Natural cleaning at home. It really is easy and very inexpensive. We all want to be a friend to the environment but we also want our homes to be clean and healthy. Many Eco-friendly products are expensive and often don’t work that well. Want to pay more and get less? No, I didn’t think so…

I want to share two products that are both inexpensive, natural and yes, work very well.

1.) White Vinegar

Just add water! Vinegar is something most Canadians have in the cupboard. Vinegar is a super disinfectant and deodorizer. It can kill common but dangerous bacteria like E. Coli and salmonella.

Being a coffee guy, I often use vinegar in my coffee maker to freshen it up. I pour a few cups of vinegar to the reservoir and being a brew cycle. Rinse the vinegar out with 3 brew cycles using cold water. Voila clean coffee maker!

To clean your tiled floor just mix a ½ cup of white vinegar with 3 liters of warm water and mop away. No need to rinse afterwards.

2.) Baking Soda

Baking Soda not just Grandma’s secret weapon, it can be yours too! Why was it Grandma’s secret weapon? It works extremely well and is ridiculously inexpensive.

• Freshen up your carpets by sprinkling some baking soda on the carpets before vacuuming.
• To clean your counter tops in the kitchen add 4 tablespoons to a 750 ml spray bottle with warm water. Spray counter tops and wipe with a damp cloth.

Want a 1 – 2 punch?

My mother taught me this neat combo to keep the sinks clear.

• Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the sink drain, then wash it down with 1 cup of vinegar. (Heating the vinegar in the microwave first increases it’s effectiveness.)  Let the solution stand for a few minutes, 5 minutes is good. Next, run hot water down the drain for about 30 seconds.

Safe, natural and cheap.