We’re in the middle of closing up our summer house, and I stumbled on some great cleaning tips you can do with stuff you probably already have on hand: lemon, baking soda and white vinegar.

1. FAUCETS

To get rid of hard water stains on faucets, wipe them with vinegar to dissolve calcium deposits. Stains will wipe away much more easily.

2. DRAINS

Here’s an easy 3-step drain cleaner: Start by pouring boiling water down the drain. Immediately follow with 1/2 cup of baking soda. Finally, pour a mixture of 1 cup vinegar + 1 cup hot water on top.

3. CABINETS

Combine one part vegetable oil with two parts baking soda. Then work it into the wood with a sponge or cloth to get rid of the gunk that accumulates over time.

4. SINK

Is your sink looking a little dull? Sprinkle some baking soda in the sink and use a lemon wedge as a scrubber to refresh the shine. (Note: I only had limes in the house so I used those, which made the kitchen smell nicely tropical.)

5. GROUT

Mix up a paste of baking soda and water and spread it on kitchen or bathroom grout. Leave it on for a few minutes; then spray with vinegar. After it fizzes, scrub lightly with an old toothbrush.

6. FRUIT FLIES

This is a great solution to a pesky problem. Put two lemon halves in your oven and leave the door slightly open overnight. The next morning, close the oven and turn on the broiler for a few minutes. Turn it off and let the oven cool. Toss the lemons and wipe off the bottom of the oven. (I have no idea why this works!)

7. ROOM DEODORIZER

Simmer some vinegar on your cooktop to clear the air and neutralize odors.

OK, back to packing!