joking aside… most of the stuff sold to us as “essentials” are fairly easily replaced with cheaper, greener, healthier alternatives
White vinegar, usually.
“The active ingredient is acetic acid, so add baking soda to neutralize it.” Why?
You’re not meant to mix them beforehand.
You’re supposed to wash/soak using vinegar to let the acid work through stains. If that isn’t enough, you then optionally add baking soda so the fizzing and abrasiveness of the soda can additionally physically dislodge stains.
Tbh I find white vinegar kind of overrated. Citric acid is cheaper and physically easier to purchase due to coming in a powder form, and methylated spirits + a dropd of detergent are better if you’re working with glass.
That’s about where my expertise runs out.
I remember after failing to fry some fish during my university years, there was some burnt-on oil on the stove top which would not come up. I tried around five different cleaning products that didn’t do squat, and then what finally got it to come off was baking soda mixed with water.
The shine your clothes, not clean.
