Natural ways to clean your home

Are lemon, baking soda and vinegar really effective cleaners?

Definitely. Vinegar shines surfaces like counter tops and mirrors. Lemon is antimicrobial so it’s perfect in the kitchen. Baking soda is an excellent scrubbing agent that can be put to work on everything from dirty ovens to soap scum. Be sure to use it on a dry tub, though, and then vacuum it up afterwards as it can clog your pipes if it goes down the drain.

Do you have any tips for laundry day?

I make a lavender-infused vinegar to use as a fabric softener. Here’s how: Put a few sprigs of dried lavender in a glass jar with white vinegar, put on the lid. Let it sit for three weeks, then strain it and add to your washer like you would liquid fabric softener.

Are there instances where only heavy-duty products will work?

No. You can even clear a clogged drain without chemicals: Sprinkle about two tablespoons of baking soda in the drain, and then pour in a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 30 minutes ‘ the fizzing reaction it creates will break down the blockage. Run hot water to clear it away.