Natural Cleaning Hacks

So you want to avoid using harsh chemicals to clean in your home (especially in your kitchen), but don’t want to pay more at the store for natural cleaning products. We certainly understand. Luckily, there are natural, simple, and cost-effective alternatives that you can create at home to get the job done. All of these solutions are made from ingredients that are likely around your house already. Here are our favorite natural cleaning hacks for appliances:

Natural Cleaning Hacks for Appliances

Clean a Dirty Microwave

This is typically a dreaded task, but all you need for this natural clean-up is one whole lemon, some water, and a bowl.

The instructions are as follows:

Step 1. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the bowl.

Step 2. Slice the lemon in half and squeeze its juice into the water. Then place the halves in the bowl.

Step 3. Put the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 3 minutes to bring the water to a boil.

Step 4. Let it sit for 5 minutes without opening the door. The steam will make removing any food gunk much easier.

Step 5. Open up the microwave and remove the bowl. Grab a clean towel and get wiping! If there are any difficult spots, dipping the towel in the lemon water will help.

Clean Your Refrigerator Naturally

Cleaning the inside of your refrigerator is essential to keep it hygienic and fresh. Using natural cleaning supplies is an eco-friendly way to keep your refrigerator clean and free from harsh chemicals. You’ll need to mix two cups of warm water with 1/4 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle and a soft cloth.

Step 1: Empty your refrigerator completely and dispose of any expired or spoiled food items. Once the food has been removed from your refrigerator, remove the shelves, drawers, and other detachable parts of the refrigerator and wash them with warm, soapy water. Rinse with water and let them air dry.

Step 4: Spray the interior walls and surfaces of the refrigerator with the vinegar solution.

Step 5: Using a clean cloth, wipe down the walls and surfaces thoroughly. Pay extra attention to any spills, stains, or areas that have accumulated grime.

To remove tough stains, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda directly onto the stain or grime. Use a clean, damp cloth to rub the baking soda into the stain, using a circular motion. Baking soda is a natural abrasive that can help loosen and lift tough stains, making them easier to wipe away.

Step 6: After cleaning the interior walls and surfaces, wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Then, replace the food, shelves, drawers, and other detachable parts of the refrigerator.

Step 8: Place an open box of baking soda in the back of the refrigerator to absorb any odors.

By following these simple steps, you can clean the inside of your refrigerator using natural cleaning supplies, making it safe and healthy for your food and family.

Clean Your Dryer Vents

Clogged dryer vents can cause a buildup of lint, dust, and other debris, reducing airflow and increasing the risk of a fire. Cleaning your dryer vents is an essential step in ensuring the safety of your home and family. Here are full step-by-step instructions.

Naturally Clean Dirty Cooktop Burners

Cooktop burners can become greasy and stained over time, making them look unsightly and decreasing their performance. Cleaning them with natural ingredients is an eco-friendly and effective way to restore them to their former shine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your cooktop burners naturally.

Step 1: Remove the burners from the cooktop. Depending on the model of your cooktop, this may involve lifting or sliding the burners out of the cooktop. Consult your manual for specific instructions.

Step 2: Fill a sink or bucket with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Place the burners in the water and let them soak for 15-20 minutes. The hot water and soap will help to loosen any grease and grime accumulated on the burners.

Step 3: While the burners are soaking, make a cleaning solution by mixing 1/4 cup of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Baking soda is a natural abrasive that can help to remove stubborn stains and grease.

Step 4: After the burners have soaked for 15-20 minutes, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub them gently with the baking soda paste. Pay particular attention to any areas that have accumulated grease or stains. Rinse the burners thoroughly with warm water and dry them with a clean cloth.

Step 5: For any remaining stubborn stains or stuck-on grease, create a vinegar solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the stubborn areas and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The vinegar will help to break down the grease and make it easier to wipe away.

Step 6: Wipe the burners with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining baking soda or vinegar residue. Dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Step 7: Finally, return the burners to the cooktop and test them to ensure they are working properly.

More Natural Cleaning Hacks

The good thing about using natural cleaning supplies is that they can be used to clean many different things, including removing mildew smells and burnt food from pots.

Remove Mildew Smell From Towels/Clothes

If you notice your towels or clothes have a mildew smell, there could be a couple of reasons why. You may have left them in your washer for too long or perhaps you’ve been using too much detergent. Either way, this creates bacteria buildup that produces that mildew smell. Yuck! Don’t worry, there’s a natural solution for this too:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Hot water

The amount of each ingredient will depend on the size of the load you put in the washer. As a general guideline, use 1-2 cups of white vinegar and 1/2-1 cup of baking soda with the load. Run the wash cycle with hot water, but be sure not to include detergent (as you’re trying to remove excess detergent built up in the towels).

Remove Burnt Food/Gunk From Pots

The ingredients for this natural cleaning hack are the same as removing mildew from your towels. This solution works just as effectively in removing stubborn burnt food stuck to your pot. Follow this process:

Sprinkle baking soda generously along the inside of the pot, and fill it up about a third of the way up with water.

Next, place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat until it boils. Promptly remove it from heat when it reaches its boiling point.

Let it cool until it’s not too hot to the touch, and pour the solution out. Then proceed to clean it with soapy water. For extra tricky cases, repeat the process but add about 1/4 cup of vinegar to the solution.

These natural cleaning hacks are great ways to clean nearly everything in your home safely! If you have questions about naturally cleaning your appliances, give the appliance repair experts at Tiger Mechanical a call today. We look forward to helping you!