Natural house cleaning has become increasingly popular over the years as people realize that harsh chemicals are not necessary to properly clean and care for a home. In fact, these more typical commercial cleaners can be abrasive and destructive on some types of materials. Most importantly, many of these cleansers can compromise your health. Respiratory problems and skin problems are especially common risks from using these cleaning products. As this information becomes more widespread among the general population, more and more people are turning to green and natural household cleaning products as an alternative.

There are many natural cleaners, and of these, baking soda is one of the best: safe, effective, and versatile. It can be used in different solutions for various household cleaning tasks, including as a spray to clean appliances or countertops, as a paste to clean stoves and bathtubs, and directly to freshen and deodorize a room.

To get started using baking soda to clean your home, you’ll need a couple of recipes. An all-purpose cleaner can be made from a couple of teaspoons of baking soda mixed in 2-3 cups of warm water. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the solution to create an even more effective cleaning agent. The ratio of baking soda to water can be adjusted, depending on how dirty the item you are cleaning is. To make a paste, simply mix some baking soda with a small amount of water until you reach your desired consistency.

Baking soda is a great kitchen cleaner. It can be used as a general purpose cleaner on white appliances such as the refrigerator, stove, oven, toaster, microwave, and dishwasher. Also, use it on cabinets and walls to clean dirt and stains. It cuts grease in a kitchen and removes stains well. The same solution can be used to clean kitchen counters and backsplashes. If you find a stain on the counter that doesn’t come off easily, use a bit of paste solution and the rough side of a sponge to rub it in. It will most likely clean well, as baking soda is very effective on organic stains. Baking soda paste can be used to clean very dirty areas in the kitchen, including the stove top (use the paste or general cleaner depending on how dirty the stove top is), the inside of the oven or refrigerator and sink. You will be amazed at how easy they are to clean!

Baking soda is also a great tool in the bathroom. Just like in the kitchen, General Cleaner can be used on countertops, cabinets, and walls. Use it on the outside of the toilet for quick and easy cleanup. Sprinkle it generously in the toilet bowl and swirl it around with a toilet brush to clean and deodorize it. Use a paste solution to scrub the walls of showers and bathtubs and to clean the bathroom sink. Follow up with a rinse and dry and voila.

Finally, baking soda is a wonderfully effective air freshener and a much healthier alternative to commercial spray air fresheners. To deodorize a refrigerator or freezer, simply leave an open box of baking soda inside. Change boxes regularly and you’ll never have to wonder about that nasty smell coming from your open fridge again. Similarly, you can spray a generous amount directly into sink drains to eliminate unpleasant odors. Do the same thing to the trash cans every time you take out the trash. Anywhere in your home you encounter odors, simply leave a box open or spray some around and it will absorb odors quickly and naturally, leaving your home fresh and clean.

Natural house cleaning is a healthy and rapidly growing trend. Baking soda is an important product in natural cleaning due to its versatility and ease of use. It will not harm most materials and is completely safe for you, your family and the environment. Start using it as a cleaning product in your home today and take your first step towards a happier, healthier tomorrow.