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These products can keep your home spotless without resorting to chemical products.
But theyre not the only dirt-fighting powerhouses you might already have in your cabinets.
Woman wiping kitchen countertop with cloth
Why is witch hazel useful for cleaning?
Its made from the dried leaves and bark of the witch hazel planta flowering shrub native to North America.
Its natural composition makes it a medicine cabinet staple for those looking to avoid chemical products.
Woman wiping kitchen countertop with cloth
But how can it be used to clean your home?
Its especially great for light cleaning tasks where you dont want to use harsh chemicals."
Not only can it clean, but it can also leave your home smelling fresh.
Woman wiping kitchen countertop with cloth
Best of all, as a plant-derived product, witch hazel is biodegradable and environmentally safe.
Ascher adds an important caveat, however.
Instead, it’s best used as a complementary cleaner for light and everyday tasks.
5 things you’re free to clean with witch hazel
1.
Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent if needed, Sokolowski recommends.
These microfiber cloths will clean just about everything in your house.
Cleaning glass window
Designed to easily pick up dust and dirt without spreading it around, these are also machine washable.
What’s more, this multi-colored set allows you to color-code depending on the task.
This is my personal favorite use for witch hazel, says Ascher.
Spot treating carpet
It evaporates quickly, making it ideal for cleaning glass surfaces, leaving them streak-free and sparkling every time.
Witch hazel can be used as a spot-cleaner on both carpeted floors and upholstered furniture.
Gently blot stains on carpets or upholstery using this solution and a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning stainless steel with olive oil on blue cloth
you could also make a fabric refreshing spray using witch hazel.
Just verify you test it out first.
Witch hazel can effectively clean stainless steel and leave it streak-free.
Witch hazels alcohol content means it evaporates quickly, leaving a streak-free shine in its wake.
This organic, cold-pressed witch hazel oil can be used as an ingredient in your homemade cleaning solutions.
When used with tea tree oil, you dont need to rinse after utility.
Mold being cleaned from the wall next to a window sill
Simply spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
The residue left behind continues to work, helping to prevent mold and keep pests like ants at bay.
What shouldnt you clean with witch hazel?
Although witch hazel is an excellent general cleaner, its not meant for all purposes.
According to our experts, there are several things in your home that you shouldnt clean with witch hazel.
Instead, consider white vinegar.
Like witch hazel, vinegar is natural, eco-friendly, and effective at cutting through grime, she says.
Its especially good for degreasing surfaces and eliminating odors.
Youll also want to keep witch hazel away from unsealed or porous surfaces.
Sticking to specialized products for these surfaces is best to avoid permanent damage.
Finally, some claim that witch hazel is safe for electronic screens.
However, using something else for your TV or computer monitor is best.
I recommend checking with your unit’s manufacturer before using it, advises Ascher.
This will help you avoid any risk of damaging the screen or its coating.
