Faced with increasingly harsh industrial detergents, consumers are turning back to traditional products that are healthier and have long proven their effectiveness and safety. Here are four essential natural cleaners you should always have at home.
White Vinegar: The Household Fairy
Also known as distilled vinegar, alcohol vinegar, or clear vinegar, white vinegar is colorless and made from highly concentrated alcohol derived from sugar beets. It is natural, effective, and inexpensive.
Good to Know
Check the label for the acetic acid percentage (usually between 8%, 12%, and 14%). The higher the percentage, the stronger the vinegar.
Deodorizes
White vinegar is the ultimate odor neutralizer:
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Removes cooking smells
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Eliminates paint fumes
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Fights moldy odors
Choose a cheap, distilled version from the supermarket. If the label says “crystal vinegar,” don’t be fooled—it’s just regular vinegar and shouldn’t cost more.
Removes Limescale
It dissolves limescale on:
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Faucets
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Toilets
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Shower trays
It’s also very effective when diluted in hot water to descale kettles and coffee machines.
Bonus Tip: Deep-Cleans the Refrigerator
To prevent bacterial growth, clean your fridge every two weeks:
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Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar per liter of hot water
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Clean shelves with a clean sponge
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Rinse with clear water
Warning: Never mix bleach and white vinegar—this produces toxic chlorine fumes that are dangerous to inhale.
Don’t Throw Away Your Sponge!
Disinfect it once a week using one of these methods:
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Boil it in water and let it soak for 2 hours
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Soak it for 1 hour in water mixed with 2 tablespoons of baking soda + 2 tablespoons of vinegar
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Microwave a damp, non-metallic sponge for 2 minutes at full power
Baking Soda: The Magic Powder
This white powder, available in pharmacies and supermarkets, is cheap and perfect for sanitizing the entire home.
Cleans
A great alternative to abrasive creams:
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Sprinkle on a damp sponge to clean bathtubs, grout, plastic surfaces, and floors
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Makes silverware shine
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Degreases ovens and ceramic cooktops
Fights Bad Odors
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Place a bowl in the fridge or toilets
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Removes cigarette smells from ashtrays
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Deodorizes shoes (leave overnight, then brush)
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Add to cat litter or sprinkle on a wet dog’s coat
Removes Stains
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Sprinkle on stains on sofas or carpets
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Let sit for several hours or overnight
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Vacuum thoroughly
Bonus Tip: Disinfects Cutting Boards
Wooden or plastic boards harbor bacteria:
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Make a paste with baking soda and water
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Apply and leave for 15 minutes
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Rinse with running water
Warning: Do not use on aluminum—it may damage it.
Soap: Black Soap or Marseille Soap – The Oldest Detergents
Simple yet incredibly effective:
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Black soap is made from oils and potash
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Marseille soap is made from several oils and soda
Look for labels stating “extra pure” and avoid soaps with allergenic preservatives.
Washes Laundry
Both outperform conventional detergents:
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Leave clothes spotless
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Remove tough stains when applied directly
Degreases Kitchen & Bathroom
Rich in natural surfactants, they trap and remove grease:
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Cooktops
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Ovens
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Range hoods
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Sinks and basins
Maintains the Garden
Black soap repels aphids:
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Dilute in water
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Spray directly on affected plants
Bonus Tip: Mop Floors Without Rinsing
For tiled floors, walls, and even oiled or laminated wood:
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Add 2–3 tablespoons of black soap or Marseille soap flakes to hot water
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Mop with a slightly damp cloth
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No rinsing needed!
Terre de Sommières: The Super-Absorbent Powder
This pale gray or ochre fine powder comes from sepiolite clay, known for its exceptional absorbent properties.
Good to Know
Avoid spray versions—they are less economical and less eco-friendly. Store away from moisture.
Removes Stains
Effective on:
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Wine stains on tablecloths
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Candle wax on floors
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Oil stains on clothes
How to use:
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Blot excess with paper towel
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Sprinkle generously
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Gently press in
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Leave for 30 minutes
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Vacuum
Perfect for dry-cleaning carpets and delicate fabrics like silk.
Fights Odors
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Place in ashtrays
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Add to cat litter
Bonus Tip: Deodorizes Laundry
Add a pinch of Terre de Sommières to the water in your steam iron to freshen clothes naturally.
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