There are some items we have at home which have only a few uses we are aware of. But you will be surprised to learn just how versatile many common household items are, especially when it comes to low-cost cleaning. Here are some amazing everyday uses of household items as homemade cleaning agents that will leave your house sparkling clean, and save you money.
Everyday household items as homemade cleaning agents
1. Neem oil
Neem is a tree known popularly in Nigeria as Dogon Yaro. Dogonyaro is a common sight in most parts of Nigeria. Made into the oil it can easily be used for many purposes. Neem oil removes dandruff, prevent joint pain and stiffness, and helps your hair to be thicker, longer, and stronger. Also, apart from the fact that it reduces the appearance of ageing lines, it helps make your skin soft and radiant. And as a homemade cleaning agent, its uses include:
- Cleaning kitchen surfaces
- Product preservation
2. Lemon juice

Lemon is something that most people have lying around at home. Even if that isn't the case, it can still be acquired quite easily. A lot of people don't know that lemon juice has many benefits. It relieves sore throat, reduces wrinkles, and also reduces the pores on your skin. Additionally, like a homemade cleaning agent, it can be used to:
- Disinfect surfaces,
- Cleaning the toilet bowl
- Cleaning cutting board
- Whitening
3. Baking soda

Most Nigerian kitchens have baking soda, but it usually used purely for baking. But in case you don't know, baking soda has many other benefits. The rashes that come to your child due to wearing diapers can also be treated with baking soda. Also, baking soda can be used as toothpaste and deodorant. It can be used at home to clean:
- The oven
- For cleaning the fridge
- Cleaning tubs and brightening shower surface
4. Coconut oil

The oil from coconut can do a lot for you both at home and on your body. There are various ways to extract the oil from coconut. And that oil can act as a wood polisher and a wrinkle remover. Also, it can be used to relieve headaches and migraines. And as a lip gloss and deodorant. At home it can be used as:
5. White vinegar
White vinegar has many uses. It can help whiten your teeth, can be used to prevent eggs from breaking as you boil them. Also, white vinegar is good in softening your skin by removing dead skin. Other uses of white vinegar include removing dandruff, treatment of insect bites, killing weeds in your garden. Home uses include:
- Stain removal
- Cleaning oven and refrigerator
- Odour removal
- Cleaning the bathroom
- Cleaning CDs and DVDs
6. Olive oil
There are many ways you can use olive oil for your body and at home. Olive oil is cheap and can be easily picked up in shops. It can relieve sore throat; remove paint from your hair, and clear acne. Other uses of olive oil include using as a hair conditioner, as shaving cream, and as a lubricant for a door that is making a lot of noise. As a cleaning agent at home, its uses include:
- Washing greasy hands
- Furniture polish
Read also: Everything You Should Know About Viral Gastroenteritis In Children
Source: Healthy Food House