Spring Cleaning: 5 Natural Ingredients for a Cleaner Home

Reassess Your Cleaning Products This Spring

Did you know that conventional household cleaning products can contain up to 90% water and come in single-use plastic bottles? This spring, it’s time to rethink the cleaning products we use in our homes. Let’s set aside the overwhelming array of chemical-laden, plastic-wrapped bottles and consider simpler, more sustainable solutions.

Have you ever looked under your sink and felt overwhelmed by the number of cleaning products? By turning to these five household ingredients, you can simplify your routine, reduce clutter, save money, and make choices that benefit both your health and the planet. (Click here to find out which toxic ingredients to avoid in cleaning products.) The best part? These ingredients are often available in bulk or unpackaged, helping us lessen our carbon footprint together. A small step can lead to a significant positive impact on ourselves and the environment we cherish.

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1. Bicarbonate of Soda

This wonder ingredient is a must-have for natural cleaning. It works as a gentle abrasive, eliminates odours, and absorbs moisture. As an alkaline substance, it reacts with vinegar or citric acid to create a gentle fizz that helps lift tough stains.

• To clean carpets, upholstery, or soft furnishings, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the surface, leave overnight, then brush off or vacuum up the next day.

• Sprinkle inside shoes or clothes to neutralise odours—it really works!

• Place a small open container of bicarbonate of soda in your fridge to absorb smells.

• For a lovely natural fragrance, mix it with dried lavender flowers.

2. White Vinegar*

A multi-purpose acidic solution derived from fruits, white vinegar is an inexpensive, non-toxic cleaner that can replace many chemical-laden products in your home. Its acidity makes it a natural disinfectant, killing bacteria, mould, and mildew while dissolving grease, grime, and limescale. Since it biodegrades easily in water, it leaves no lasting negative impact on the environment.

• Removes limescale.

• Works as a natural fabric softener.

• Unclogs drains when combined with bicarbonate of soda.

• If you’re not keen on the vinegar smell, infuse it with citrus peels, herbs, or our favourite—pine needles! We collect ours from discarded Christmas trees.

3. Citruses

Nature’s degreaser and disinfectant, citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits cut through tough grease and help remove limescale. Similar to vinegar, they are weak acids and can often be used interchangeably.

• Instead of throwing away lemon or grapefruit peels, pop them into a jar of diluted white vinegar and leave them to infuse. This creates a powerful citrus-fresh all-purpose cleaning spray.

• Citric acid, a safe compound derived from citrus fruits, is available in crystal form and allows you to fine-tune the strength of your cleaner.

4. Soda Crystals

Soda crystals (washing soda) belong to the same family as bicarbonate of soda but are much more alkaline and caustic, making them excellent for cutting through grease and deep cleaning. Paired with soap flakes, they can be used to create liquid soap for cleaning your entire home.

• Add to a wash cycle or use as a pre-soak to remove tough stains and stubborn odours.

• Prevent limescale build-up in washing machines and dishwashers.

• Sprinkle in the toilet bowl, bathtub, or basin for a sparkling clean bathroom.

• Perfect for cleaning greasy ovens or extractor fans.

• Softens hard water, reducing the need for detergent and saving you money.

5. Marseille Soap

Pure, gentle, and effective, Marseille soap is perfect for washing dishes, floors, and other surfaces. It’s kind to the skin and can even be used as a hand wash.

• Available as a solid block or in grated form.

• Can be melted in water and added to other cleaning products for extra effectiveness.

*Note: As weak acids, vinegar and citrus-based cleaners should not be used on natural stone surfaces such as granite or marble, as they can dull the finish. Always test on a small area first if unsure.

The Sunny Jar Team x

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