What Are Natural Cleaners?
Natural cleaners are typically made from ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and essential oils. These products are often promoted as non-toxic, eco-safe, and healthier for your home and family. But while they can be helpful in some cases, natural cleaners aren’t always the miracle solution they’re made out to be. You should read the latest reports on Natural cleaners, which are being promoted heavily.
Top 6 Myths of Natural Cleaners that need to be known:
Let’s uncover the top 6 natural cleaner myths that people still believe and what you need to know before using them.
natural cleaner myths
Myth 1: Natural Cleaners Can Kill All Germs and Bacteria
This is one of the most common natural cleaner myths. While vinegar or lemon juice can reduce some bacteria, they don’t disinfect like commercial-grade cleaners or bleach. For example, vinegar kills about 80% of bacteria, but not powerful pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, or the flu virus.
Busy Bucket Tip: For disinfecting bathrooms, toilets, and kitchen surfaces, always use certified disinfectants. Natural ingredients alone are not enough when deep sanitisation is needed.
Myth 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar Make a Powerful Cleaning Combo
You’ve seen the videos pour baking soda, then vinegar, and watch the fizz! But while it looks dramatic, it’s not very effective for tough cleaning. Chemically, they neutralize each other, creating water with a bit of salt and carbon dioxide. The fizzing reaction is fun but doesn’t clean deeply.
Busy Bucket Tip: Use baking soda alone as a scrub for grime, and vinegar separately for breaking down mineral deposits—not together.
Myth 3: Natural Means Non-Toxic and Always Safe
Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. Essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus can be harmful to pets. Lemon juice can cause skin irritation or worsen sun sensitivity. And undiluted vinegar can damage stone countertops or wood surfaces.
Busy Bucket Tip: Always read about the side effects or do a patch test before using any DIY cleaner, natural or not.
Myth 4: Natural Cleaners Are Always Cheaper
Sure, baking soda and vinegar are affordable. But many DIY recipes require large quantities or multiple ingredients, making them costlier over time. Plus, if they don’t work, you may need to repeat the process or buy something stronger.
Busy Bucket Tip: Instead of wasting time and money on trial and error, consider professional cleaners for long-term, cost-effective results.
Myth 5: Natural Cleaners Work Just as Fast as Chemical Cleaners
This is one of the most misleading natural cleaner myths. Natural cleaners require more time, elbow grease, and repeated use to be effective. In contrast, commercial cleaners are specifically designed for fast-acting results on grease, mould, and bacteria.
Busy Bucket Tip: For deep cleaning tasks like oven degreasing, bathroom sanitization, or AC cleaning, natural options may not be strong enough.
Myth 6: You Don’t Need Professional Cleaning If You Use Natural Products
Even if you regularly clean with natural products, deep dirt, dust mites, and germs can hide in your sofa, mattress, curtains, and AC vents. Over time, these areas need specialised equipment and professional treatment to stay clean and hygienic.
Busy Bucket Tip: Regular professional cleaning is essential, even if you follow a natural cleaning routine at home.
When Natural Works and When It Doesn’t Work
Natural cleaners can be effective for light, everyday cleaning, but they’re not always the best choice for deep sanitisation. Here’s a quick look at when natural cleaners work well and when you’re better off using professional or stronger alternatives.
Good Use Cases:
- Baking soda to deodorise the fridge
- Lemon juice to clean microwave stains
- Vinegar to remove hard water stains
- Essential oils for mild fragrance
Not Recommended For:
- Disinfecting toilets or countertops
- Mould or mildew removal
- Cleaning electronics or appliances
- Removing allergens from upholstery
Use Natural Cleaners But Stay Informed
Natural cleaners can play a role in keeping your home clean, but they’re not a complete solution. Believing in natural cleaner myths may lead to ineffective cleaning, hidden germs, or even surface damage. For regular maintenance, they’re fine. But for deep cleaning and sanitisation, trust the experts.
Get Your Home Truly Clean with Busy Bucket Services
Busy Bucket offers deep cleaning services that are safe, affordable, and eco-conscious. From sofa cleaning to bathroom sanitisation, mattress care, AC duct cleaning, and more, we go beyond surface shine to eliminate germs, dirt, and allergens. Here is why choose Busy Bucket:
- Eco-friendly and pet-safe products
- Advanced equipment for deep cleaning
- An expert team with years of experience
- Transparent pricing with a “Do it again” policy
Let Busy Bucket take care of what natural cleaners can’t, all at an affordable price with an assurance for your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are natural cleaners as effective as chemical ones?
No, natural cleaners often lack the strength to kill all harmful bacteria and viruses effectively.
Can vinegar disinfect surfaces properly?
Vinegar reduces some germs but doesn’t meet disinfectant standards for viruses like flu, salmonella, or E. coli.
Is baking soda and vinegar a powerful cleaner combo?
Not really. They neutralise each other, making them less effective together than when used separately.
Are natural cleaners always safe for pets?
No. Some natural ingredients, like essential oils, can be toxic to pets if ingested or inhaled.
Do natural cleaners work for deep cleaning?
No. They’re suitable for light tasks but not powerful enough for deep sanitisation or professional-level results.
