The Mama Mila Cleaning Starter Kit: 6 Pantry Essentials
Many years ago, my daughter Mila was diagnosed with asthma, and we found out that one of her main triggers was harsh cleaning fumes. From that moment, I started experimenting with making my own cleaning products using simple household ingredients.
What surprised me was that not only were the products so much gentler on my family, they also worked amazingly well and cost a fraction of the price of store-bought alternatives.
Win win!
Over the years, I've discovered that I don't need a cupboard full of different cleaning products to keep our home clean and fresh. I love keeping a few simple, versatile ingredients on hand that can be used in lots of different ways around the home.
These are the staples I reach for again and again in my cleaning and home hacks. They're affordable, easy to find and incredibly useful to have on hand. So, if you're putting together your cleaning cupboard from scratch, here's my starter checklist.
Your Mama Mila cleaning cupboard checklist
☐ Baking soda
☐ White vinegar
☐ Lemons
☐ Dishwashing liquid
☐ Hydrogen peroxide
☐ Essential oils
And, of course, a few basic cleaning tools such as spray bottles, brushes, cloths and sponges.
Here's why I love having each one around.
1. Baking soda
If I could choose one pantry staple for cleaning, baking soda would be high on my list. It's inexpensive, versatile and useful when you need a little extra cleaning power.
I love using it in DIY cleaning pastes and laundry recipes.
For example, one of my recipes for helping brighten white clothes combines:
1 cup water
½ cup hydrogen peroxide
1 cup baking soda
1 tablespoon dish soap
It's also useful to have around when you're tackling areas that need a little scrubbing.
2. White vinegar
White vinegar is another staple I always like having around. It's particularly useful for DIY cleaning mixtures and everyday household cleaning.
One of my favourite combinations is:
1 cup white vinegar + 10 drops clove oil
I use this when tackling mould around the home, including areas such as shower door seals.
I also love combining white vinegar with dishwashing liquid for bathroom cleaning. If you're building a basic cleaning cupboard, white vinegar is definitely one I'd add to the list.
3. Lemons
Lemons aren't just for cooking! I love using them around the home because they smell so fresh and are incredibly handy for creating beautiful natural fragrances.
One of my favourite tricks is to simmer lemon, rosemary, cloves and vanilla on the stovetop.
The result is a gorgeous fragrance that fills the home. I also use lemon and orange peels around drains before flushing them with boiling water as part of my routine for keeping drains fresh.
Tip: Keep a few lemons in the fridge and you'll always have one ready for a quick home hack.
4. Dishwashing liquid
Never underestimate your dishwashing liquid! It's one of those products that I reach for far beyond the kitchen sink.
I love using it in my bathroom cleaning routine, particularly in a dish brush filled with dish soap and white vinegar.
It makes it so easy to grab the brush and give your bathroom a quick scrub.
5. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another ingredient I like to keep on hand for laundry and cleaning jobs where it's appropriate. If you're using hydrogen peroxide, always check the concentration, follow the product directions and test anything you're treating first.
6. Essential oils
Vanilla oil and vanilla extract is one of my favourite little extras. I don't use it in every recipe, but when I do, it's usually because I want that beautiful warm fragrance. Peppermint oil is another staple I love having around. I use it in my home as part of my tricks for discouraging spiders and keeping areas smelling fresh. Lavender is another gorgeous option when you want your home to smell fresh. It's also a lovely ingredient to have around simply because it leaves your home smelling beautiful, particularly your bedroom.
** If you have pets, take care with essential oils and avoid using them around pet areas unless you've confirmed they're safe **
I also recommend keeping a few simple tools handy:
☐ Spray bottles
☐ Dish brushes
☐ Microfibre clothes
☐ Sponges and scrubbers
Chantel Mila xx