I've been thinking about switching to natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda for my kitchen appliances, but honestly, I'm skeptical they'll do the job as good as the store-bought sprays. Anyone tried both? Which one do you prefer and why?
I've tried both, and honestly, vinegar and baking soda can surprise you. At first, I was skeptical too—especially because some appliances get pretty greasy and grimy (looking at you, microwave). But here's the thing: natural cleaners actually work pretty well if you use them right.
For instance, when cleaning my fridge, I spray a mix of equal parts vinegar and water, let it sit for a minute or two, then wipe down. It cuts through grime and odors without leaving any chemical smell behind. Baking soda paste (just baking soda and a bit of water) is awesome for stubborn stains on stovetops or ovens. Sure, it takes a little elbow grease compared to some heavy-duty sprays, but it's safer around food and kids.
That said, for stainless steel surfaces, natural cleaners can leave streaks, so I still keep a specialty spray handy for those. Bottom line: natural cleaners are great for everyday maintenance, but sometimes store-bought stuff is just quicker for tough jobs. Maybe give it a shot on something easy first—like your fridge shelves—and see how you feel?
I've had mixed results with vinegar on my old porcelain sinks—sometimes it works great, other times it seems to dull the finish a bit. Maybe it's just me being overly cautious with vintage fixtures, but has anyone else noticed natural cleaners affecting older materials differently? Curious if there's a safer go-to for antiques...
I've actually found vinegar pretty harsh on older porcelain too—especially if it's already worn. Baking soda paste has been gentler for me, cleans well without that dulling effect you're mentioning. Might be worth a shot if you're worried about preserving the finish. Vintage stuff can be so finicky...
I've noticed the same thing about vinegar being harsh on certain surfaces, especially older finishes. Baking soda paste has been pretty reliable for me too, especially on my vintage stove—it cleans without scratching or dulling the enamel. But I still keep a mild store-bought cleaner around for tougher grease spots because sometimes baking soda alone doesn't quite cut it.
One thing I've found helpful is diluting vinegar significantly if I do use it—like a tablespoon or two in a spray bottle of water. It seems gentler that way and still helps with odors and minor grime. Also, lemon juice diluted in water works surprisingly well for stainless steel appliances without leaving streaks or residue.
Have you tried any diluted natural solutions yet, or mostly just straight vinegar? Curious if dilution might help preserve your appliance finishes better.
