Many people opt for natural cleaning solutions around the home, especially if you have children or pets. Certain everyday kitchen ingredients can be surprisingly effective at tackling household messes. Many pantry staples offer affordable, eco-friendly cleaning solutions to help remove grease, stains, limescale and odours. From baking soda and white vinegar to lemons and salt, these kitchen ingredients are probably already in your home. Before reaching for expensive, specialist products, consider these 10 ingredients you may already own.
1. Baking soda
Baking soda is one of the most versatile ingredients you can have on hand. Its gentle abrasive texture makes it perfect for scrubbing sinks, ovens, worktops and even burnt-on cookware without scratching surfaces.
2. White vinegar
White vinegar is a household cleaning powerhouse, thanks to its ability to dissolve limescale, soap scum and hard water stains. It’s brilliant for cleaning taps, shower screens, kettles and glass. Its natural acidity also helps to neutralise lingering odours.
3. Lemon
Fresh lemons are packed with citric acid, making them excellent for cutting through grease and removing stains. They also leave behind a clean, refreshing scent while helping brighten chopping boards, microwaves and stainless steel surfaces.
4. Table salt
Salt isn’t just for seasoning food—it actually acts as a gentle scrubbing agent. Simply sprinkle it onto stubborn stains or greasy pans to help lift grime. Combined with lemon, the duo work together effectively on copper cookware and chopping boards.
5. Cornflour
Cornflour is surprisingly effective at polishing glass and windows without leaving streaks, according to online cleaning enthusiasts. Posting on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, one anonymous member said they also use it on carpets before vacuuming to freshen carpets.
6. Olive oil
A small amount of olive oil can help to restore wooden furniture as well as condition solid wood chopping boards. It’s also great for removing kitchen cupboard marks, and you don’t need to use much to see its effectiveness.
7. Tea bags
Used tea bags can be used in a number of ways, including soaking them in hot water to clean windows and to help lift grease from dirty dishes. They’re also useful for reducing odours in shoes and small spaces after they’ve dried.
8. Tomato ketchup
Although it sounds a little unusual, ketchup contains mild acids that help restore shine to tarnished copper and brass. Simply apply a thin layer, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse and buff with a soft cloth.
9. Lavender or peppermint oil
Essential oils aren’t just for making the house smell great, they can actually deter pests such as spiders from entering your home. Simply pop a few drops on cotton wool and place it around entry points such as doors and windows.
10. Washing-up liquid
Washing up liquid is a powerful degreaser, and it can be used for more than just cleaning dirty dishes. It can be used safely to clean kitchen surfaces, cooker hoods, cupboards and even pre-treat greasy clothing stains.
