Living green in a rental can feel challenging. You can’t swap out appliances or install solar panels, but creating a healthy, eco-friendly living space is absolutely within your reach. One powerful way to do this is by ditching harsh chemicals and embracing the cleaning power duo: vinegar and baking soda.
Why Choose Vinegar and Baking Soda?
These pantry staples are not only inexpensive and readily available, but they’re also biodegradable, non-toxic, and incredibly effective cleaners. Vinegar, with its acetic acid, cuts through grease, grime, and mineral deposits. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive and natural deodorizer. Together, they tackle tough cleaning jobs without harming your health or the environment.
Getting Started: Gather Your Supplies
- White distilled vinegar
- Baking soda
- Spray bottles
- Microfiber cloths
- Scrub brush or sponge
- Essential oils (optional, for a fresh scent)
Room-by-Room Cleaning Guide
Kitchen
Sink and Drain: Sprinkle baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water. Clean the sink basin with a paste of baking soda and water, scrubbing with a cloth.
Microwave: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 5 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen grime. Wipe clean with a cloth.
Countertops and Stovetop: Spray a vinegar solution (equal parts vinegar and water) on surfaces, let sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean. For stubborn stovetop grease, sprinkle with baking soda first, then spray with vinegar.
Oven: Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the inside of the oven (avoiding heating elements), and let sit overnight. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. For tough spots, scrub gently with a brush.
Refrigerator: Wash shelves and drawers with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Wipe down the interior walls and door seals.
Bathroom
Toilet: Pour a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit for an hour. Sprinkle baking soda around the rim and scrub with a toilet brush. Flush.
Shower and Tub: Spray the shower walls and tub with a vinegar solution. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with a brush or sponge. For soap scum buildup, apply a paste of baking soda and water, let sit, and then scrub.
Sink and Faucets: Clean the sink with a baking soda paste. Shine faucets by soaking a cloth in vinegar and wrapping it around them for 30 minutes.
Mirrors: Spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water on mirrors. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Floors: Add ½ cup of vinegar to a bucket of warm water for mopping. For a fresh scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender or lemon).
Windows: Spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water on windows. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.
Upholstery (Spot Cleaning): Mix a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Test on an inconspicuous area first. Gently blot the stain with a cloth dipped in the solution. Avoid soaking the fabric.
Tips for Success
Test in an inconspicuous area first: While vinegar and baking soda are generally safe, always test on a small, hidden area before applying to the entire surface.
Don’t mix vinegar with bleach: Combining these two creates toxic chlorine gas.
Embrace the power of elbow grease: While vinegar and baking soda are effective, sometimes a little scrubbing is still needed for tough stains.
Be patient: These natural cleaners might require a little more dwell time compared to harsh chemicals, but the results are worth it!
Deep cleaning your rental with vinegar and baking soda is a simple, affordable, and effective way to create a healthy and eco-friendly home. By making these small changes, you’re making a big difference for yourself and the planet.
