"Low-Chemical Cleaning: Simple Tips for a Fresher Home"

Strong smells do not always mean a cleaner home. Many everyday cleaning jobs can be handled with simple, gentler options that you may already have in your kitchen. Here is how to use them safely.

Start with the basics

Most dirt comes off with warm water, a little soap and some gentle scrubbing. Before you reach for a strong product, try the mildest option first.

A few useful items to keep around:

• Mild washing-up liquid
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Microfibre cloths
• A soft brush

Use baking soda for scrubbing

Mixed with a little water, baking soda forms a gentle paste. It works well on sinks, hobs and stained mugs. It also absorbs smells, which is why many people use it in the fridge.

Use vinegar for scale and glass

Diluted white vinegar helps with limescale and water spots on glass and on many taps. Rinse well afterwards. Never use it on marble, granite or natural stone, as it can etch the surface.

Microfibre cloths reduce the need for product

A good microfibre cloth picks up dust and grime with little or no cleaning product. Use different colours for kitchens and bathrooms, and wash them often.

Let fresh air do its job

Opening windows helps to clear smells and moisture. Use sunlight too, as bedding and rugs often smell fresher after being aired outside.

Keep it safe

"Natural" does not always mean harmless, so keep these rules in mind:

• Do not mix vinegar with bleach, as it can produce dangerous fumes
• Keep all cleaning products away from children
• Label homemade mixes clearly
• Test on a hidden area before cleaning delicate surfaces
• Remember that these simple products are not disinfectants

When you do need a disinfectant

Vinegar and baking soda are useful cleaners, but they are not a replacement for a disinfectant. If someone in the home is ill, or after you have handled raw meat, use a suitable disinfectant according to the label.

Reduce what you use

• Follow dilution instructions, as more is not always better
• Buy refills or larger containers where available
• Use cloths you can wash instead of single-use wipes
• Fix problems such as leaks, which cause more cleaning

Think about your indoor air

Heavy fragrances and sprays can bother people with sensitive chests. Good ventilation is often better than an air freshener.

Talk to your cleaning team

If you have a preference for certain products, or if someone in the home has allergies, tell your cleaning company. Macky Group's team can discuss the products to be used in your home, and you are welcome to ask for your own products to be used.

Everyday swaps that make a difference

You do not need to change everything at once. Try these small swaps:

• Replace single-use wipes with washable cloths
• Use a soap dispenser in place of many small bottles
• Use a bucket instead of a running hose when cleaning outdoors
• Keep a spray bottle of diluted all-purpose cleaner ready
• Choose unscented products if strong fragrances bother you

Saving water while cleaning

Water is valuable, particularly in areas with rationing. Use a bucket for mopping and change the water only when it gets dirty. Reuse rinse water for outdoor areas where it is safe to do so. Fix dripping taps. Sweep compounds before you wash them, so that you need less water. If you use a pressure washer, its focused flow can sometimes use less water than a hosepipe.

Cleaning safely around children and pets

Keep all products, including natural ones, out of reach. Do not store them in drink bottles or unlabelled containers. Keep children and pets away from wet floors until they are dry. Use the smallest amount of product that will do the job, and ventilate the room. If someone swallows a product or gets it in their eyes, follow the label's first-aid instructions and seek medical help right away.

Frequently asked questions

Is vinegar a disinfectant?

Vinegar is useful for some cleaning jobs, but it should not be relied on as a disinfectant. Use a suitable disinfectant when you need one.

Can I mix baking soda and vinegar?

They fizz when mixed, but much of their cleaning strength is lost. It is usually more effective to use them separately.

Do gentle products clean as well as strong ones?

For everyday dirt, often yes. Heavy grease, scale and mould may need stronger products that are suited to the surface.

Can I ask a cleaning company to use my products?

Yes. Talk to the team beforehand about the products that you prefer.

Get a free quote for house cleaning in Nairobi and Thika, and share your preferences with us.