DIY Natural cleaning and housekeeping

When we think about doing green and natural things, cleaning our house isn't the first thing that comes to mind. It's a big part of your life you can change towards being greener, more natural and it doesn't have to be expensive! It would be stupid to use natural and green products for your own skincare and health, but not for your home. Here are some easy hints and tips for you to turn it around.

*working with the right tools
If you're trying to remove some hard core lime scale with a very old sponge, you can bet it's not going to be  efficient. Using the right tools for the right job means you have to use less cleaning agent, and saves you time. This doesn't mean you should run to the store and buy the most expensive multi functional tools out there. A good sponge, some good microfiber rags and a hard brush will deal with most problems. You can use those old soft sponges for your grandmother's china, and cut up old t-shirts to use as dusting rags. Recycle your old sponges and rags if you can and you can use new ones without feeling guilty.
*clean your home and maintain
Keeping your home clean and cleaning on a regular basis means you will have to work less hard to keep it clean, and you will have to use less cleaning agent. Getting into a habit can save you time and stress.

*Ask grandma for advice
 If your grandmother is still alive, ask her for natural cleaning tips. If she's no longer alive, there are plenty of websites out there with old tips and tricks for all sorts of household problems. Did you know you can put onions in some water and use it to clean your windows? It's definitely a lot greener and cheaper than store bought chemical solutions.

Natural cleaning agents 
There are quite a few things out that you can most likely buy in your local supermarket that are a great natural alternative. I'll talk you through some of them

*Vinegar
There are 2 types of vinegar, the original vinegar and some vinegar used especially for cleaning. Vinegar is great for removing limescale. Soak a rag in vinegar and leave it around your faucet for a few hours to remove the dark circles. Personally I really don't like the smell, but it works so well I just keep my nose away and use it anyway.
*Castille soap
And other 100% natural vegetable soaps can be used instead of normal soaps to clean your floors and do dishes with.
*Baking soda
This must be my favorite ingredient of all time. It can be used as an abrasive and it can also be used to remove smells from trash cans and carpets.
*Lemon juice
Have you ever noticed how commercial cleaning products use (or claim to use) lemon juice in their products to remove grease? It can also be used as a natural bleaching agent for your laundry and tons of other things. A definitive must have.
*Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has great anti-bacterial properties and you can use those while cleaning. It can be mixed with water to disinfect and clean, to fight mold and to create a fresh smell in your home.

These 5 easy to get ingredients will help you to create a greener and cleaner home. I would definitely recommend asking your grandmother for advice or to look online for those old housekeeping secrets. They can be surprisingly effective!