Open an under-the-sink cabinet and you’ll likely find a hodgepodge of half-empty plastic bottles: countertop sprays, floor cleaners, shower cleaners, and more. Do you really need all these products? In our opinion, the answer is no. Embrace a simpler approach and banish the single-purpose cleaning supplies; the result is less clutter, fewer chemicals, and a home that’s every bit as clean as you’d like it to be.
I like to keep a few hardworking ingredients on hand: castile soap, tea tree oil, white vinegar, baking soda, and coconut oil, which I mix and match to create natural cleaning formulas. Here are three effective cleaning recipes that I stand by.
Photography by Erin Boyle from Simple Matters.
Above: I keep my cleaning supplies and products limited to what fits in a wire mesh basket that I stow under my sink, including a glass spray bottle filled with an all-purpose solution of castile soap, water, and tea tree oil (recipe below).
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
Above: I use my all-purpose cleaner—made with tea tree oil (shown in the small bottle)—everywhere.
I attach a standard spray nozzle to an old glass vinegar bottle. Fill it with a few tablespoons of castile soap (a 16-ounce bottle of unscented Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap is $10.99 from Dr. Bronner’s), 10 drops or so of tea tree oil (a 4-ounce bottle of Tea Tree Oil is $12.45 from Amazon), and enough water to top it off. I use it for everything from wiping down counters and sinks to cleaning up spills.
2. Stainless Steel Polish
Above: A 14-ounce jar of Nutiva Coconut Oil is $15.98 from Amazon.
Anyone with stainless appliances knows that it takes some work to keep them gleaming. There are lots of products on the market for this purpose, but a teaspoon of coconut oil is by far the cheapest, easiest, and most effective. Use a clean rag to apply a small amount of coconut oil directly to the steel. Work the oil into the appliance until streaks and stains disappear. Give a last wipe down with an oil-free rag and step back to admire the gleam.
3. Sticky Residue Remover
Above: Oil plus an abrasive makes an ideal sticky residue remover: Just mix coconut oil with baking soda.
I’ve spent more time than I care to admit scraping off the last bits of label gunk on glass jars or bottles I plan to repurpose. Here’s my solution: Mix together equal parts baking soda and coconut oil to form a thick paste. Apply directly to the sticky mess and rub with a warm rag until the residue slips away.
Above: Gardenista contributor Erin Boyle is the author of the newly released Simple Matters, available from Amazon for $13.66. N.B. If you’re in LA, Erin is signing books today, March 4, in Venice at Cuyana Store, and tomorrow, March 5, at The Springs in DTLA. Details on her books page.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best natural cleaning supplies?
Some of the best natural cleaning supplies include vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and Castile soap.
How do I clean a stainless steel sink?
To clean a stainless steel sink, use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the surface, then rinse with water. You can also shine the sink with a bit of olive oil.
How often should I clean my bathroom?
It's recommended to clean your bathroom at least once a week, but if it's a heavily used bathroom, it may need to be cleaned more frequently.
What should I use to clean windows?
You can clean windows with a mixture of vinegar and water, or with a commercial window cleaner. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the solution and avoid streaks.
How can I remove stains from my carpet?
To remove stains from your carpet, first blot up as much of the stain as possible with a clean cloth. Then, use a mixture of dish soap and water to clean the stain, blotting with a clean cloth until the stain is removed.
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