Clean Home Hacks

Yesterday we covered how I hack my face with homemade products and today we will do the same with my home.

I wouldn’t say I’m a neat freak but I do love a clean house. That does not mean that I want my home to smell like disinfectant. I have two dogs, two cats, and a Tom that do not enjoy the smell of bleach or ammonia. I don’t want to use a gas mask to clean the bathtub so here are a few of the homemade hacks that I use around my abode.

For the most part, the items you will need are:

• sugar
• lemon juice
• borax- you can find this in the laundry soap aisle at the store
• baking soda
• WHITE vinegar (I ran out so I put the apple cider bottle in its place- sorry)
• dish soap
• vanilla
• olive oil
• rubbing alcohol (not pictured)
• cornstarch (not pictured)

This first recipe is a way to battle something no one wants to admit they have- ANTS! It’s that time of year when the armies come marching right through your kitchen.

ANT Removal

1 cup warm water

1/2 cup sugar

2 tbsp borax

Jar to store in

Pour water in your container then add the sugar and borax- stir until dissolved. I dip a cotton ball in the mixture and place it on a small piece of cardboard or small flat dish. Place where you have seen the ants. If you have pets, ensure that they can’t get to this item. Borax and pets do not get along. Which also means- keep away from little one’s curious fingers and mouths.

I normally change the cotton ball every day- and you’ll see why. It will be swarmed by ants. Those that aren’t dead when I get to it just get wiped up and tossed with the rest.

Handy-Dandy Drain Cleaner

Got a clog and can’t get to the store right away- try this.

1/2 cup baking soda

1/2 cup white vinegar

Boiling water

• If you have curious kiddos that like to learn science- let them watch this, but be prepared to answer questions about chemical reactions.

Get the water boiled first- once boiled pour the Baking Soda in the drain. You will have to work it into the holes. Then, pour in the vinegar- this is where it gets fun for the kids. It will foam and bubble up. This is normal and kinda cool! When the bubbling has stopped pour in the hot water. It should clear the drain. I still recommend that you pick up some professional strength drain cleaner at a later point to ensure the clog is completely gone. This is a great temporary fix. And a fun experiment for the kids.

Here is a list of recipes for other items I use. Remeber as you make these that baking soda and vinegar will have an immediate reaction but will settle after about a minute. I recommend decent spray bottles for these cleaners. It’s a pain when the sprayer sticks.

All Purpose Cleaner

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp dish soap

4 tbsp white vinegar

warm water

Spray bottle

• Stir/shake well

 

Shower Cleaner

1 cup warm white vinegar

1 cup dish soap

Spray bottle

 

Vanilla Air Freshener

1 cup water

3 tbsp vanilla extract

Spray bottle

 

Citrus Air Freshener

2 cups hot water

1/8 cup baking soda

1/2 cup lemon juice

Spray bottle

 

Toilet Cleaner

1/4 cup dish soap

1 3/4 cup water

2 tbsp baking soda

Use an old dish soap bottle for a container. It makes it easier to get under the rim.

 

WOOD – Furniture Polish – I LOVE THIS!

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup lemon juice

*** DO NOT pour directly on your furniture. Spray on dab onto a soft cloth and then use on your wood surfaces. (I have even used this on my kitchen cabinets- they sparkle.)

 

Glass Cleaner

1/4 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup Rubbing Alcohol

1 tbsp cornstarch

2 cups water

8-10 drops of lemon juice for scent (optional)

 

And an added love for you to enjoy…

You can turn these scent beads to make an amazing air freshener OR melt in your potpourri burners!

To make liquid air freshener:

In a microwave-safe bowl- 1/2 cup scent beads and 1 cup of water

Microwave until melted- approx. 2 minutes.

Let cool a bit before pouring into a plastic spray bottle or it will melt. Once cooled, pour in the bottle and fill the remainder of the bottle with cool tap water. Shake and spray!

As for the potpourri burner- just pour some scent beads in and enjoy the clean scent.

Okay- so now you know my house is clean. Who’s coming over and bringing the wine? There must be wine involved. It’s only fair cuz I cleaned for you!

 

*** Was this helpful? Let me know in the comments.

Is there something you want to see? A topic you want me to look into and post about? Let me know in the comments and I will do my best.

Until next time-

Find joy. Be joy. Enjoy!