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How to Use Natural Cleaners

By Betty Crocker Kitchens


Natural Cleaners

Air Fresheners

Treat your nose to a houseful of fresh-smelling goodness. 

  • Cook up Some Spicy Scents. Toss cloves, cinnamon sticks, allspice, or leftover citrus slices in a pot of water and simmer for 1-2 hours.
  • Freshen Your Bathroom. Pour vanilla extract into a shallow dish and set on a window ledge or shelf. Or, add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil to the inside of your toilet paper roll. Every turn will release a fresh, tiny whiff of scent.

Glass Cleaners

Keep your glass streak-free and squeaky clean!

  • Spray the Sour Stuff. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or a solution of ½ cup of lemon juice and 2 cups water.
  • Use the News. Instead of paper towels, wipe cleaner off glass with old newspapers. They don’t cost you anything, plus they won’t leave behind any pesky little fluff particles!

Bathroom Cleaners

Tackle your tub and tile—without exposing your family to harsh chemicals.

  • Flush Fresh. Drop two denture tablets into your toilet. Brush, flush, and voila! A bright, sparkling bowl.
  • Bust Rust. Apply vinegar or lemon juice to rust stains or hard water deposits. Let stand until spot disappears, then rinse. Have lime deposits? Treat them with white vinegar.

Kitchen Cleaners

Keep your kitchen spotless with items from your cupboard!

  • Keep a Fresh Fridge.  Place 2-3 slices of white bread in your fridge (uncovered) to absorb stale or fishy odors.
  • Give Your Oven Some Lovin’. Mix together 2 tablespoons vegetable oil-based liquid soap and 2 tablespoons borax in a spray bottle. Fill the bottle with hot water and shake well. Spray on oven and leave for 20 minutes before scrubbing off grease and goo.
  • Keep Counters Fresh. To create your own sweet-smelling kitchen rinse, add 4 drops of lavender, thyme, or eucalyptus oil to a pint of water. Pour into a spray bottle and spritz on your countertops for a fresh hint of scent!
  • Make Your Own Dish Detergent. Instead of buying petroleum-based cleaners, whip up a batch of homemade dishwasher liquid. Just mix together equal parts borax and baking soda and put in the soap dispenser before you start up your machine. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse compartment to prevent any film residue from building up.

Floor Cleaners

Muddy paw tracks? Tiny shoeprints? No worries! Keep your floor looking spic and span with these natural floor fixes.    

  • Hit the Spots. Club soda is an effective, non-toxic carpet stain remover. Soak spot immediately with soda and blot until the stain is gone. To get red wine stains out of carpet fibers, rub with baking soda and vacuum.
  • Make Carpet Odors Disappear. To get rid of bad smells, sprinkle baking soda on your carpets before vacuuming. Or, mix up 1 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup of crushed lavender. Sprinkle liberally on carpets. Let sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming.
  • Erase Scuff Marks. Rub a standard pencil eraser on hardwood or vinyl floors to remove even the darkest scuff marks from dress shoes.