Cleaning your home doesn’t always require expensive, chemical-laden products. Many household items can be used as cleaners, offering eco-friendly, cost-effective, and surprisingly powerful alternatives to store-bought solutions. If you’re looking for natural ways to keep your home clean, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve with simple items like banana peels, vinegar, baking soda, and even tea bags.
These household items as cleaners are not only effective but also reduce exposure to harsh chemicals, making them perfect for homes with children, pets, or anyone looking to switch to greener cleaning methods.
Let’s explore some of the best household cleaning hacks using everyday items!
1. Banana Peels for Polishing Leather & Silver
The natural oils in banana peels restore shine and moisture to leather surfaces, while their mild texture helps lift tarnish from silver.
How to Use:
- Rub the inside of a banana peel over leather shoes, handbags, or furniture, then buff with a dry cloth.
- For silverware, rub a banana peel over tarnished surfaces, rinse, and dry for a refreshed shine.
Extra Tip: The inside of a banana peel can also be used to remove dust from houseplant leaves, leaving them clean and glossy.
2. Tea Bags for Cleaning Glass and Removing Odors
The tannins in black tea break down grease and grime, making it an excellent natural cleaner for glass. Tea also absorbs unwanted odors.
How to Use:
- Brew a strong cup of black tea, let it cool, and use a soft cloth to wipe mirrors and windows for a streak-free finish.
- Place used, dried tea bags inside shoes, gym bags, or refrigerators to neutralize odors.
- Rub a damp tea bag over wooden furniture to enhance color and hide minor scratches.
Extra Hack: Soaking burnt pots and pans in hot tea can help loosen stuck-on residue.
3. Rice for Cleaning Narrow Bottles and Coffee Grinders
Uncooked rice acts as a gentle abrasive, perfect for scrubbing hard-to-reach places.
How to Use:
- Add a spoonful of uncooked rice, warm water, and dish soap into vases, bottles, or decanters. Swirl the mixture to scrub dirt from tight corners.
- For coffee grinders, add a tablespoon of dry rice and pulse. This absorbs leftover coffee oils and removes odors.
Best for: Cleaning baby bottles, wine decanters, and spice grinders.
4. Baking Soda for Stain Removal and Odor Neutralization
Baking soda absorbs odors and lifts stains without damaging surfaces.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle baking soda on mattresses and rugs before vacuuming to freshen them.
- Mix with water and dish soap to scrub kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Add to laundry detergent to brighten whites and remove stubborn odors.
- Deodorize garbage bins, sneakers, and pet areas by placing an open box nearby.
Quick Fix: Mix baking soda with lemon juice for a powerful grease-cutting scrub for stovetops and countertops.
5. Aluminum Foil for Scrubbing Rust Off Metal
The gentle friction from aluminum foil removes rust buildup without damaging the surface.
How to Use:
- Crumple a sheet of aluminum foil and dip it in vinegar or water, then scrub rusty tools, outdoor furniture, or grill grates.
- Wrap aluminum foil around dull scissors and cut through it a few times to sharpen the blades.
Best for: Restoring chrome surfaces, rusty garden tools, and cast-iron pans.
6. Vinegar for Disinfecting and Removing Hard Water Stains
Vinegar’s acidity breaks down mineral deposits, eliminates bacteria, and cuts through grease.
How to Use:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water for an all-purpose surface cleaner.
- Soak showerheads and faucets in vinegar to dissolve hard water buildup.
- Run a cycle with vinegar in an empty dishwasher or washing machine to remove soap residue.
Best for: Descaling kettles and coffee makers—just boil vinegar and rinse thoroughly.
7. Lemon for Stain Removal and Odor Control
The citric acid in lemons acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
How to Use:
- Cut a lemon in half and rub it on cutting boards to remove stains and kill bacteria.
- Mix lemon juice with salt to polish copper and brass items.
- Microwave a bowl of water with lemon slices for three minutes to loosen grime and freshen your microwave.
Extra Hack: Toss lemon peels down the garbage disposal to naturally deodorize your sink.
8. Coffee Grounds for Deodorizing and Scrubbing
Coffee grounds absorb odors while their coarse texture helps scrub grime away.
How to Use:
- Place dry coffee grounds in the fridge to neutralize odors.
- Scrub greasy pots and pans with coffee grounds for an easy degreaser.
- Sprinkle used grounds in garden beds to keep pests away.
Ideal for: Neutralizing pet odors and refreshing musty drawers.
9. Cornstarch for Streak-Free Windows and Fabric Freshening
Cornstarch absorbs grease and oil while leaving a smooth, streak-free finish.
How to Use:
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a DIY glass and window cleaner.
- Sprinkle cornstarch on fabric upholstery and carpets, then vacuum to remove odors and freshen up the fabric.
- Use as a natural dry shampoo for oily hair in emergencies.
Best for: Cleaning mirrors, car windows, and delicate fabric care.
10. Hydrogen Peroxide for Whitening and Disinfecting
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic that disinfects surfaces, brightens fabrics, and removes stains.
How to Use:
- Apply directly to grout lines and let it sit before scrubbing for a whiter, cleaner look.
- Use as a bleach alternative in laundry to brighten whites.
- Spray on cutting boards to kill bacteria and sanitize surfaces.
Best for: Bathroom deep cleaning, disinfecting kitchen sponges, and sanitizing doorknobs.
📞 Call us at 0455 264 386
📅 Book a consultation now
Get A Quote
Request a quote via the form below or for more information.