Best everyday ingredients to clean your house with that are 'better than chemicals'

Did you know that your kitchen cupboards are a treasure trove of cleaning solutions? With a few simple swaps, you can combat dirt, grime, and odours using natural ingredients that are safe, effective, and kinder to the environment.

A variety of foods can be used for home cleaning and disinfection-experts have put together a list of natural alternatives you can trust. These everyday food staples offer efficient, safe, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions, making them excellent replacements for maintaining a fresh and clean home without traditional chemical-based products.

If you're intrigued about which foods can be used for chores, experts from HelloFresh, a meal kit company, have assembled a list of natural alternatives. These readily available items provide effective and environmentally friendly substitutes for commercial cleaning products in a range of household tasks.

Natural ingredients sourced from plants and minerals are superior for cleaning compared to traditional chemical cleaners. They pose less risk to human health, pets, and the environment.

These natural cleaning products steer clear of toxic chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and harsh substances such as chlorine and ammonia that are present in numerous conventional products, which can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and chronic health issues.

1. Lemons

In recent years, the use of lemons to dissolve grease, eliminate bacteria, and neutralise unpleasant odours has gained popularity. Lemons work wonders in cleaning and refreshing your home without resorting to harsh chemicals, reports Wales Online. Social media cleaning influencers often recommend combining lemon juice with baking soda to create a potent scrub for stubborn stains on sinks and hobs.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar's acidity makes it a natural disinfectant and degreaser, capable of cutting through dirt, grime, and bacteria. This all-purpose cleaner works well on all surfaces, including mirrors, windows and all stainless steel appliances.

3. Bicarbonate of Soda

Another popular option is bicarbonate of soda, a mild abrasive that effectively eliminates odours and scrubs away grime without damaging surfaces. It is safe for all surfaces and works well for deodorising upholstery and carpets. When combined with vinegar, it creates a fizzing reaction that's perfect for unclogging and cleaning drains.

4. Olive Oil

Olive oil acts as a natural lubricant and polish, making it ideal for cleaning wooden surfaces like kitchen worktops and chopping boards. It can also be used to shine stainless steel appliances and helps prevent the formation of water spots.

5. Cucumber peels

Cucumber peels contain natural compounds that effectively remove stains and restore the shine to various surfaces. By using cucumber peels, you can refresh surfaces, enhancing their appearance without the need for harsh chemicals.

6. Salt

The rough texture of salt makes it a powerful scrubbing agent, perfect for tackling stubborn stains and smells. Other options include rice and ketchup. Rice is handy for cleaning hard-to-reach containers, while ketchup is good for polishing copper and brass.