The only 7 natural cleaning recipes you'll ever need

natural-cleaning

When it comes to keeping the home clean, sometimes natural is better. If you're ready to take the eco-friendly plunge, its time to toss out your arsenal or sprays and tonics and start cleaning the natural way.

Natural cleaning remedies are often better for the environment, and can be far cheaper than commercial alternatives. Easy to make, many natural cleaning solutions can be created with simple household staples like white vinegar and bicarb soda.

Not only are these natural cleaning ideas hard working, but they're also versatile and can be used in a wide variety of ways throughout the home. So you can say goodbye to filling your vanity cupboards to the brim with cleaning products.

If you're unsure where to start with natural cleaning solutions, here are seven basic multi-purpose natural cleaning recipes to master that will help you clean your home from ceiling to floor in no time at all.

So, stock your cupboard with white vinegar, salt, baking soda, Borax, and lemons, and let's get to it!

1. All-purpose cleaner

One part white vinegar + one part water = all-purpose cleaner.

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and works well to remove grease and grime from most surfaces. FYI: Don't use vinegar on marble, stone or granite - it can strip them.

2. Drain cleaner

One cup of baking soda + kettle full of boiling water = drain cleaner.

Simply pour the baking soda down the drain, followed by the water. This will help to remove built-up grime and odours.

3. Cast iron pan cleaner

Olive oil + coarse salt = cast iron pan cleaner.

Cast iron pans should never go in the dishwasher and don't fair well with abrasive cleaning products. All you need is hot soapy water and a nylon or bamboo dishbrush. For stubborn, baked-on food, this olive oil and salt mix works a treat. A little elbow grease helps with this one, too!

4. Floor cleaner

Bucket of boiling water + 1/2 cup white vinegar + 1/2 cup vodka + 1 tsp eucalyptus/peppermint oil = floor cleaner.

Combine ingredients in a mop bucket. Feel free to sub in your favourite essential oil.

5. Stainless steel cleaner

White vinegar + olive oil = stainless steel cleaner.

Spray with vinegar first and rub away dirt and debris. Then buff in a tiny (truly, tiny!) amount of olive oil for shine.

6. Glass cleaner

2 cups distilled water + 2 tbsp white vinegar = glass cleaner.

Combine ingredients in a spray bottle, spray and wipe with paper towel or a microfibre cloth.

7. Toilet bowl cleaner

1/2 cup baking soda + 1/2 cup white vinegar = toilet bowl cleaner.

Combine the ingredients, pour in the mixture, let it sit, scrub and flush.

8. Oven cleaner

1/2 cup baking soda + 1/4 cup water = oven cleaner.

A paste of baking soda and water cleans ovens without the chemicals or the hassle of the self cleaning cycle. Just make a paste on the bottom of the oven, leave for a few hours and wipe off for a shiny, chemical free oven.

9. Natural scouring powder

2 cups baking soda + 1 cup salt + 1 cup Borax = scouring powder

For soap scum on bathtubs and showers, make your own scouring powder with 2 parts baking soda, 1 part salt, and 1 part Borax. It will cut through even the toughest scum.