It’s that time of the year again: Spring Cleaning. If you prefer to clean your home without using harsh and possibly toxic chemical cleaners, we’ve rounded up 7 DIY green spring cleaning recipes.
Window Cleaner
2 cups of water (distilled or filtered is best so it doesn’t leave residue)
2 tablespoons vinegar
10 drops essential oil of choice (optional- but it helps cut the vinegar smell)
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and use with a microfiber cloth. Get full instructions here.
Disinfectant Cleaner
1/2 cup of white vinegar
2 cups of hot water
1 teaspoon Arm + Hammer Washing soda
10 drops tea tree oil
Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle, spray surfaces, let sit for 10 minutes and wipe clean with a cleaning cloth or paper towel. More info here.
*Note that Vinegar cleaners shouldn’t be used on granite and/or marble; the acid in the vinegar will eat away at your granite and marble.
Oven Cleaner
Spray the oven with water
Generously apply baking soda
Let it sit for a few hours. You may have to spray more water periodically to keep the baking soda wet. Full directions here.
Disinfecting Wipes
1 cup water
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
2 Tbsp. Dawn dish soap (only use Dawn)
2 Tbsp. ammonia (optional)
Mix the ingredients and pour it over rags. You can put these pre-moistened wipes in a baby wipe or plastic container. Full directions here.
Drain Cleaner
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain,
Follow with 1/2 cup white vinegar down the drain, and cover with a plug or rag.
Let this mixture sit in the drain, and then flush with boiling water. More info here.
Carpet Stain Remover
1 teaspoon dish washing liquid
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 cup warm water
1 teaspoon baking soda
Combine in a small spray bottle, generously spray the stain, and rub away with a towel. Full instructions here.
Air Freshener
Cut any fruits and place in water, add spices, extracts and herbs.
Fill your pot with water 3/4 the way full, and boil.
As soon as it reaches the boiling point, reduce to low heat and simmer.
See a bunch of recipe ideas here, such as Fall Wonderland, Gingerbread and Italian Backyard.