The Amish community is well-known for its sustainable and frugal way of life. One aspect of this lifestyle is their use of eco-friendly and budget-friendly cleaning solutions. These traditional methods have been passed down through generations and rely on simple, natural ingredients to keep homes clean and healthy. In this article, we’ll explore 30 Amish cleaning solutions that are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. These time-tested tips and recipes can help you maintain a clean and eco-conscious household.
1. White Vinegar All-Purpose Cleaner:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use it to clean countertops, glass surfaces, and bathroom fixtures.
2. Lemon Juice Degreaser:
- Combine lemon juice and water to create a natural degreaser for stovetops and kitchen appliances.
3. Baking Soda Scrub:
- Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water, and use it to scrub sinks, tubs, and grout.
4. Castile Soap Dish Soap:
- Use diluted Castile soap as a gentle and eco-friendly dishwashing liquid.
5. Olive Oil Furniture Polish:
- Mix olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice for a natural wood furniture polish.
6. Cornstarch Window Cleaner:
- Create a streak-free window cleaner by mixing cornstarch with water and a splash of vinegar.
7. Natural Air Freshener:
- Place a bowl of dried herbs, such as lavender or rosemary, in a room to naturally freshen the air.
8. Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner:
- Mix water, white vinegar, and a drop of dish soap to create a streak-free glass cleaner without ammonia.
9. Tea Tree Oil Mold Remover:
- Dilute tea tree oil in water to combat mold and mildew in bathroom and kitchen areas.
10. Hydrogen Peroxide Stain Remover: – Use hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from clothing, carpets, and upholstery.
11. Natural Drain Cleaner: – Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down clogged drains to clear blockages.
12. Salt and Lemon Sink Scrub: – Sprinkle salt on half a lemon and use it to scrub sinks and faucets for a natural shine.
13. Cast Iron Cleaning: – Clean cast iron cookware with salt and water, then reseason it with a thin layer of oil.
14. Homemade Carpet Freshener: – Combine baking soda with a few drops of essential oils and sprinkle it on carpets before vacuuming.
15. Homemade Laundry Detergent: – Mix grated Castile soap, washing soda, and borax to create a cost-effective laundry detergent.
16. Natural Disinfectant: – Use a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide as a natural disinfectant for surfaces.
17. Linen Spray: – Make a linen spray with distilled water and a few drops of essential oils to freshen linens and upholstery.
18. Brass and Copper Cleaner: – Create a paste using lemon juice and salt to clean brass and copper items.
19. Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner: – Mix baking soda and vinegar to clean and deodorize toilet bowls naturally.
20. Homemade Carpet Stain Remover: – Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle to treat carpet stains.
21. Lavender Drawer Sachets: – Place dried lavender flowers in sachets to keep drawers smelling fresh and repel pests.
22. Natural Grout Cleaner: – Scrub grout with a paste made from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
23. Coffee Grounds Deodorizer: – Use dried coffee grounds in a bowl to absorb odors in the refrigerator.
24. DIY Dishwasher Detergent: – Mix borax and washing soda as a cost-effective dishwasher detergent.
25. Natural Wood Floor Cleaner: – Combine water, white vinegar, and a few drops of Castile soap for a safe and effective wood floor cleaner.
26. Citrus Peel Garbage Disposal Cleaner: – Grind citrus peels in the garbage disposal to freshen and clean it naturally.
27. Vinegar Fabric Softener: – Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your laundry to soften clothes and eliminate static.
28. Eucalyptus Oil Bathroom Cleaner: – Dilute eucalyptus oil with water to clean and disinfect bathroom surfaces.
29. Lemon and Salt Cutting Board Cleaner: – Use a lemon half and salt to scrub and disinfect cutting boards.
30. Reusable Cleaning Cloths: – Reduce waste by using washable and reusable cleaning cloths instead of disposable paper towels.
Conclusion
By incorporating these 30 Amish cleaning solutions into your household routine, you can maintain a clean and eco-friendly home while also saving money. These time-tested methods use natural ingredients and simple recipes to effectively tackle various cleaning tasks. Embrace the Amish approach to cleaning, and you’ll not only enjoy a cleaner home but also contribute to a more sustainable and budget-conscious lifestyle.
