As a college student there is nothing more enjoyable then getting multiple uses out of items. For example: reversible clothing, edible body glitter, the whole “I’m going to use my alcohol bottles as decoration around the apartment” scenario.

Rejoice!

Now there is another way to get more bang for your buck: using food products to clean your place. Say good bye to the Smurf-like blue liquids and the harsh forest-smelling products you used to use. All you need to deodorize and disinfect your pad are three simple ingredients from your kitchen: baking soda, lemons, and vinegar.

Vinegar
Vinegar is your best friend. Mix 1 part water 1 part white vinegar and put in a spray bottle. Be sure to only use white. Balsamic or raspberry vinegars will probably just add to the mess. Shake it up, and voila! It cleans mirrors, cabinets, floors, toilets, practically everything (except marble). Use it like Fantastik, with a paper towel or rag to wipe it on and off. Vinegar is a natural ingredient that sanitizes and also deodorizes. I know, I know. You think your place will smell like vinegar afterwards. However, the smell wears off after a few minutes. It is a simple as spraying and wiping clean!

Lemons
When life gives you lemons, you cut them up and scrub your shower with them. The acid in lemons makes for a great natural cleanser. Cut one in half and use it to scrub down cabinets and bathroom tile. It will make your place smell great but also it will dissolve the scum build up. Let the lemon juice sit for a few minutes and then spray a little water on the surface and wipe clean.

Baking Soda
If you don’t cook a lot there is be a slight chance that you don’t own this; however, not only is it a common ingredient used in baking (hence the name) but you can also use it to scrub down cabinets and toilets. Bonus! You can add the baking soda to your lemon to give it added scum-killing power. Also impress your 4th grade teacher and re-make a homemade volcano with the vinegar and baking soda. Pour ¼ cup baking soda down a clogged drain and then ½ cup of vinegar. The bubbling action will help clear the clog.

Kara goes to school at UT Austin, where she’s known for her comedic digital shorts, for saving a litter of kittens in a Mexico border-town, and for her mad cupcake baking skills.