If you thought cinnamon was only good for pumpkin spice lattes and apple pie, think again. While delicious, this autumn aromatic is also a natural, chemical-free cleaning agent. Here are five of our favorite ways to put the spice to work.
1. Eliminate Unwanted Odors
Stinky trash cans and funky fridges are no match for cinnamon’s sweet embrace. Sprinkle some ground cinnamon at the bottom of your trash can before you line it with a bag. For the fridge, create a DIY deodorizer by mixing cinnamon with baking soda in a jar. It’ll absorb unpleasant smells while leaving behind a subtle, inviting aroma.
2. Scrub Away Grease and Grime
Forget fancy chemical cleaners—you can whip up a cinnamon-scented cleaning paste in a flash. Just mix equal parts cinnamon, baking soda, and water to form a paste. Use it to scrub those sticky spots on your kitchen counters or bathroom tiles. Not only will you get rid of grime, but your home will smell like a warm cinnamon bun.
3. Freshen Up Your Carpets
Carpets are like the sponges of the flooring world, absorbing everything from spilled snacks to unexpected pet accidents. To freshen them up, mix a tablespoon of cinnamon with a cup of baking soda and sprinkle the mixture atop your carpets. Let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming.
4. Ant Killer Extraordinaire
If ants are invading your kitchen, cinnamon can send them packing. Sprinkle ground cinnamon along their entry points, and watch them scurry away. Ants dislike the strong scent and will avoid it, giving your kitchen a reprieve from these tiny invaders.
5. Create a Cozy Air Freshener
If you want your home to smell like a warm autumn hug, combine a few cinnamon sticks with cloves and orange peels in a pot of simmering water. Let the mixture bubble on your stove to infuse your space with fall-time fragrance.