Cleaning Naturally with Lemons, Vinegar, and Baking Soda

Cleaning your home naturally using ingredients like lemons, vinegar, and baking soda is an effective and affordable way to remove grime, kill germs, and make surfaces sparkle. These three simple pantry staples contain properties that allow them to cut through grease, dissolve stains, disinfect, deodorize, and brighten without the need for harsh chemicals. Learning how to harness the cleaning power of lemons, vinegar, and baking soda can help you save money while keeping your home clean and healthy.

Why Clean with Natural Ingredients?

Cleaning with natural ingredients like lemons, vinegar, and baking soda offers many benefits:

Cost-effective – Lemons, vinegar, and baking soda are very affordable compared to commercial cleaners. Baking soda and vinegar especially can be bought in bulk for just pennies per use.
Non-toxic – Natural cleaners won’t expose your family to dangerous fumes or chemicals found in many conventional cleaners. They are safer for kids, pets, and people with chemical sensitivities.
Environmentally friendly – Natural cleaners don’t pollute indoor air quality and won’t contaminate waterways like harsh chemical cleaners. Their ingredients biodegrade safely.
Powerful cleaning action – While natural, these ingredients are tough on dirt, grease, odors, and stains despite their gentle nature. Their acidic and abrasive properties get surfaces clean.
Disinfecting abilities – Lemon, vinegar, and baking soda all have antibacterial and antimicrobial capabilities to kill germs without toxic chemicals.
Pleasant scent – Natural cleaners like these leave behind a fresh, light citrus or vinegar scent rather than strong artificial fragrances.

With so many benefits, green cleaning with lemons, vinegar and baking soda is an all-around great choice for your home and health.

How to Clean with Lemons

Lemons contain acidic citric acid that can dissolve grease, soap scum, hard water deposits, stains, and odors. Their fresh, bright scent also naturally deodorizes. Here are some of the top ways to harness the cleaning power of lemons:

Kitchen Cleaning

Remove stains and discoloration from cutting boards by rubbing them with half a lemon and rinsing. The acid brightens and sanitizes.
Degrease range hoods by spraying them with lemon juice and wiping down. The citric acid cuts through slick cooked-on oil and grease.
Clean and deodorize microwaves by mixing lemon juice with water in a microwave-safe bowl, heating until hot, letting stand 5 minutes, then wiping away grime.
Refresh smelly disposals by running lemon peels through the disposal. Lemons cut odors, freshen pipes, and break down gunk.
Give coffee and tea mugs a shine by rubbing the insides with a fresh lemon half, then rinsing. This removes tannin stains.
Brighten dull stainless steel by rubbing with half a lemon. Wipe off the acidity with water and dry to streak-free shine.
Soak wood cutting boards that have stains, odors or bacteria in a lemon + water solution. Let sit 30 minutes before rinsing.

Bathroom Cleaning

Scrub mineral deposits and soap scum from shower doors, tiles and sinks by spraying lemon juice and scrubbing with a sponge.
Remove rust stains from porcelain sinks and tubs by rubbing with lemon halves. Let the acid sit before rinsing.
Freshen up mildewy shower curtains by running them through the wash machine with lemon juice added to the detergent.
Clean drains by pouring a lemon half down the drain before running hot water. Lemons help dissolve gunk and freshen pipes.
Deodorize smelly garbage cans by sprinkling lemon peels into the bottom under the bag. Help eliminate odors naturally.

General Cleaning

Polish chrome faucets and fixtures to remove water spots by rubbing with a lemon wedge. Rinse and let dry.
Remove soap scum from laminate countertops by squeezing lemon juice onto scum, letting sit 5-10 minutes, then wiping away.
Refresh greasy wooden cutting boards by sprinkling them with coarse salt and rubbing with a cut lemon. Rinse and dry.
Clean and deodorize pet food bowls by occasionally scrubbing with cut lemons. This will freshen, disinfect, and brighten.
Make a metal polish by mixing lemon juice and baking soda into a paste. Rub onto tarnished brass, copper, and stainless steel.
Boost laundry by adding 1/2 cup lemon juice to the wash cycle. Helps brighten whites, reduce odors, and soften fabrics.

As you can see, lemons offer powerful cleansing for most grimy areas in your home. Their fresh citrus aroma is an added bonus.

How to Clean with Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is a mildly acidic cleaner made from fermenting distilled alcohol. It offers these cleaning benefits:

Dissolves mineral deposits from hard water, soap scum, and limescale
Cuts through grease, grime, and dirt on most surfaces
Kills many types of bacteria, viruses, mold, and germs
Removes odors rather than just masking them
Non-toxic and environmentally friendly

Here are some of the best ways to tap into vinegar’s cleaning powers:

Kitchen Cleaning

Remove coffee and tea stains from mugs by filling with vinegar and letting soak overnight. Wash as normal in the morning.
Clean a grimy microwave by mixing 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high 2 minutes, then wipe clean.
Disinfect and deodorize cutting boards by wiping them with a 50/50 vinegar-water solution. Let boards dry completely.
Unclog a slow-running sink drain by pouring 1 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let fizz, then rinse with hot water.
Remove limescale on faucets and showerheads by soaking them in pure vinegar overnight, then scrubbing mineral deposits away by morning.
Wash windows and glass surfaces streak-free by adding 2 tablespoons vinegar to 1 quart water in a spray bottle. Wipe with newspaper or microfiber cloth.
Clean and sanitize countertops by mixing 1 teaspoon tea tree oil with 2 cups vinegar and 1 cup water. Wipe down surfaces with solution.

