Rosemary and bicarbonate of soda clean better than some industrial products, without toxins and at a lower cost.

Faced with cupboards overflowing with bottles, cleaning can seem endless. Yet one simple solution is gaining ground: the rosemary and bicarbonate duo. It cleanses the home while cutting costs and packaging.

Why the rosemary + bicarbonate duo is so popular in the home

Rosemary is appreciated for its fresh aromas and its tradition ofdomestic use. Its leaves release fragrant compounds that help to dispel stubborn odors. What’s more, an infusion provides a fragrant, watery base for light sprays. Everyday life becomes more pleasant without heavy perfumes.

Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive and odour regulator. Its pH ~8.3 facilitates light degreasing without scratching most hard surfaces. It’s inexpensive and precise to dose, simplifying every gesture. Cleaning is now simple, measurable and effective.

Many households are adopting this tandem to cook healthier and clean better. But the aim is cleanliness, not systematic disinfection. As a result, the method is suitable for routine tasks from floor to worktop. Cleaning becomes more coherent and consistent.

“A clean interior doesn’t necessarily require a battery of products.”

What science and everyday experience tell us

Rosemary leaves contain well-studied odorant molecules. However, their concentration varies according to origin, season and extraction. Thus, an infusion gives a light fragrance, while an essential oil gives a stronger one. The choice depends on your tolerance and budget.

Good cleaning reduces dirt, which in turn limits the spread of germs. What’s more, the mechanical action of a sponge makes all the difference, especially with the right contact time. Disinfecting, on the other hand, requires standardized products and precise protocols. For everyday cleaning, a rosemary/bicarbonate duo is often sufficient.

• Dose sparingly, then increase if necessary.
• Test on a hidden area before use.
• Never mix with bleach.
• Always ventilate during and after cleaning.
• Plan cleaning by room to save time.

Simple, step-by-step recipes and safe dosages

First, prepare a fragrant base: infuse 2 sprigs of rosemary in 500 ml of hot water. Allow to cool, then filter finely. Then pour into a spray bottle with 1 tsp. mild soap. This light lotion is sufficient for lightly greasy surfaces.

For tougher action, mix bicarbonate with a little herbal tea. Aim for a soft, easy-to-spread paste. Scrub stainless steel, joints or heavily soiled plates, then rinse. Wait 10 minutes for the grease to take effect.

Need to deodorize a fridge or garbage can? Place a bowl of baking soda near the source of the odor. Then replace it every 4 weeks to maintain the effect. This discreet gesture supports your daily housework.

Where it works, where it doesn’t

This approach shines on tiles, enamel, brushed stainless steel and cold glass ceramics. Stains from tea, coffee and sauces are removed more quickly. In the kitchen, the infusion scents without weighing down the air. Households gain in olfactory comfort.

Avoid marble, limestone, raw aluminum and waxed wood. Even gentle abrasion can dull these materials. Also, don’t mix with vinegar and bleach, which react dangerously. When it comes to cleaning, we recommend caution and targeted testing.

Impact on health, budget and planet: what’s in it for you?

Limiting the use of synthetic fragrances reduces persistent odours in the home. Ventilating for 10 minutes after use improves indoor air quality. What’s more, a discreet plant fragrance avoids heady mixtures. Household odours remain, but the atmosphere breathes better.

Simple ingredients mean less packaging and fewer leftovers. As a result, the same box of bicarbonate can be used for many purposes. Homemade refills are also easy to anticipate at weekends. Cleaning becomes a predictable, less stressful ritual.

Store your preparations in clean, labelled bottles. Label them with the date and contents. Then store the infusion in a cool place and use it within 7 days. Keep everything out of reach of children and pets.

• Rosemary