Kitchen Staples You Can Use As Cleaning Products

The UK has recently faced a shortage of Dettol products, prompting Brits to turn to Google in search of alternative cleaning solutions. New data reveals a huge 5000% surge in searches for 'dettol shortage,' along with a 120% rise for 'non-toxic cleaning products' and a 60% increase in 'best natural cleaning products' over the past week.

In the midst of this, it turns out that several everyday food items, most of which are likely already in your kitchen cupboards, can be surprisingly effective at cleaning household surfaces.

These natural food staples offer effective, safe and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions, making them great substitutes for keeping your home fresh and clean in the absence of traditional chemical based products.

If you're curious about which foods can be used to clean and disinfect your home, food box company, HelloFresh, have compiled a list of natural alternatives you can rely on.

1. Lemons

Using lemons to dissolve grease, kill bacteria and neutralise unpleasant smells has become increasingly popular over the past few years. They work really well to both clean and refresh your home without using harsh chemicals.

TikTok cleaning influencers often suggest mixing lemon juice with baking soda to make a strong scrub for tough stains on sinks and stovetops.

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. Baking Soda

Another popular option is baking soda, a mild abrasive that effectively eliminates odours and scrubs away grime without damaging surfaces.

In addition to being safe for all surfaces, it 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 countertops and chopping boards. It can also be used to shine stainless steel appliances and helps prevent the formation of water spots.

5. Salt

The rough texture of salt makes it a powerful scrubbing agent, perfect for tackling stubborn stains and smells.

6. Cucumber Peels

Cucumber peels contain natural compounds that are effective at removing stains and restoring the shine to a variety of surfaces. By using cucumber peels, you can refresh surfaces, enhancing their appearance without the need for harsh chemicals.

Information supplied by HelloFresh