How to sanitize, clean and perfume cleaning rags in just a few steps

Daily we use the same rags and cloths to clean our home but we often forget that they also need to be sanitized. After a while, they will get dirty, smelly and generally become unhygienic to use. There are, however, some tips you can use to to sanitize your cleaning rags and cloths - keep reading to find out more:

Naturalistic cleaning tips for rags that are not too dirty

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When the cleaning rags are not too dirty, you can use some simple, common ingredients that you probably already have at home.

• Boiling water and tea tree oil: this is a simple but effective method, which will leave the rags scented. Bring water to the boil, add a few drops of this essential oil and then leave the rags to soak until the water has cooled down.
• Lemon and vinegar: prepare a basin of hot water with the juice of two lemons and a few tablespoons of vinegar, immerse the rags and leave them to soak for a few hours. Then rinse and hang out. The rags will be sanitized and bleached.
• Baking soda and vinegar: add baking soda and vinegar to a basin of hot water and soak the rags in this for a few hours. In this case, remember to agitate and scrub the rags every half hour. They will come out disinfected and without no unpleasant odors
• Marseille soap: a great classic with antibacterial and stain-removing properties. In this case, rub the soap directly on the most stubborn stains on the rags and then soak them in basin of hot water for at least half an hour.

These are simple tips that can be used and repeated whenever necessary. Also remember to let the rags dry well to prevent them from retaining moisture and developing a bad smell.

When the dirt is more stubborn

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In the case of rags impregnated with grease or are very dirty, more aggressive cleaning methods can be used:

• Hydrogen peroxide: this can be used with white rags, as hydrogen peroxide has whitening power. Add a glass of it to a basin of hot water and leave the rags to soak for a few hours. Then rinse them out and hang up to dry.
• Bleach: bleach has a whitening and disinfectant effect. It can be used by soaking the rags in a basin together with hot water. Rinse well and lay out to dry.
• Ammonia: ammonia can be added to hot water, leaving the rags to soak in this for half an hour; then wash them in the washing machine. Do not leave the rags to soak for too long as their fibers could be damaged.

When using chemical agents it is always good to be careful. It is important not to mix them, as harmful compounds could form. Even if used individually, try not to come into direct contact with the product and do not breathe in the fumes. Use these products only when strictly necessary as they are not only harmful to humans but are not very eco-friendly.

So, now you can say goodbye to old, dirty rags!