There’s something deeply satisfying about a home that smells clean without smelling like chemicals. The good news? You don’t need a cupboard full of pricey products to get there.
A few humble ingredients – the kind already lingering in your kitchen – can handle most messes with surprising ease. Think of it as cleaning, but softer around the edges. Kinder to your home, your wallet and the air you breathe.
Here are a few DIY heroes worth mixing up:
The everything spray (yes, everything)
If minimalism had a cleaning MVP, this would be it. One bottle, endless uses – from countertops to bathroom tiles.
You’ll need:
- 120 ml rubbing alcohol
- 415 ml water
- 180 ml distilled white vinegar
Pour everything into a spray bottle, give it a gentle shake, and you’re set. Add a few drops of essential oil if you like a subtle scent – think lemon for freshness or lavender for calm-clean energy.
Use it on: Kitchen counters, glass, tiles, taps – basically anywhere that needs a quick refresh.
Read more: The monthly home cleaning tasks most people forget about (and regret later)
The shower saviour
Soap scum doesn’t stand a chance against this unexpectedly zesty duo.
You’ll need:
- Kosher salt
- ½ a grapefruit
Sprinkle salt onto the cut side of the grapefruit, then scrub directly onto your shower walls or bath. The fruit’s natural acidity helps break down residue while the salt adds just enough grit.
Bonus: Your bathroom will smell like a citrus orchard instead of a cleaning aisle.
The stainless steel glow-up
Fingerprints are inevitable. Keeping your appliances looking sleek doesn’t have to be.
You’ll need:
- Dish soap
- Mineral oil
- 3 microfiber cloths
Start with a damp cloth and a drop of dish soap, wiping in the direction of the grain. Dry with a clean cloth, then finish with a tiny bit of mineral oil to polish.
It’s less “deep clean” and more “quiet luxury shine.”
The carpet comeback
Spills happen. This one quietly fixes them overnight.
You’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Hot water
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the stain, then lightly spritz with hot water. Cover with a damp cloth and leave it be while you sleep. The next day, vacuum and admire your handiwork.
It’s low effort, high reward – the best kind of cleaning. And once you start? That overstuffed cleaning cupboard might just become a thing of the past.
ALSO SEE: CLEANING VS DISINFECTIG VS SANITISING: WHEN TO USE EACH
