As consumers become more aware of the hazards of commercial cleaners and household chemicals, it is no wonder that they are turning to natural products. Unfortunately, many natural products sold in grocery or convenience stores are expensive. Fortunately, there is no need to spend a ridiculous amount of money for a healthy and safe household cleaner because you can make them at home with five ingredients you likely have in your pantry.

1. Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most versatile items in your kitchen, while it is excellent for cooking, it is especially useful for creating cleaning solutions. For example, in its purest form, you can pour white vinegar into an empty washing machine and run it for a cycle to clean it. You can also create a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water to run it through and clean your coffee maker. You can also use diluted vinegar to remove and blot clean carpet stains.

2. Baking Soda

Another versatile kitchen product is baking soda. While this is an essential baking ingredient, it also has several cleaning properties. Baking soda is an excellent odor absorber. You can place a cup of this great ingredient in your microwave to remove leftover odors. You can also mix it with lemon juice to help remove gunk from your garbage disposal by incorporating it into a paste and leaving it to sit for five minutes.

3. Lemon

Lemon isn't just for adding a little zing to drinks or food; it is also a capable all-purpose cleaner. However, to make an effective cleaner, you will want to mix a fresh lemon with baking soda and vinegar. Get all the juice from a lemon and mix it with vinegar and baking soda in a 4 cup bucket. You can drop the rind in the mix to help further infuse the blend. Then, stir in hot water to dilute the vinegar and dissolve the baking soda. Once you have an even consistency, leave the mix to cool before using it.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon can be used in a couple of different ways. First, you can use the spice to make a natural deodorizer. Place cinnamon sticks out around your house and enjoy the natural scent. You can also make a cinnamon orange mix for an all-purpose cleaner. By mixing cinnamon, orange peels and distilled white vinegar, you create a natural antimicrobial cleaner for your house.

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil is an excellent all-natural furniture polish, but you do not want to use it alone. To make a natural furniture polish at home, mix up a 2:1 batch of regular olive oil and lemon juice. When applying the polish to your furniture with a lint-free cloth, you can also add essential oil to provide a more pleasant scent. Make sure you do not use virgin olive oil.

People are becoming more aware of the benefits of using natural products to create a healthy home environment. However, why stop with cleaning products. Creating a healthy lifestyle also comes down to diet and exercise. Consider checking out more of the Calorie Myths to discover health and happiness.