Go Green for Spring! 5 Homemade Cleaning Solutions for Spring Cleaning

I hope you had an amazing weekend! Happy Earth Day!

Are you ready for some serious spring cleaning? Go ultra-green this season with DIY cleaning products using non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients. You’ll avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, eliminate environmentally harmful aerosol propellants, and reduce excess packaging!

I feel so much better about using green cleaning products to clean my home naturally and I am so excited to share some of the natural products I use with you today!

The Natural Cleaning All-Stars

• Baking soda is a mild abrasive that cleans and deodorizes.
• Vinegar’s mild acidity cuts grease and grime dissolves soap scum and fights bacteria. (Caveat: vinegar should not be used on granite or marble.)
• Lemon juice has the same acidic qualities as vinegar and adds a fresh scent.
• Rubbing alcohol (or substitute vodka) evaporates for a shiny finish.
• Essential oils (peppermint, lemon, lavender, tea tree) are derived from plants; they add a sweet scent and also have antibacterial properties.
• Borax (sodium borate) is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for many years as a laundry booster, cleaner, and even a pesticide.
• Castile Soap is made from vegetable oils like olive and coconut and comes in liquid or bar form.
• Spray bottles can be repurposed or purchased online.

Try these five quick and easy natural cleaners. . . 

All-purpose surface cleaner for your refrigerator, countertops, bathroom:

• 2 c. water + 1/2 c. white vinegar + 15-20 drops essential oil
• Add all ingredients to a spray bottle; spray and wipe clean.

Glass cleaner:

• 2 c. water + 1/4 c. rubbing alcohol +1/2 c. vinegar
• Add all ingredients to a spray bottle; spray and wipe clean.

Sanitize your wood or plastic cutting boards:

• Sprinkle with coarse salt and scrub with half a lemon.

Oven cleaner:

• 2 c. hot water + 2 Tbsp. dishwashing liquid+ 1 Tbsp. Borax + ½ c. vinegar
• Spray on and then cover the wet surface with baking soda. Leave overnight and wipe clean.

Hardwood Floor Cleaner:

• ½ c vinegar + 1 Tbsp. castile soap + ¼ c. rubbing alcohol + 2 c. warm water
• (optional 15 drops essential oils)
• Spray and wipe clean or, for large surfaces, mix in a bucket and wet mop.

Nurture the environment, protect your family and pets and save money… that’s a win-win-win! What products do you use to clean your home?

Need more cleaning tips?? I’ve got tons! Check out this post about How I Keep Our House Clean – With 2 Dogs & 2 Cats