1. Vinegar + Dawn: The Unstoppable Duo for Bathroom Grime

Vancouver’s hard water leaves brutal mineral deposits. This combo cuts through them like nothing else.

The Recipe:

• 1 cup white vinegar (heated for 30 seconds)
• 1 cup blue Dawn dish soap
• Mix in a spray bottle, apply, wait 30 minutes

Why it works: The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves mineral buildup, while Dawn’s surfactants lift soap scum. Together, they’re more effective than Scrubbing Bubbles—and 100% safe if your toddler licks the tub.

“I was skeptical until I tried this on my shower doors. Ten years of buildup gone in one application. My husband thought I replaced them!” — Sarah M., West Vancouver

2. Baking Soda: The $3 Solution to $30 Problems

Forget expensive “natural” scrubs. Baking soda is non-toxic, non-abrasive (won’t scratch), and shockingly versatile.

Use it for:

• Scrubbing sinks and tubs (paste with water)
• Deodorizing carpets (sprinkle, wait 15 min, vacuum)
• Cleaning oven grime (mix with vinegar for a paste)
• Freshening drains (½ cup down drain, follow with vinegar)

Pro tip: Keep a shaker bottle of it under every sink. Game changer for quick clean-ups.

3. Microfiber Cloths: The Secret Weapon You’re Underusing

Here’s what most people don’t know: quality microfiber cleans better with just water than paper towels do with chemicals.

The microscopic fibers physically trap dirt, bacteria, and grease. No streaks. No residue. No toxic fumes.

Our system:

• Color-code by room (blue for bathrooms, green for kitchen, etc.)
• Dampen with water (not soaking wet)
• Wipe in straight lines, not circles
• Wash in hot water weekly (no fabric softener—it ruins the fibers)

4. Lemon + Salt: Nature’s Heavy-Duty Scrub

For those stubborn stains that make you reach for harsh chemicals—don’t. Try this first.

Perfect for:

• Cutting boards (kills bacteria naturally)
• Copper and brass fixtures (restores shine)
• Rust stains on porcelain
• Burnt pans (seriously, it’s magic)

Method: Cut a lemon in half, dip in coarse salt, scrub in circular motions. The citric acid + abrasion = professional results.