The DIY cleaning paste you can make for less than $2 to transform both ovens and grout
By Rachael Gavin|
D?IY cleaning products made from items already in your kitchen can be just as effective, if not more than store bought cleaners, and so much cheaper.
Out of all the cleaners you can make yourself, there is one that packs an especially powerful punch.
It can replace a cream cleanser or branded cleaning paste, and is safe enough to use in the kitchen, bathroom and even on your sneakers.
This DIY paste is baking soda (also called bi-carb soda) and dishwashing liquid, and given you can find those for a few dollars each, combining the two will cost you $1 to $2 depending on how much you make.
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All you need to do is mix baking soda and dish soap together.
If it's a small area try a tablespoon of baking soda and a squirt of dish soap, but for larger areas you might need a quarter to a full cup of baking soda. Start with a smaller amount and then you can make more quickly and easily if you need.
Then depending? on the surface, you'll need either a microfibre cloth, sponge, scourer or scrubbing brush.
Here are some of the many things you can clean with it.
Oven?
?A lot of oven cleaners have harsh chemicals and strong smells so the baking soda and detergent paste makes a great low-scent option.
Apply paste to the oven door and inside the oven (avoiding the fan) and leave for two hours before using a scraper to remove the paste.
Then wipe off the excess with a damp cloth and you're good to go.?
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Stovetop
?Stovetops can be tricky to clean with all the grease and burnt food bits that can get stuck in cracks and cervices.
Apply the cleaning paste to your stovetop and use a gentle scrubber like a Scrub Daddy to clean. Then rinse off.
If your stovetop is especially dirty, try leaving the paste on for a while to help soften the grime.?
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Stainless steel sink
Instead of cream cleanser or a branded cleaning paste, try using the baking soda and dish soap combo to polish your sink.
Either make the paste first or sprinkle bi-carb soda over the sink and then drizzle dishwashing detergent on top.
Then grab a scrubber or steel wool and scrub away.
To finish, rinse the sink and dry with a microfibre cloth.?
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Burnt, grease-stained pan
It is possible to restore a burnt pan to its former glory using bi-carb soda and detergent, you just might need to use a little elbow grease.
Make the paste in a bowl and then apply to the surface with a non-scratch scourer and start scrubbing.
Then rinse off and wash the pan as normal.?
?Grout
You don't need harsh chemicals or store bought options to remove discolouration and grime because baking soda and detergent will do the trick.
If you do need a little extra oomph in your cleaning paste, you can add hydrogen peroxide. The typical ratio for this is one part detergent, and one part baking soda to two parts hydrogen peroxide, so the amount depends on how much you make.
Once you have your paste, apply to your grout and scrub with a toothbrush (not one you're still using)?.
Leave the paste on for a while before scrubbing if you have stubborn stains and discolouration.
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Canvas shoes
White sneakers don't stay white for long, but you can clean them easily with the baking soda and detergent paste mixed with a little hot water.
Rub the paste into your shoes? and leave until it dries, then brush off.?
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