Bathroom Cleaning

Remove hard water stains and soap scum from tile and fixtures with a vinegar-dipped sponge or cloth. Let set several minutes before scrubbing.
Clean toilet bowls by pouring 1 cup vinegar into the bowl and letting sit 30 minutes before scrubbing and flushing. Disinfects and deodorizes.
Remove mildew and soap scum from shower curtains by running them through the washing machine with 1 cup vinegar added to the cycle. Air dry.
Clear clogged shower heads by filling a sandwich bag with vinegar and wrapping it around the shower head overnight. Wash away mineral deposits in the morning.
Freshen and disinfect towels by adding 1 cup vinegar to a hot wash cycle. Vinegar helps remove odors and brighten fabrics.

General Cleaning

Mop tile and sealed stone floors with a vinegar-water solution to clean, deodorize, and prevent soap scum buildup.
Clean windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces streak-free by spraying with a 1:1 vinegar-water mixture and wiping dry with newspaper.
Remove stickers and price tags by soaking them in undiluted vinegar for several minutes before scraping away.
Clean and disinfect toys by wiping them with a 50/50 vinegar-water solution. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Safe for baby toys.
Remove scuff marks from vinyl floors by dipping a cloth in straight vinegar and rubbing marks before rinsing.

Vinegar is safe for most surfaces and provides a non-toxic deep clean. Unlock its cleaning power throughout your home.

How To Clean with Baking Soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring powdered mineral with mild abrasive and alkaline properties. Here are some key ways it can be used:

Scours surfaces as a gentle abrasive to lift dirt
Deodorizes and absorbs odors rather than just masking them
Creates a fizzing reaction with acids like vinegar and lemon to help dissolve grime
Softens water which improves sudsing and cleaning action of soaps
Extinguishes grease and small stovetop fires by smothering flames

Baking soda is safe for many surfaces and fabrics. Test in an inconspicuous area first. Here are tips for cleaning with baking soda:

Kitchen Cleaning

Remove coffee and tea stains from mugs by making a paste of baking soda and water and rubbing mugs with it before washing.
Clean and deodorize the refrigerator by mixing 3 tablespoons baking soda with 1 quart water in a spray bottle. Mist refrigerator interior and wipe clean.
Scrub stubborn grease and cooked-on food from pots and pans by sprinkling with baking soda and dripping water on top. Let sit before scrubbing.
Freshen smelly drains by pouring 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let bubble up before rinsing with hot water.
Scour stained plastic containers, Tupperware, and lunchboxes by making a paste of baking soda and water. Let sit before rinsing.

Bathroom Cleaning

Remove soap scum buildup from bathroom tile, tubs, and fixtures by making a baking soda paste. Scrub surfaces with the paste before rinsing.
Clean and deodorize toilets by sprinkling baking soda into the bowl. Let sit at least 15 minutes before scrubbing and flushing.
Keep shower curtains mildew-free by running a cycle in the washer machine with 1/2 cup baking soda added. Wash shower liners monthly.
Remove toothpaste gunk and brighten toothbrush holders by soaking in a baking soda solution for 15 minutes and scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly after.

General Cleaning

Shine stainless steel kitchen sinks by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge and scrubbing the sink in circular motions before rinsing.
Remove crayon marks from walls, floors, and other surfaces by gently rubbing them with a damp baking soda paste using a soft cloth or sponge.
Freshen laundry by adding 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash cycle. Helps remove odors and softens fabrics.
Polish silver jewelry, coins, and metals by making a thin baking soda paste. Gently rub paste onto silver with soft cloth. Rinse and dry.
Sprinkle baking soda onto grease fires on the stove or in pans to extinguish flames. Turn off heat and smother fire completely before removing pan.

Baking soda is an effective cleaning and deodorizing agent for your entire home. Keep this powder on hand for your toughest cleaning challenges.

Power-Packed Cleaning Combos

One of the best aspects of lemon, vinegar, and baking soda is that they can be combined for even more enhanced cleaning power. Here are some powerful combo solutions:

All-Purpose Cleaner – Mix 1 cup water, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 10 drops lemon essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake before each use.

Tub and Tile Cleaner – Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces, spritz with vinegar, and scrub to clean soap scum. Rinse thoroughly.

Drain Cleaner – Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let fizz then rinse with hot water.

