Home Cleaning Products Straight From Nature

By now all of us are using baking soda for every type of cleaning. I even put it in my washing machine to add some freshness to the clothes.

Turns out there are more gems out there. Here are some other cleaning agents found in nature and probably your house to help you clean. They were recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil.

Olive Oil: Use to lubricate and polish wood furniture (three parts olive oil to one part vinegar; or two parts olive oil to one part lemon juice).

I also have to add that if your dog has a skin condition, olive oil in the food can help.


Potatoes: Halved potatoes can remove rust from baking pans or tinware - follow with a salt scrub or dip the potato in salt before scrubbing.

White vinegar: Cleans linoleum floors and glass (from windows to shower doors) when mixed with water and a little liquid soap (Castile or vegetable). It cuts grease and removes stains, and removes soap scum and cleans toilets (add a bit of baking soda if you like). Pour down drains once a week for antibacterial cleaning. Add to water in a spray bottle to kill mold and mildew.

Tea tree oil: While you might not have this in your home it's easier enough to find. It can be added to vinegar/water solutions for its antibacterial properties. Use it to kill mold and mildew, and on kitchen and bathroom surfaces instead of chemical products. Add 50 drops to a bucket of water to clean counter tops and tile floors.

It's also a great anti-acne oil that comes in a variety of face products.


Lemon juice : Lemon juice can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. Lemon is a great substance to clean and shine brass and copper. Lemon juice can be mixed with vinegar and or baking soda to make cleaning pastes. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains. Mix 1 cup olive oil with ½ cup lemon juice and you have a furniture polish for your hardwood furniture.

Sarah Aguirre of About.com puts a whole lemon peel through the garbage disposal. It freshens the drain and the kitchen. Orange peels can be used with the same results.