low-waste cleaning solutions: ditch the baking soda and vinegar mix

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

While mixing baking soda and vinegar is often marketed as the GOAT of DIY cleaning recipes, they don’t actually clean very well when combined. Let’s explore more effective, simple alternatives that work better on tough messes.

Baking soda and vinegar are often portrayed as the ultimate cleaning duo, but they don’t actually make the great team you might think. Here's why: baking soda is a base, and vinegar is an acid. When they mix, they cancel each other out, creating a reaction that produces lots of bubbles. It’s fun to watch and makes the perfect craft for little ones, but after those bubbles disappear, all you’re left with is a water-like solution—not exactly a cleaning powerhouse! 

That’s not to say baking soda and vinegar can’t be used to clean together. The bubbling reaction has a bit of cleaning power, especially when you need to lift stubborn stains or tackle a clogged drain. BUT, if you’re really looking to cut through grime, a simple paste of baking soda and water will do the trick.

Here’s the low-down on our top 4 cleaning ingredients and how to use them:

Baking soda

This mildly alkaline powder is a cleaning powerhouse, known for neutralizing odors, removing stains, and providing a gentle scrub on surfaces. Use it dry to deodorize spaces like carpets or trash cans, or mix with water for a safe, effective cleaner that’s tough on grime without being harsh.

Here’s an easy recipe to remove stubborn clothing stains using baking soda:

1. In a bowl, mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the stained area.
3. Let sit for 20-30 minutes.
4. Rinse and repeat the process if needed.
5. Launder as usual.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Vinegar

This natural acidic solution is great for cutting grease, removing odors, and even tackling bacteria. Use it diluted for everyday cleaning, or go full strength on tough jobs like limescale buildup.

Use this recipe for a non-abrasive tile scrubber using vinegar:

1. In a spray bottle, combine the following into a spray bottle:

• ½ cup of castile soap
• ½ cup of filtered water
• ¼ cup of vinegar

1. Seal the bottle and shake gently to mix together.
2. Spray the solution on your tiles and wipe clean to remove dirt and grime.

Photo by cottonbro studio

Castile soap

This vegetable-based soap is as gentle as it is versatile! Biodegradable and kind to skin, it’s tough on grease and grime without any harsh chemicals. Use it diluted to clean surfaces, or even as a gentle wash for skin and hair.

Here’s a recipe for a homemade liquid laundry detergent using castile soap:

1. In a large saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a slight boil, then turn off the burner. Add: 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of washing soda. 
2. Stir to dissolve.
3. Add 9 cups of room-temperature water and 1 cup of Castile soap. Stir to combine.
4. Let sit until cool.
5. Once cool, pour into your container(s) of choice.
6. Optional: add a few drops of essential oils to add a subtle fragrance to the soap.

For top loading washer machines, use ⅛-¼ cup per load. For a front loader, use 1-2 tablespoons.

Photo by Annie Spratt

3% Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic with natural bleaching power. It’s perfect for disinfecting surfaces, whitening fabrics, and lifting tough stains. Use it diluted for everyday cleaning or apply directly as a spot treatment on stubborn stains.

Here’s a recipe to create your own grout cleaner with hydrogen peroxide:

1. In a bowl, mix together:

• ½ cup of baking soda
• ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide
• a few drops of dish soap

1. Put on some rubber gloves to protect your hands while cleaning.
2. Use a cloth to spread the cleaning solution onto your grout lines, ensuring an even coating.
3. Let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Rinse the area with clean water to remove the cleaning solution and any loosened dirt.

Using ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, castile soap, and hydrogen peroxide allows you to clean your home effectively and safely. These straightforward solutions provide powerful results while helping you live a less-waste lifestyle.

What ingredient do you swear by for low-waste cleaning? Comment your favourite!