Must Have Cleaner | Freshening Up the Sage Home

Before & After, Home DIY

After a full year of welcoming guests to my Sage home on Airbnb, it’s officially deep-clean season! Hosting has been such a joy, but between the steady stream of visitors and our four-legged guests (including my own sweet Odie), the house is ready for some serious TLC before the holidays.

This year, I am keeping it simple and effective with two powerhouse products from Harris: their 30% Vinegar and 12% Concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide. These cleaners are made with straightforward, simple ingredients with no additives ready to tackle everything from pet odors to tough grout stains, and they make cleaning feel surprisingly satisfying.

Laundry and Odor Control

First up, all the bedding. After a year of hosting, the guest rooms have seen plenty of wash cycles, so it is time for a refresh. I wash every blanket, duvet, and sheet using Harris 30% Vinegar in the rinse cycle. It is amazing for neutralizing those doggie odors and softening fabrics.

This vinegar is six times stronger than regular vinegar, so it easily wipes out mustiness and makes the linens smell fresh without artificial fragrances. It is also completely free of dyes, bleach, and ammonia, so I never have to worry about harsh chemicals on fabrics my family and guests use.

A splash in the rinse cycle keeps whites brighter and bedding crisp, perfect for when family piles in for the holidays.

Bathroom Deep Clean

Next on the list are the bathrooms. Between guests and everyday use, these spaces need a little extra love. The Harris 30% Vinegar is my go-to for descaling faucets, polishing showerheads, and wiping down countertops and mirrors. It is such a versatile, multi-purpose cleaner, and it cuts right through soap scum and hard-water stains without a harsh smell.

I pour it into my sprayer, dilute it with water, and let it work its magic. One gallon makes up to 28 bottles of 32-ounce cleaner, so it lasts a long time and is perfect for year-round use.

Tackling Tile and Grout

Now for the grout. When it comes to those stubborn lines between the tiles, nothing beats Harris 12% Concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide. It is four times more concentrated than standard hydrogen peroxide, which gives it some serious cleaning power.

I use it to lift tough stains, whiten grout, and clean mildew spots that hide in corners. It is a strong oxidizer that brightens whites and removes odors but is still gentle on fabrics and surfaces.

I dilute it in a clear spray bottle, spritz it directly onto grout lines, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush. Watching the grime disappear is so satisfying. The whole bathroom looks refreshed and new again without the harshness of bleach.

Harris 30% Vinegar Dilution Chart

Cleaning TaskDilution RatioInstructions
General cleaning1 part Harris 30% vinegar to 7 parts waterSpray on surfaces, allow to stand for 15 minutes, scrub if needed, and rinse thoroughly.
Heavy-duty cleaning1 part Harris 30% vinegar to 1 part waterUse for tasks like cleaning patios, driveways, or removing heavy rust and mineral buildup.
LaundryUse full strength or add during the rinse cycleFor tough odors and bright whites, soak clothes in full-strength vinegar, or add during the rinse cycle.

Harris 12% Hydrogen Peroxide Dilution Chart

Cleaning TaskDilution RatioInstructions
General surface cleaning1 part hydrogen peroxide to 3 parts waterSpray on countertops, sinks, and cutting boards, allow to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse.
Grout and tile cleaningUse full strengthApply directly to grout lines, let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, scrub, and rinse.
Bathroom mold and mildew1 part hydrogen peroxide to 1 part waterSpray on affected areas, let sit for 15 minutes, then wipe or rinse.
Fabric stain removal1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts waterApply to stained fabric, let sit briefly, and wash as usual. Avoid using on dark or colored fabrics.

Kitchen Must-Have

Another must-have for the kitchen is Weiman Stainless Steel Wipes. They make it easy to clean and polish appliances, leaving everything shiny and streak-free. After cleaning with vinegar, I always finish by wiping down my stainless steel surfaces with these to get that perfect polished look. See them in action here! (link to IG REEL)

The combination of Harris cleaners and these wipes keeps the kitchen looking spotless, even after a busy weekend of cooking or hosting.

Wrapping Up for the Holidays

After a full day of washing, scrubbing, and shining, my Sage Home feels brand new again. The air smells fresh, the bathrooms sparkle, and every bed is ready for family to pile in for the holidays.


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