Keeping your property clean isn’t just a battle—it’s a constant war. If your tenants have pets or guests, you know just how hard it is to keep your property looking great. Commercial cleaning products sell you on the promise of making cleaning more manageable and less expensive, but that isn’t necessarily the case. As we’ll review in this article, natural homemade cleaners are often safer, easier to use, and cheaper to make.
Use soft water when cleaning the carpets and windows
Many property owners make the mistake of washing their windows with their hose. After all, it’s the most convenient way to spray down the glass. However, this can lead to several problems. In many parts of the country, tap water is hard, which means it has high mineral content. When hard water is sprayed onto glass, those minerals can leach out onto the window’s surface, leading to hard water spots and even permanent damage to the glass.
The key is to use softened water. Using the right water to clean your property can make a noticeable difference. You’ll avoid hard water stains and noticeable streaks. We recommend using softened water—either from a water filter or from store-bought gallons—for your deep cleaning. Hard water can inhibit the cleaning process: soaps, detergents, and natural homemade cleaners are less effective when paired with mineral-laden water. If you have a stained carpet, you’ll find a combination of hot water—combined with equal parts white vinegar—is one of the most effective ways to lift the stain out for good.
A vinegar-based cleaner has a variety of uses
White vinegar is one of the most versatile cleaning products you have in your home—and it’s all-natural. With a slight acidity (5-8%), vinegar can lift stains and deep clean surfaces. It’s a natural deodorizer that is equally effective at cleaning out your microwave, disinfecting cutting boards, and even cleaning ceramic tile. If something is dirty or stained, soaking it in vinegar is a significant first step to restoring it. It’s even able to lift hard water stains from showers, bathtubs, and sinks.
You can make an excellent all-purpose cleaner by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and softened tap or bottled water. For specialized cleaning jobs, you’ll need to combine vinegar with other inexpensive household products. If you have mold or mildew in your bathroom, create a mixture of white vinegar, hot water, and a teaspoon of borax. Spray this onto affected areas and wipe away. You can even make a putty-like substance out of baking soda and vinegar to use on stained clothing.
The uses for vinegar are nearly endless. If you’re looking to cut store-bought chemicals out of your cleaning routine, plan on having a few gallons of vinegar on hand. It’s inexpensive and—when stored in a cool, dark place—lasts just about forever.
The acidity of citrus is perfect for your sinks
Citrus is an excellent tool for clearing tough sink and shower clogs. The acidity of lemon juice, when paired with baking soda, can cut through even the toughest clogs. Just pour equal parts juice and baking soda down the drain, and let it work for about an hour. You can also use vinegar for this job, but lemon juice has the bonus of making your drain smell much better.
If your kitchen sink’s garbage disposal is starting to stink, take the leftover lemon pieces and run them through the disposal. As the blades tear into the rind, the remaining lemon juice will clean the blades. Your sink will be left smelling fresh. If your disposal hasn’t been cutting through food waste like it once did, you may also want to take this opportunity to sharpen its blades. Ice works perfectly for this: put ice cubes in the disposal, turn on the tap, and run it for about a minute.
Clean without the need for harsh chemicals
As it turns out, you’re capable of keeping your carpets, windows, and countertops clean without the need for store-bought cleaning products. Whether you’re worried about the chemical content of such products or you’re just looking to save some money, natural homemade cleaners are the way to go.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
