When it comes to cleaning, most people rely on the same lineup of products: disinfectant sprays, bleach, glass cleaner, and maybe a magic eraser or two. But what if some of the most effective solutions have been sitting in your kitchen or toolbox this whole time? More and more people are looking for ways to clean smarter, save money, and cut down on chemicals in their homes. That’s where these unusual cleaning supplies that actually work come in.

Whether you’re looking to cut down on chemicals, repurpose things you already have, or just shake up your cleaning routine, here are 6 unusual cleaning supplies that actually work and how to use them like a pro.

Lemons

Lemons are high on the list of alternative home cleaning supplies that actually work. Their high citric acid content makes them a natural grease cutter and deodorizer. 

You can microwave a bowl of lemon water to loosen grime and make your microwave smell fresh, or rub half a lemon with coarse salt over a wooden cutting board to lift stains and kill bacteria.

Leftover lemon rinds are great for freshening up your garbage disposal. Just toss them in with some ice cubes, turn on the water, and run the disposal to keep things smelling clean and citrusy.

Used Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds might sound messy, but they’re surprisingly effective as a natural scrub. Their coarse texture helps break down baked-on food in pots and pans without damaging the surface, and they’re gentle enough to use on your hands if you need to remove stubborn dirt or grime. 

Coffee grounds also make a great fridge deodorizer. Just dry them out and place them in an open bowl at the back of your fridge. They absorb odors without the use of chemical-laden deodorizers.

Cedar Blocks

While often associated with closet liners or fancy hangers, cedar wood is a powerful natural solution for moth and insect problems. The natural oils in cedar help repel pests, prevent mildew, and absorb musty odors in closed spaces. 

Placing cedar blocks inside drawers or hanging cedar rings in your closet not only keeps bugs at bay but also adds a fresh, woodsy scent without the need for synthetic air fresheners. 

You can refresh the smell by lightly sanding the surface or adding a few drops of cedarwood oil every couple of months.

If you’re curious about other natural ways to repel moths, check out our feature at The Spruce here.

Vodka

Yes, the same spirit you might find at happy hour also happens to be an excellent cleaner! Plain, unflavored vodka can be used to disinfect surfaces, deodorize fabrics, and leave glass streak-free. It evaporates quickly and doesn’t leave a scent once dry.

Just pour it into a spray bottle and use it on countertops, upholstery, or even shoes. You can also mix it with a little water and a few drops of essential oil to make a natural glass cleaner. 

The best part? You don’t need top-shelf vodka. The cheap stuff works just as well.

Rice

If you’ve ever tried to clean a narrow-necked vase or water bottle, you know how frustrating it can be. Dry rice can help! A spoonful of uncooked rice combined with warm water and a drop of dish soap can act as a gentle but effective scrubber when shaken inside a bottle. It reaches the areas a sponge or brush can’t touch, loosening gunk from the inside walls. This trick works especially well for oddly shaped containers, vintage glassware, or thermoses with tight openings.

Baking Soda + Aluminum Foil

Silverware can be a pain to polish, especially if you’re trying to avoid strong-smelling chemicals. A great natural solution involves just baking soda, aluminum foil, and hot water. Line a dish with foil, add your tarnished silver, sprinkle in a generous amount of baking soda, and pour in boiling water to cover everything.

The chemical reaction lifts tarnish from the silver and transfers it to the foil. After a few minutes, all you need to do is rinse and buff the items dry. No hard scrubbing, no polish, and no lingering fumes.

What ties all of these items together is that they’re not part of your typical cleaning kit, but they absolutely deserve to be. These unusual cleaning supplies that actually work are affordable, effective, and often already sitting somewhere in your home. They’re also gentler on your skin, better for the environment, and free of the overpowering scents found in many store-bought products.

So the next time you’re dealing with a stubborn mess or wanting to freshen up a room, try reaching for something unexpected. You might be surprised at how well these everyday items perform, and how little you miss the traditional supplies!

Of course, if you ever need a deeper clean or just want a break from doing it all yourself, there’s no shame in outsourcing the tough stuff. Bringing in a professional cleaning service can be a great way to reset your space.

Whether it’s a bottle of vodka, a spritz of lemon, or an extra set of hands, the best cleaning routines are the ones that make life a little easier, and create a home that feels lived in, loved and meaningfully yours.