How to Clean Smarter (Not Harder) Using Everyday Chemistry 🧪👍
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“Change your story”
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From the song, “Change Your Story” by Suzan Alakas
Home chores can take up a lot of time and energy - but they don’t have to!
In this post we explore how to make home chores more efficient and more gentle on you AND the planet! 😎
• Originally written: 25 May 2025
• Last updated: 25 May 2025
• Written by: Suzan Alakas
Suzan is Growtharmony’s Founder and Editor-In-Chief. She is passionate about spreading positive, solution-oriented media via songs and other formats - all in an effort to make the world a better place! When Suzan’s not writing, finding leverage points or learning something new, you can find her in the garden, playing in the snow with her family, or in the kitchen cooking up a nourishing meal!
TA DA! Chemistry to the Rescue!
Most people don’t get excited about doing laundry, dishes, wiping down countertops... not to mention cleaning the kitchen sink or toilets!
While you love a tidy and clean space, the constant effort can leave you feeling drained, overwhelmed, or wishing you were doing something else! 🙃🙂
But what if you could clean more efficiently using simple, affordable tools - without sacrificing your health, your time, your budget or the planet?
Here are a few easy changes you can make to simplify your cleaning routine that blend science, sustainability and intention in true growtharmonic fashion! ✨🌱✨🌱
But First, Why These Natural Methods Actually Work
Going “natural” doesn’t mean weak solutions that are better for the planet, these solutions are chemically effective too!
Let’s take a closer look at vinegar, baking soda and evaporation!
✅ Vinegar is an acid - it dissolves mineral deposits, cuts through grease, and shuts down certain bacteria.
✅ Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) reacts with acids (like vinegar) to lift grime and neutralize odors.
✅ Evaporation is part of physical chemistry - it allows water to naturally dry
Here is how you can start using these powerful properties with more intention!
1. Vinegar = Your Cleaning Friend 🤗
White vinegar is FANTASTIC for home efficiency. You can:
Spray and wipe down sinks, countertops, and bathroom surfaces
Soak showerheads or toilet rims in vinegar overnight to dissolve buildup
Clean the inside of appliances
2. Baking Soda = Less Scrubbing 👍
For a gentle abrasive, baking soda is a superstar! ⭐️
Sprinkle it in toilets, tubs, or sinks and scrub with a damp cloth
Combine with vinegar in drains to create a fizzy, deodorizing reaction
Use it to deodorize your fridge, shoes, or trash bin
✨ Did you know: That fizz when vinegar meets baking soda is a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide!
3. Evaporation = Calm, Quiet Magic ✨
Why make yourself more work when nature is offering to help you? 😊
Air dry dishes or laundry in the sun or near a window - it’s energy-free and oh so easy!
Skip the drying cycle on your dishwasher and crack the door open instead
After a vinegar wipe down, let surfaces air dry for a streak-free finish
✨ Did you know: UV rays also have a natural disinfecting effect - so drying clothes outside is even more practical! ☀️
More Than Just “Cleaning” 💛
When you clean with intention and chemistry-backed simplicity, you’re:
✅ Reducing your exposure to harsh or harmful chemicals
✅ Saving time, money and effort
✅ And lessening your environmental impact
And maybe, just maybe, you’re rewriting the story that chores have to be heavy or draining.
You can try setting 10-minute cleaning sessions to music 🎶
Do one chore each day rather than saving it all for one day
Turn chores into a mindfulness break rather than a burden
And remember, living with growtharmony is about finding a balance. 🤗
The less time you spend frustratedly scrubbing, the more time you have for the things that bring you joy.
Cheering for you! 🤩
Here are ways to leverage nature’s power to reduce stress and increase productivity!
✨ Take our 30 minute ‘Nourishing Meals at HALF the Cost” training to save BIG on your grocery bills and food preparation costs!
✨ Subscribe to the Growtharmony YouTube Channel for more uplifting, actionable tips and videos!