Springtime is the season of new life and deep cleaning! As we embrace the warmth of longer days, why not use the extra daylight to give our homes a fresh start to match the new life we see in the budding flowers and trees? For a boost and burst to get you going, remember…there’s no need to break the bank on fancy cleaning products. Believe it or not, some of the most effective cleaners can be found ready and waiting in your own home. When you’re revving up for a deep clean, take a peek in your pantry where you might be stunned by the wonders of disguised cleaners. Let’s dig a little deeper into the shocking surprise of what getting back to basics can do as we ditch the high cost of harmful chemical cleaners!
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a better option for health and cooking and it also improves the life of wood. The oil of olives is a fantastic natural polish for your priceless wood furniture and lucky for us, it is affordable and ready made, waiting in our local grocery stores! Mix equal parts of olive oil and vinegar then use a soft cloth to buff it into wooden surfaces. Not only will it leave a beautiful shine, it will also nourish and protect the wood, keeping it looking its best for years to come. In addition, the non-stick spray version will also fix a squeaky door in seconds!
White Vinegar
White vinegar is the unsung hero of spring cleaning. Its acidic nature makes it a powerhouse for cutting through soap scum, mineral deposits and even mildew. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle for an all-purpose cleaner that tackles everything from countertops to bathroom tiles. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and budget-friendly which is a win-win for your home and your wallet! Want it even stronger for tough layers of grime? Mix half vinegar with half degreasing dish detergent instead of water, spray and leave on overnight for an amazing shine!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide may already be a staple in your first aid kit, but it’s also a bubbly disinfectant for creating a cleaner home. Use it to sanitize cutting boards, countertops, toothbrush holders and other hard surfaces where germs hide. Its bubbling action helps lift dirt and grime, leaving surfaces sparkling clean and germ-free. Always be sure to spot test first, as hydrogen peroxide can bleach certain surfaces.
Lemons
Lemons aren’t just for making lemonade, they provide a crisp, clean citrus scent that magically becomes a potent cleaning agent! The acidity of the juice cuts through grease and grime like a charm, leaving your kitchen countertops and stovetops sparkling clean and smelling like spring and summer. Simply cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub away stubborn stains. For a no waste cleaning option, toss lemon peels down the garbage disposal to freshen up your kitchen sink!
Baking Soda
Just as lemonade isn’t for summertime drinks alone, baking soda isn’t just for baking. Pull out this inexpensive powder to fight against odors and stains. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to neutralize odors and freshen up your space. Mix it with water to create a paste for scrubbing away tough stains on countertops and sinks. Baking soda also works wonders as a natural deodorizer for smelly shoes and trash cans!
Toothpaste
Buy extras of the dynamic dental protection in a tube and use one for your teeth and the other for removing stains on surfaces like porcelain sinks and ceramic tiles. Its mild abrasive properties help scrub away stubborn spots without damaging surfaces. For cleaning purposes, use plain white toothpaste, as it has a grainy texture where colored or gel formulas may contain additional ingredients that could cause staining minus the strength to scrub.
Club Soda
Plop and fizz your way to a new way of cleaning glass and mirrors. The carbonation in club soda helps lift away dirt and grime, leaving nothing but a streak-free shine. Simply spritz it onto the surface and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for sparkling results and a big goodbye to water spots and fingerprints.
