Got some lemons laying around? Or Vinegar? How about Baking Soda? All three are great for cleaning around the house, and are safer and cheaper than the chemical cleaners at the market.
White vinegar is acidic and so will break down dirt and grime, and kill bacteria, mold and germs. But do not us vinegar on marble or other porous surfaces, it can cause damage. Also, be careful on grout-too strong a solution of vinegar can also damage the grout.
You can use vinegar in the laundry. Just use 1/2 cup to 1 cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle instead of commercial fabric softener. You can also pour the vinegar in a fabric softener ball they sell at stores, and just toss it in to get fluffy soft clothes.
Use vinegar in the dishwasher instead of expensive dish washing detergent. Pour about a 1/2 cup into the bottom of the dishwasher. This is especially good for getting glasses sparkling. Even if you decide to still use detergent, try using the vinegar as a rinse agent instead of the more expensive store bought products.
Use vinegar in the toilet bowl to help get rid of the rings. Pour about three cups into the bowl to break down the grime. Also, about once a week pour white vinegar into the back tank to help keep the toilet bowl clean. Vinegar is great at breaking down hard water stains and soap scum.
Use Lemons to make an all natural furniture polish. Just mix about one part lemon juice with two parts olive oil. The left over lemon peels are perfect to put in your plants to keep cats from deciding to use the potted soil as a cat litter box!
Use lemons in the kitchen to wash dishes. Just get a half lemon and sprinkle some baking soda on it and your dishes will sparkle. Put the lemon peel down the garbage disposal to get rid of odors.
Use Baking Soda mixed with water to make a paste to clean kitchen surfaces with.
Use Baking Soda to help clean your microwave by boiling two tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl of water, and then just wipe away the softened unk.
Use baking soda and water paste to remove stains on clothing before washing.
Use baking soda to help clear bathroom drains. Pour about a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. It may take a few repeats, but clogs should be cleared up with this solution.