Let Spring Cleaning Come Naturally
As your start to think about spring cleaning, have you considered chemical free cleaning products? There are plenty of eco-friendly cleaners on the market, or you can simply make your own with household ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. Here are a few tips to help to go natural when it comes to spring cleaning your home this year!
The Bathroom
If you’re looking to bring out a natural shine to your sinks, toilets, and tubs, you can create a gentle scouring paste by mixing 4 tbsp. of baking soda with 1 tbsp. of water. Generously sprinkle either table salt or baking soda into the sink or tub and use the cut end of half a fresh lemon as a scrubby-pad. Rinse with hot water and your ceramics will be gleaming! Undiluted lemon juice can also be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. This is also a great option for kitchen and laundry sinks.
The Kitchen
Vinegar, a natural antibacterial, has a high acid content which makes it an effective alternative to corrosive cleaners for the kitchen. Mix together 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a clean spray bottle and you have a natural solution that will clean stovetops, appliances, countertops (except marble), and most flooring. For troublesome stains, add a touch of baking soda to the mix.
To help remove finger marks from stainless steel appliances use a microfiber cloth or try a dab of baby oil on a clean cloth. For microwaves, put a few slices of fresh lemon in an uncovered bowl of water and cook on high for about three minutes. Grease and dirt should wipe away easily.
Windows
Let the sunshine in by washing away winter’s grime. Fill a bucket with 25 per cent vinegar and 75 per cent warm water. Put on rubber gloves and soak an old cotton towel in the solution. Rub on windows, and then scrunch up some old newspaper to buff up a shine. If there are any streaks, simply finish off with a dry cloth.
Fabrics and Carpets
Have a stubborn fabric stain? Dab white vinegar onto the stain followed by a mild soap solution such as all natural dishwashing liquid and water. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and blot with a dry towel. Salt can also be used to soak up fresh carpet stains such as red wine, coffee or ink. Simply pour salt on the wet stain, let it dry, and then vacuum. Natural ingredients can not only get rid of stains, they’ll help eliminate odours from fabrics as well.
Remember there are also many eco-friendly options you can buy at your local store.