Unless you enjoy subjecting yourself to possible skin and eye irritations, allergies, headaches, and possibly getting cancer, you may want to change what household cleaning products you buy.

These cleaners are not just toxic to humans, in fact, many household cleaning products are just as bad for the environment, and your pets, as they are to you.

Meanwhile, cleaning with vinegar and baking soda can be just as effective, if not more so. You can use a vinegar-baking soda cleaner to clean just about anything in your home. By learning how and where you can use baking soda and vinegar to clean, you’ll be saving money, the environment, and your own well-being, as well as the well-being of those you love.

Cleaning with Vinegar and Baking Soda

The best part about cleaning with baking soda and vinegar is that it can be found in almost every kitchen in Chicago and the suburbs for cooking and baking purposes. Another great advantage to using these two ingredients together is that they’re both extremely inexpensive, especially compared to other cleaning products.

Best Ways to Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is really great to use when scrubbing out your pots and pans. It’s a great abrasive to get out baked-on residue. Simply pour some in your pot along with hot water and dish detergent. Wait 15 minutes and then clean.

To put out a grease fire, simply pour baking soda over it until the flames go out.

Toss some baking soda on your carpets and rugs to help remove odors. Just sprinkle and wait a few minutes and then run a vacuum over the area.

Baking soda also works when you combine it with shampoo to eliminate dandruff. It helps get rid of that itchy feeling. Also, if you’re out of deodorant, you can simply add water and slather it on your armpits.

Uses of Vinegar in the Household

Mix vinegar and water together to clean your kitchen counters, sinks, and refrigerator. Vinegar acts as a natural deodorizer. You can add some lemon to help it smell clean and sanitize better.

Heat up a bowl with one cup of vinegar in the microwave for four minutes. The vinegar will loosen all those hard bits, so you can simply wipe the inside with a rag afterward.

Add vinegar to your dishwasher periodically to the rinse compartment to help prevent buildup.

Grab a spray bottle and mix water and vinegar together. You can then use it to clean your mirrors and windows. Use equal parts of water and vinegar.

Toss a splash of vinegar with some hot water on your bathroom and kitchen floors to make them shine brightly.

When to Use Vinegar with Baking Soda

We all remember science projects in school where a volcano was made using vinegar and baking soda together. Use that same chemical reaction to help keep your bathroom drains free from clogs.

Simply toss a cup of baking soda down your drain and follow with a cup of vinegar. Watch as the chemical reaction makes things “explode” and fizz. Then plug the drain with a rag and wait at least 30 minutes.

After that, simply pour boiling hot water down the drain, and then celebrate the fact that you just saved a ton of money on having to call a plumber.

Insist on Greener Cleaning

Even if you don’t clean your home yourself, you should insist on greener cleaning products being used in your home in Chicago and the surrounding area. If you hire a house cleaning service, ask if they’re cleaning with vinegar and baking soda or if they use harsh chemicals.

You can also switch to a cleaning company dedicated to keeping their clients and the environment as healthy as possible. Click here to see if you’re located our area.