Let Spring Cleaning Come Naturally

by Catherine on Thursday, March 2, 2017
Did you know that your home can sparkle this spring without using any chemicals? Choose from eco-friendly cleaners on the market or make your own with household ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

The Bathroom

Create a gentle scouring paste by mixing 4 tbsp baking soda with 1 tbsp 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.

The Kitchen

Vinegar, a natural antibacterial, has a high acid content which makes it an effective alternative to caustic cleaners for the kitchen. Mix together 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a new spray bottle and you have a natural solution that will clean stovetops, appliances, countertops (except marble), and floors. For troublesome stains, add a touch of baking soda to the mix.

To remove finger marks from stainless steel appliances use a microfibre cloth or 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 3 minutes. Grease and dirt should wipe away easily.

Windows

Fill a bucket with 25% vinegar and 75% 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.