Stainless Steel Cleaner – Make a paste of 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto surface with soft cloth and rinse.

Granite Cleaner – Mix 20 drops lemon essential oil into 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 gallon water. Spray and wipe down granite.

Glass Cleaner – Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 cups water, 1/4 cup vinegar and 10 drops lemon essential oil into a spray bottle. Shake before each use.

Wood Floor Cleaner – Mix 1 gallon water, 1/2 cup vinegar, and 10 drops lemon oil. Damp mop floors with the solution.

Get even more bang for your buck by combining the natural cleaning powers of lemon, vinegar, and baking soda.

Tips for Cleaning with Natural Ingredients

Follow these tips to get the most from your natural cleaners:

Always spot test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first to check for colorfastness or damage.
Wear gloves to prevent skin irritation or drying from repeated exposure to lemon, vinegar, and baking soda.
Ventilate area well when mixing vinegar and baking soda, as it will create fumes.
Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching surfaces when scrubbing.
Rinse surfaces well after cleaning to remove all acidity from lemon and vinegar.
Store natural cleaning solutions in properly labeled spray bottles.
Make fresh batches regularly for maximum potency. Citrus oils deteriorate quickly.
Never mix lemon, vinegar or baking soda with chlorine bleach or ammonia, as it creates toxic gas.

Harnessing the cleaning power of common household staples like lemon, vinegar, and baking soda is an effective, affordable way to get your home sparkling clean and naturally fresh. With just a few simple ingredients, you can tackle dirt, stains, germs, and odors in every room. Get started with these green cleaning recipes and tips today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Naturally with Lemons, Vinegar, and Baking Soda

How do lemons clean and disinfect surfaces?

The citric acid in lemons cuts through grease and soap scum and helps dissolve mineral deposits. The acidic pH helps kill bacteria and viruses. Lemon peels and juice also contain antimicrobial properties that destroy germs and freshen.

Can I mix lemon juice with vinegar or baking soda?

Yes, you can mix lemon juice with vinegar or baking soda for enhanced cleaning power. The acidity of lemon juice activates the grease-cutting ability of vinegar and the abrasiveness of baking soda into a bubbly cleaning reaction. Avoid mixing lemon juice or vinegar with bleach.

What is the best way to use vinegar as a cleaner?

Use white distilled vinegar diluted with water for cleaning. Mix a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water in a spray bottle to clean counters, windows, mirrors, shower scum, and other surfaces. For extra scrubbing power on tile or sinks, apply undiluted vinegar directly before scrubbing.

Where are the best places to use baking soda for cleaning?

Baking soda can be used in the kitchen on countertops, sinks, appliances, cookware, and utensils. It works well in the bathroom for cleaning tubs, showers, tile, and toilets. Baking soda also has uses for freshening laundry, carpets, upholstery, mattresses, and refrigerators. Sprinkle it on grease fires to extinguish flames.

What surfaces should be avoided when cleaning with lemon, vinegar or baking soda?

Avoid using lemon or vinegar on stone surfaces like granite or marble, as the acidity can etch the stone. Baking soda is also too abrasive for many stones. Use caution with vinegar or baking soda on hardwood floors. Always spot test natural cleaners on an inconspicuous area first.

Should I rinse surfaces after cleaning with lemon, vinegar or baking soda?

Yes, you should rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning with lemon, vinegar or baking soda. The acidic components in lemon and vinegar can damage surfaces if left on too long. Baking soda can also leave a gritty residue if not rinsed properly. Fully rinsing will remove all traces.

Is there a homemade recipe for an all-purpose cleaner with lemon, vinegar and baking soda?

Yes, you can make an effective all-purpose cleaner by mixing 1 cup water, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda and 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously before each use. The baking soda and vinegar will fizz and work together to cut through grease and grime.

What is the benefit of using lemon, vinegar and baking soda to clean instead of commercial cleaners?

Lemon, vinegar and baking soda offer a deep clean without harmful fumes or chemicals found in many conventional cleaners. They are inexpensive, non-toxic, biodegradable, and work on most messes in your home. Using natural cleaners is safer for kids, pets and better for the environment.

What precautions should I take when cleaning with lemon, vinegar and baking soda?

Wear gloves to avoid skin dryness or irritation. Never mix vinegar or lemon with chlorine bleach or ammonia; toxic gases result. Ventilate when using vinegar and baking soda together. Spot test cleaners first on an inconspicuous surface. Always rinse surfaces well after cleaning to remove acidity or abrasives.

Conclusion

Cleaning with the natural power of lemons, vinegar, and baking soda is an affordable, safe way to get a sparkling clean home without using harsh chemicals. Each ingredient packs its own grease-fighting, disinfecting, and odor-eliminating punch. Combined, they tackle even the toughest cleaning challenges. Put these three natural cleaners to work for an environmentally-friendly way to clean your entire home. Just a few simple ingredients can get every room fresh, sanitized, and shining.