. left |
Dish Soap | 16 oz. bottle | $4.00 | ~3/4 cup (~6 oz.) | ~10 oz. left |
Spray Bottle | 16 oz. (reusable) | $2.00 | 1 bottle | N/A |
Scrub Brushes or Sponges | 3-pack brushes or 6-pack sponges | $5.00 | 1-2 brushes/sponges | Extras left for future use |
Total Upfront Cost: $18.50
Cost Per Batch of Cleaner (Including All 5 Uses):
- Total: $2.21 per batch (compared to $4–$6 for store-bought cleaners).
- With these supplies, you can make 8–10 batches, saving $30–$40 over time!
Step-by-Step Instructions for 5 Cleaning Jobs
1. Sparkling Sink & Drain Deodorizer
Banish funky smells and greasy build-up!
- What You’ll Need: 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup vinegar, 2 tbsp dish soap
- Cost Per Use: $0.45
- Instructions: Pour baking soda into the drain, followed by vinegar. Let it fizz for 5 minutes and rinse with hot water. Scrub the sink with dish soap and baking soda paste for extra shine! For stainless steel sinks, rinse with cold water to avoid water spots.
- Pro Tip: Drop in a few ice cubes and lemon slices for a fresh finish for garbage disposals!
Recommended Tools:
- Stiff Plastic Bristle Brush: Perfect for scrubbing without scratching!
- Dish Sponge: Use the abrasive side for tough grease.
2. Bathroom Tub & Tile Scrub
Say goodbye to soap scum and mildew stains!
- What You’ll Need: 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup dish soap, 1/4 cup vinegar
- Cost Per Use: $0.76
- Instructions: Mix ingredients into a paste and spread over tub and tiles. Let sit for 15 minutes, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse.
- Pro Tip: Use an old toothbrush or grout brush for grout lines!
Recommended Tools: Stiff-bristle brush for large areas, soft toothbrush for details.
3. Freshen Your Fridge
Eliminate odors and clean up spills!
- What You’ll Need: 1/2 cup vinegar, 1 tbsp dish soap, 1/4 cup water, baking soda for spot scrubbing
- Cost Per Use: $0.27
- Instructions: Mix vinegar, dish soap, and water into a spray bottle. Spray shelves and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Sprinkle baking soda for tough stains and scrub.
- Pro Tip: Place an open bowl of baking soda in your fridge to absorb odors after cleaning—swap it monthly!
Recommended Tools: Microfiber cloth and soft brush for produce drawers.
4. DIY Carpet Stain Remover
Banish stains from spills, pets, and life’s messes!
- What You’ll Need: 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup dish soap
- Cost Per Use: $0.29
- Instructions: Blot the stain with a towel, sprinkle baking soda over it, and spray the vinegar/dish soap mixture. Let it fizz for 10 minutes, then scrub lightly with a soft brush. Blot again until the stain is gone.
- Pro Tip: Add a splash of club soda before baking soda for coffee or wine stains!
Recommended Tools: Soft-bristle brush for carpets, towels for blotting.
5. Oven Cleaning Magic
Erase grease and baked-on messes without harsh chemicals!
- What You’ll Need: 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup vinegar, 2 tbsp dish soap
- Cost Per Use: $0.44
- Instructions: Make a baking soda paste with water and spread inside the oven. Let it sit overnight. In the morning, spray with vinegar and dish soap mixture and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Pro Tip: Soak oven racks in hot water and dish soap in your bathtub for an hour to remove baked-on residue!
Recommended Tools: Stiff-bristle brush for the oven interior, microfiber cloth for wiping.
Additional Tips for Smart Cleaning:
- Eco-Friendly Note: Vinegar is non-toxic but can have a strong scent. Add 10 drops of essential oil (like lemon or lavender) to freshen your cleaner. Read More about mixing and portions.
- Stretch the Vinegar: You may stretch the vinegar by mixing three parts water with one part vinegar.
- Reuse Tip: Rinse your spray bottle to prevent clogs or buildup after each use.
- Storage Tip: Store baking soda in an airtight container (zip lock bag) to keep it fresh longer.
Combining simple, affordable ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap will give you a safe, effective, and budget-friendly all-purpose cleaner. Prepare to tackle messes confidently—and enjoy a fresh, sparkling home!
Got a favorite cleaning hack? Share—I’d love to hear how you make your home shine! 😊
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