At long last, spring is in the air! Birds are chirping, flowers are emerging and that nagging feeling to deep clean your home is probably kicking in. But before you reach for those harsh, chemical-laden cleaning products, consider a gentler, more eco-friendly approach. Natural cleaning products are not only better for the environment, but they’re often safer for your family and pets and can be just as effective!
Here’s how to spring-clean your home naturally using everyday ingredients you likely already have in your larder:
The powerhouse ingredients
- White vinegar: A versatile disinfectant, deodoriser and degreaser.
- Baking soda: A mild abrasive, deodoriser and all-around cleaner.
- Lemon juice: A natural disinfectant, brightener and delightful scent booster.
- Essential oils: Add fragrance and antimicrobial properties (lavender, tea tree, clary sage and eucalyptus are popular choices).
- Olive oil: Excellent for polishing wood furniture.
- Castile soap: A gentle, all-purpose cleanser.
Your natural spring-cleaning checklist
1. Kitchen sparkle
- Worktops: Wipe down with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. For tougher stains, sprinkle baking soda and scrub gently.
- Oven: Create a paste of baking soda and water, apply it inside the oven and let it sit overnight. The following day, scrub and wipe clean.
- Microwave: Heat a cup of water with a few tablespoons of lemon juice for a few minutes. The steam will loosen grime for easy wiping.
- Dishwasher: Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar in the top rack.
- Sink: Sprinkle baking soda in the sink, scrub and rinse with vinegar, followed by hot water.
2. Bathroom bliss
- Toilet: Pour a cup of white vinegar into the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing.
- Shower & bath: Spray with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. For soap scum, create a paste of baking soda and water, apply and scrub.
- Mirrors & glass: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use a microfibre cloth for streak-free cleaning.
3. Living room refresh
- Dusting: Use a microfibre cloth dampened with water or a few drops of essential oil for dusting furniture.
- Wood furniture: Polish with a solution of olive oil and lemon juice (a few drops of each mixed together).
- Carpets & rugs: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and rugs, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum.
4. Bedroom renewal:
- Mattress: Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress, let it sit for a few hours to absorb odours, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Laundry: Use natural laundry detergent and fabric softener alternatives like vinegar or wool dryer balls.
Important tips & considerations
- Test on an inconspicuous area: Before using any natural cleaning solution, test it on a small, hidden area to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface.
- Proper ventilation: Always ensure adequate ventilation when cleaning, especially when using vinegar.
- Storage: Store your homemade cleaning solutions in labelled spray bottles or containers.
- DIY vs. shop-bought: You can create your own natural cleaning products or purchase pre-made options from reputable brands.
Benefits beyond clean
By choosing natural cleaning products, you’re not only making your home sparkle, you’re also:
- Protecting your health: Reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Benefiting the environment: Using biodegradable and sustainable ingredients.
- Saving money: Many natural cleaning ingredients are budget-friendly.
This spring, ditch the chemicals and embrace the power of nature to create a clean, healthy and vibrant home. Your family, your pets and the planet will thank you!
