Keeping a house clean is hassle enough, but keeping a house clean while avoiding dangerous chemicals (especially if you have young children or pets to keep safe) is a massive headache. While green, natural cleaning products are generally available, don’t forget that you likely already have items in your pantry that can conquer a multitude of chores while still being safe and green.
Here are five natural cleaning products that are accessible, versatile, and effective:

1. White vinegar
Of all the different kinds of vinegar, white vinegar is the most acidic, and is therefore the most effective for cutting through grime. As such, it’s great for dissolving limescale on small kitchen appliances, stainless steel sinks, shower heads, and faucets. White vinegar is also an excellent stain remover and glass cleaner. Do be careful, however, not to use white vinegar on delicate fabrics, natural stone, or frosted glass—it’s acidity makes it a great cleaner, but also means it can damage more fragile materials.

2. Baking soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a salt that is more basic on the pH scale. Essentially, it is the opposite of vinegar, which is why they react together and are often combined to dissolve clogs and big, greasy messes. However, baking soda is also an effective cleaner on its own. It’s primary use is as a deodorizer—sprinkle some in stinky sneakers, on your carpet or upholstery (especially anywhere your pet has had an accident), in a full garbage bag, or even in a load of laundry to remove unwanted smells. Otherwise, mix ½ cup of baking soda in a bucket of warm water to make an effective tile cleaner with which to mop the floors.

3. Hydrogen peroxide
You may have previously used hydrogen peroxide to disinfect cuts, but did you know it can also be used as an effective disinfectant spray? Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms, which serves to oxidize organic compounds and dissolves proteins. Simply put some hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and you can use it to sanitize your cutting boards, refrigerator, reusable grocery bags, kids toys, and more! Hydrogen peroxide is antifungal, antibacterial, and non-toxic. However, unlike baking soda, be sure not to mix it with vinegar, as that can create damaging peracetic acid.

4. Borax
Borax, or sodium tetraborate, is a natural mineral that, like baking soda, is slightly basic, making it an excellent cleaning agent. In particular, while not a replacement for laundry detergent, borax is well known as a detergent booster. Add ½ cup to your laundry, along with your normal laundry detergent, to better remove stains, preserve colors, and keep whites white.

5. Lemon
Much like white vinegar, lemon is an all-natural, slightly acidic product that you probably already have in your kitchen. Run some lemon juice and boiling water through your coffee maker or tea kettle to get rid of mineral deposits (just be sure to rinse afterwards). Similarly, add ¼ cup lemon to 2 cups of water and heat to boiling in the microwave to clean and deodorize the appliance. Plus, among its many other uses, the refreshing smell of lemon wafting through the house after you clean is a welcome additional benefit.