clean sweep

Spring is in full swing, and it’s time for a clean sweep.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, household cleaners can contain an array of hazardous chemicals that may pose risks to human health and the environment. Not cool, right? These homemade cleaning recipes are easy and a ordable to make—and, even better, you’ll know exactly which ingredients are making their way into your home.

Glass Cleaner

2 cups water

1⁄2 cup white or cider vinegar

1⁄4 cup rubbing alcohol

1-2 drops of orange essential oil for smell (optional)

Combine ingredients, and store in a spray bottle. › Spray on a paper towel or soft cloth first and then on the glass. › Crumpled newspaper also works very well. › Avoid cleaning windows on a hot day. › The solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks.

Oor Cleaner

all-purpose cleaner and deodorizer

(Counters, appliances, inside the fridge, etc.)

4 tablespoons baking soda

1 quart warm water

Pour solution on a clean sponge, and wipe.

heavy-duty scrub

(Think rust stains on porcelain or enamel sinks and tubs, etc.)

Half a lemon

1⁄2 cup borax (a laundry booster; find it in the detergent aisle)

Dip the lemon into the borax, and scrub surface; rinse. › Do not use on marble or granite.

(Safe for vinyl, ceramic tile and laminate floors that are NOT waxed)

2 cups water

2 cups vinegar

2 cups rubbing alcohol

Kitchen Degreaser

1 cup distilled white vinegar

Natural liquid soap

1 tablespoon baking soda

Warm water

Essential oil (optional)

Rinse out a spray bottle with warm water. › Add vinegar, a drop or two of liquid soap and baking soda to the spray bottle. › Fill the spray bottle to the bottom of the neck with warm water. If desired, add a few drops of essential oil. › Shake spray bottle vigorously. › To use, spray mixture onto surface, and then wipe with a clean sponge. › Run a clean dishcloth under warm water, wring out and wipe over cleaned surfaces.

Laundry Soap

Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castille Bar Soap (or another bar soap of your choice)

Washing soda

Borax

6 drops natural liquid soap

10 drops lemon essential oil

8 drops lavender essential oil

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle, and lightly coat the area before scrubbing with a soft mop.

Baking soda (optional) Grate bar soap or mix in food processor until finely ground. › In a large bowl, mix 2 parts washing soda, 2 parts Borax and 1 part grated soap. (Add a few teaspoons of baking soda if desired.) › Store in closed container. › If you are using a big enough container, you can skip step 2 and just put all ingredients in storage container or jar and shake. › Use 1/8 to 1/4 cup per load of laundry.