With all of the cleaning products on the market, what does Chalut reach for when it comes to cleaning up? Baking soda. Not only is it budget-friendly, it won’t harm the environment and it’s safe for kids and pets (and you too). There are no skulls and crossbones on the packaging, and it’s a product you can actually eat.

The trick to using it is keeping it convenient. Pick up a couple of shakers from the dollar store and keep them handy. You can sprinkle baking soda on surfaces to wipe clean — or shake it on carpets, upholstery and even your pets to deodorize. Sprinkle some in your garbage can before you put in a new bag, or in your recycling bins too.

To make your own cleaning solution, fill a tub or bucket with two gallons of water and stir in the baking soda. Give it a good swish to help the soda dissolve, and then you can use the solution to wipe down surfaces (followed by a quick warm water rinse). It’s a good way to freshen up your outdoor furniture when you get it out of storage — and again, when you put it away for the fall.