Green Steps | Spring Cleaning with Non-toxic Homemade Cleaners

[photo credit:  Martha Stewart]

When the weather turns warm this time of year, it usually means its time to tackle spring cleaning.  We typically stick with non-toxic homemade cleaners to do the job.  It's amazing what you can concoct with a few simple items from your kitchen - olive oil, lemon, white vinegar, baking soda, salt, etc ... and essential oils you like.

Here are some cleaners I use:

Wood Floor Cleaner
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup white vinegar
water to dilute
drops of essential oils (I usually use orange since I like the smell of citrus)
- mix this ingredients in a bucket mop as usual.

Oven Cleaner
1 cup baking soda
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup water
- mix the ingredients together and spread over the oven surface.  let sit overnight and scrape and wipe clean in the morning.

 Shower Spray
10 drops of tea tree oil
water
- put this mixture into a spray bottle and leave in your shower.  shake and spray after each shower to keep the mold and mildew at bay.  replace the mixture every two weeks.

We don't use air fresheners anymore because of the phthalates but when you need to infuse the house a fragrance, all you need to do is simmer a pot of water with cloves, cinnamon sticks, vanilla, or a few drops of any essential oil you like.

Click here for more homemade for general cleaning solutions.

What are some of your favorite homemade cleaners?