The best way to clean granite countertops is by mixing a little dish detergent and warm water. This soapy mixture followed by rinsing and then drying with microfiber cloths will take care of the daily maintenance of your counters. Note: It’s important that you dry the counter to avoid water stains. However, if you do overlook a spill and a stain settles on your countertop then you have a few natural options available.

Try creating a baking soda solution to take care of stains on your granite. If the stain is water based use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. If your stain is oil based use a mixture of baking soda and water to form a paste. Spread your paste over the stained area and let sit for several hours. For tougher stains you can leave the mixture overnight. Then rinse and dry.

When cleaning your granite countertops it is always important to test out the paste on an out of the way portion of the stone to see how it will react with your own counters. Also, never use vinegar or an acid based cleaner on your granite as it will dull and etch the stone.

When cleaning grout the natural method is not only effective but it’s also cost conscious. Mix together a half cup of hydrogen peroxide for every cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the cleaning mixture on the affected areas, clean and then rinse with water. After rinsing make sure to towel the floor dry. You can also substitute vinegar for the hydrogen peroxide and get the same clean effect.

Use a stiff brush to clean your grout in areas where tougher buildup has occurred. (An old toothbrush will be too soft to handle this job, however, a new one should work). Do not use a wire bristled brush because you could end up scrubbing away your grout.

Also, do not use bleach when cleaning grout because it can potentially stain grout and cause it to turn yellow.

Once you have cleared the floor of surface dirt you’re ready to begin. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a bucket—make sure the water is very hot! Fill another bucket with water to rinse the floor. Next wring out your mop as much as possible. Mop the floor from side to side and then up and down to get between the grout. If you are cleaning a large surface area you may need to make a fresh batch of vinegar and water half way through the cleaning. Finally, rinse the floor with clean water and make sure to wring out the mop as much as possible.

Allow the tile and grout ample time to dry before walking over your newly cleaned surface.

When cleaning hardwood floors it is important to remember water is the enemy. Use it very sparingly and avoid mopping in excess. For example, if your formal dining area does not see a lot of foot traffic then sweeping regularly and mopping only once a month may be sufficient. If you have hardwood floors in your kitchen on the other hand, you may need to mop several times a week. The key to cleaning hardwood floors is to damp mopping. Wring out your mop as much as possible so that the least amount of water possible goes onto your hardwood surface.

For a natural clean you can mop your hardwood floors with a mixture of vinegar and water. However, over an extended period of time the vinegar may have a tendency to reduce the shine of your floors. You can also make a safe cleaning mixture using warm water and dish soap. (1/4 cup of dish washing liquid for a bucket of warm water).

To take care of scuff marks or stains try sprinkling baking soda on the affected area andscrub with a sponge. Then rinse with warm water and dry.

How to clean your shower with baking soda: Use a scrub paste made from baking soda and a tiny bit of water to scrub soap scum in tubs and showers.

Odor Control: Sprinkling baking soda in the bottom of garbage bags will help control odors as you add trash.

Moisture control: Anywhere that moisture is a problem such as cupboards and under sinks, place a bowl of baking soda to help control humidity. You will need to stir the powder occasionally for maximum effective life.

How to remove laundry stains with baking soda: Make a paste with baking soda and a tiny bit of water. Work it into stains prior to washing.  For perspiration stains, let the paste set for about an hour before washing.

How to clean tile with vinegar: Mix ½ cup vinegar with ½ tsp. all-purpose liquid detergent and 2 cups very hot tap water. Combine in a spray bottle and mix well. Spray on then rinse with a sponge.

All-purpose vinegar cleaner: Combine 3 Tbsp. white vinegar, ½ tsp. washing soda, ½ tsp. castile soap and 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle. Shake and spray!

How to clean wood floors with vinegar: Mix 3 – 4 tsps. Jojoba oil with 1 cup apple cider vinegar to clean and shine natural wood floors.

General Floor vinegar cleaner:  Mix ½ cup white distilled vinegar with ¼ cup of liquid detergent and 2 gallons of warm water.  Mix well in a bucket and mop as usual.

How to clean your toilet bowl with vinegar: Pour equal parts baking soda and vinegar in the toilet bowl. Wait several minutes for fizzing to stop, then scrub and flush.

Cleaning your wooden cutting board with lemon juice:  It’s important to make sure cutting boards are thoroughly sanitized, especially when you’ve been dealing with meat. For an antibacterial clean, rub lemon juice into your cutting board, leave overnight and then rinse. Wood cutting boards appear to have anti-bacterial properties anyway, but the lemon will help kill off any remaining germs plus neutralize odors.

Hard water scale remover:  Spray fresh lemon juice on hard water scale build-up near faucets. Rinse after 10 minutes.

Cleaning your Microwave with lemon juice: Heat a bowl of water and lemon slices in your microwave for about 45 seconds, then wipe. Stains will be easier to remove and old food odors will be neutralized.

Odor control: Half a lemon stored in your fridge, uncovered, will help control and eliminate unpleasant smells

Baking soda is your friend when it comes to soap scum. Sprinkle a large amount of baking soda on a cloth or sponge, dampen and scrub. For tougher soap scum build up you can also try making a paste out of baking soda and vinegar. Let the paste sit on the stain and then scrub. The acidity in the vinegar will help break down the scum.

If you have stubborn soap scum that refuses to budge you can also try spritzing lemon juice on the stained area and then scraping with a tile scraper. Please note: do not use a tile scraper on granite, travertine or slate tile as it will damage the surface.

Once you have removed the soap scum from the shower, daily maintenance can help prevent future build up. After showering take a squeegee or a towel and mop off excess water.

Removing hard water stains can be done with several natural cleaners. Start by mixing half water and half Vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture in your tub and shower and wait a few minutes before wiping clean.

You can also try removing hard water stains with a paste made from baking soda and vinegar. Smear the paste over the surface of the stain and let sit for 15 minutes. After the mixture has settled in scrub clean and rinse with water. It’s important that you immediately wipe dry because you don’t want the water sitting on the newly cleaned surface.

Finally you can try removing hard water stains using lemon juice. Spray fresh lemon juice on hard water scale build-up near faucets. Rinse after 10 minutes. Again, make sure to wipe the area clean.

Lemon Juice and Baking Soda: Combine a few tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and rub the mixture in until the grime begins to come off. Then polish off with a clean cloth.

Vinegar and Salt: Pour vinegar and salt over the copper. Rub in and keep rubbing until the tarnish removes. Rinse off and polish with a clean, dry cloth.

Lemon and Salt: Squeeze the lemon juice from one lemon and add salt to form a paste. Rub the paste over your copper with a soft cloth. Rinse off with warm water and polish.

For a natural polish for your copper products you can use a dab of vegetable oil.