Springtime Cleaning – Natural Cleaning Solutions and Quick Fixes
Whether you’re happy to see winter go or sad that we didn’t have much of one, now is the time to start thinking about giving your home a well-deserved spring cleaning. From tips for natural cleaning solutions to quick fixes, we have you covered. And the best part – you may already own most of the ingredients you need!
Natural Cleaning Solutions:
Because your home and family deserve only the very best, consider using natural cleaning solutions that will not only be effective in achieving desired results, but will also be safer for the environment.
Lemon or Lemon Essential Oil – Did you know lemons contain antibacterial properties? Cut a fresh lemon and squeeze a couple drops on your countertops for a natural and clean shine. Alternatively, mix 2 ½ cups of water with 2 tablespoons of liquid castile soap and 10 to 20 drops of lemon oil in a spray bottle for an all-purpose cleaner. These solutions are good on almost any surface!
Baking Soda – Here’s another natural multi-use cleaner. Not only is baking soda great for most countertops, it can also be your sink’s best friend. It works well as a scrubbing agent to remove stains and deodorize. In addition, your carpet will love it too. Sprinkle on your carpet just minutes before vacuuming to neutralize odors from pets and such.
White Vinegar – This powerful ingredient works as both a disinfectant and deodorizer. It is ideal for the bathroom, including toilets, floors and tile. It is also effective in removing stains on many carpets and other materials. Mix 3 parts water with 4 parts vinegar in a spray bottle for this natural cleaning solution.
Like the idea of healthy and all natural alternatives, but don’t want homemade? Then consider one of the many lines of all-green products, such as Seventh Generation. They offer a variety of options for all kinds of household cleaning!
Additional tips when selecting store-bought solutions:
- Look for ingredients you recognize (avoid dyes and colors)
- Look for certification seals, such as certified organic. A lot of products can be listed as “natural,” but that doesn’t qualify them as being organic
- Avoid harsh ingredients such as: ammonia, chlorine bleach, phosphates, and sodium hydroxide
Quick Fix Tips:
All Natural Air Freshener – Think twice before tossing those flowers sitting in your vase! Instead, consider transforming the bouquet into a natural batch of fresh potpourri! Here’s some of what you’ll need:
- Rose/flower petals
- A jar/sealable glass container
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon dried lavender
For detailed instructions on this recycled goodness, visit Popsugar.
Smelly Appliances – Is your dishwasher and/or laundry machine starting to stink? No problem, just pull that baking soda and distilled white vinegar back out. To disinfect your machine here’s what to do:
- Mix 3-4 cups white vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda and add it to the machine
- Run the machine with hot water
- Let it sink in for 30-60 minutes after running
- Restart machine and let water drain, wipe down and dry
For detailed instructions, visit Good Housekeeping.
Not so Silver, Silverware – Are your pots going from silver to a slightly copper tone? No worries, that’s nothing corn starch can’t fix!
- Mix corn starch in water to create a paste
- Apply with a damp cloth and then let dry
- Then remove with a textured wash cloth or towel
This remedy can also be substituted with…you guessed it, lemon and salt or vinegar! For more tarnish- fighting tactics, check out the detailed list.
There are several reasons to go natural, such as living a cleaner lifestyle, providing a healthier living space for your family, or helping the environment. Whatever your reason may be, we hope these tips provide you with insight into healthier cleaning choices for your home and family.
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