“Natural” cleaning products have gained popularity as people move away from chemical-based options. However, some of these mostly safe products can be harmful when added to certain delicate surfaces in your home. Here are five popular natural cleaners, along with suggestions for areas where you should exercise caution when using them. Most of these are probably already in your home.

Essential oils

These may smell terrific, but don’t use them everywhere

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Many DIY cleaner recipes utilize essential oils for their pleasant scents and antimicrobial properties. The combination of orange, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils remains popular, but caution must be exercised when using them on light-colored surfaces, as these oils can leave permanent stains over time. For example, orange oil is notorious for causing discoloration that can harm fabric materials and countertops. By contrast, tea tree oil can produce lasting dark stains on pale surfaces.

It’s also important to note that nearly all of these oils can cause damage to rubber and plastic parts that live inside household devices. Therefore, using them around appliances like refrigerators and washing machines isn’t recommended. Additionally, the dirt-repelling properties of essential oils do not prevent them from creating sticky surfaces that attract additional dirt particles, making cleaning more difficult.

Hydrogen Peroxide

There are several areas to avoid using this popular product

The nontoxic nature of hydrogen peroxide makes it a well-known disinfectant often selected for household cleaning needs. One of its key properties is as a bleaching tool, however. As such, it can cause discoloration and damage when it comes into contact with fabrics, laminate flooring, and different types of finishes. In particular, darker stones and wooden furniture can suffer from uneven fading, which can detract from their natural beauty and finish. The oxidative properties of hydrogen peroxide can also cause it to break down color pigments.

When using hydrogen peroxide for sanitizing purposes, such as in bathrooms or on cutting boards, it is essential to rinse the surfaces thoroughly afterward. The process removes all remaining residue, which could cause future bleaching or damage. The use of hydrogen peroxide should be avoided for porous materials, as it can cause permanent damage to their appearance and structure.

Baking soda

On certain surfaces, it can cause real damage

Baking soda functions as a multipurpose cleaning solution because its scrubbing properties enable easy cleaning of surfaces. However, you should avoid using it on glossy or delicate surfaces because its abrasive nature can cause damage. For example, while the baking soda works well for cleaning stainless steel, it can create scratches that could lead to dullness. Additionally, avoid using baking soda on glass stovetops, which can leave unsightly haze marks.

This natural product is best suited for strong cleaning jobs that require its whitening and deodorizing abilities, making it ideal for tasks such as sink cleaning, drain maintenance, and removing bathroom grime. By using baking soda judiciously, you can enjoy its benefits without risking damage to your cherished kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Vinegar

Only use it the right way!

Vinegar is frequently celebrated as a miracle cleaner due to its natural antibacterial properties and effectiveness in cutting through grease and grime. However, its high acidity can be a double-edged sword when it comes to cleaning certain surfaces. The regular use of vinegar on stone surfaces made from granite or marble will cause severe damage, such as finish etching, because it damages their sealant protection. The stone loses its shine due to erosion, requiring expensive maintenance work to restore its original appearance.

The corrosive properties of vinegar create dangers for specific metal materials, including aluminum and brass. The repeated use of vinegar on fixtures and fittings will cause their finish to fade while simultaneously damaging metal structures through metal degradation.

There are instances where using vinegar in your home is ideal. For example, I love using it to clean my kitchen floor. However, please keep it away from stone countertops and unsealed grout surfaces. Choose pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for these materials, as they protect both their durability and visual appearance.

Lemon juice

It smells good, but beware

Lemon juice is often chosen for cleaning jobs because it produces a unique zesty aroma. Unfortunately, like vinegar, lemon juice is acidic, which can damage certain surfaces, such as stone and tile. Additionally, the strong nature of lemon juice can cause protective sealants to lose their ability to repel stains and moisture.

The bleaching properties of lemon juice can also cause problems with varnished wood or painted furniture. Over time, lemon juice will discolor these surfaces or cause faded areas.

For items such as cutting boards or microwaves, lemon juice is perfectly safe due to its ability to withstand acidity and the non-porous nature of those types of surfaces. It aids in disinfecting and cutting through stubborn stains.

Use them sparingly

As you can see, these natural products can cause serious harm to certain surfaces in your home. You can keep them in your home, but not for the reasons mentioned.

Would you like another cleaning tip? Here’s how to prevent dust from accumulating too quickly on surfaces.