Spring cleaning is on, people! And while you’re at it, why not
spring clean your
cleaning products? Combine some of the environmentally-friendly ingredients you probably already have on hand to make an array of natural cleaners that will help you scrub your home from top to bottom. We turned to our trusted sources at
Real Simple,
Good Housekeeping, and
Rodale’s Organic Life for these recipes. Note that these don’t have a long shelf life, so it’s best to only make what you’ll use immediately. Happy cleaning!
Ingredients: ¾ cup water, ¼ cup rubbing alcohol, 5-10 drops peppermint, lemon, or orange essential oil, 1 squirt natural dish soap
Directions: Pour all ingredients into a 16-ounce spray bottle and shake well. Spray onto the surface and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Ingredients: ¼ cup natural dish soap, ¼ cup baking soda, 5 drops clove essential oil, 3 drops water
Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Apply to the surface using the gritty side of a double-side kitchen sponge; scrub. Wipe up with a wet cloth.
Ingredients: 2 cups water, 2 Tbsp. white vinegar, 2 Tbsp. rubbing alcohol, 5 drops peppermint essential oil
Directions: Pour all the ingredients into a 24-ounce spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray onto a microfiber cloth and apply to the surface.
Ingredients: ½ cup white vinegar, 1 gallon warm water, 2-3 drops lemon essential oil
Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a 2-gallon bucket. Dip the mop head in the bucket and wring it our well so that it’s barely damp. Apply to floors and repeat.
Ingredients: ¼ cup white vinegar, 1 cup water
Directions: Mix the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30-60 seconds. Pour into a 24-ounce spray bottle. Spritz onto the shower surfaces and let sit for 3-5 minutes. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Ingredients: 10 drops pure lemon oil, 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, a few drops of extra virgin olive oil
Directions: Combine all ingredients and apply to a clean cotton cloth to wipe dusty surfaces.
Ingredients: Half a lemon, 1/2 cup borax (a laundry booster; find it in the detergent aisle)
Directions: Dip the lemon into the borax and scrub surface; rinse. (Not safe for marble or granite.)
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sudsy ammonia mixed with enough water to fill a one-gallon container. (Sudsy ammonia, which has detergent in it, helps remove tough grime.)
Directions: Dip a sponge or mop in solution and wipe over surface, then rinse area with clear water.
Ingredients: White vinegar or lemon juice, table salt
Directions: Dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on salt. Lightly rub over surface. Rinse thoroughly with water, then immediately dry with a clean soft cloth.
