Spring Cleaning

It is just as important to take caution with the things in contact and inhaled by our bodies as with those put into our bodies. I have asthma. Every time I would clean I would have trouble breathing. It is because conventional cleaning products have harsh chemicals and odors that are hard on our respiratory system. Here are some safer home remedies that can replace a lot of things in your cleaning cabinet. Don't get me wrong. I do have some conventional products, but I use my homemade remedies as much as possible and I have enjoyed the switch.

Instead of this,

Try this.


The recipe:
Mix in a spray bottle:

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water

In the kitchen, use vinegar-and-water spray to clean countertops, lightly soiled range surfaces and mopping your floors. It is a natural deodorizer, taking away the odor, not covering it. Don't worry, the vinegar smell goes away after it dries.

In the bathroom, use vinegar spray cleaner to clean countertops, floors, mirrors and exterior surfaces of the toilet. It dissolves soup scum and hard water build up. In some tough cases it is also helpful to use staight vinegar.

Undiluted white vinegar

Use undiluted white vinegar to scrub the inside of the toilet bowl. Before you begin, dump a bucket of water into the toilet to force water out of the bowl and allow access to the sides. Pour undiluted white vinegar around the bowl and scrub with a toilet brush to remove stains and odor. Use a pumice stone to remove any remaining hard water rings.

Clean shower heads that have been clogged with mineral deposits with undiluted white vinegar. Place 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar in a plastic food storage bag, and secure the bag to the shower head with a rubber band. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, then rinse and buff the fixture to a shiny finish.

Add one cup of undiluted white vinegar to the laundry rinse cycle instead of commercial fabric softener. White vinegar softens clothes and cuts detergent residue--a plus for family members with sensitive skin.

Where ever you use this,

Replace it with this.


Baking soda's mild abrasive action and natural deodorizing properties make it a powerful replacement for harsh commercial scouring powders. Put baking soda to work in your organized home:

Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sponge to tackle grimy bathtub rings, scour vanities, or remove food deposits from the kitchen sink. For tougher grime, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the tub or sink, and allow to stand for 10 to 20 minutes. Dirt, soap scum and deposits soften and are easier to remove.

Slow-running drains? Keep bathroom drains running freely by pouring 1/2 to 3/4 cup baking soda into the drain, and dribbling just enough hot water to wash the solution down. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, then flush thoroughly with hot water. The deodorizing effect is an added bonus! [Do not use this method on blocked drains.

Switch this

With this.


Furniture Polish Recipe
Mix in a sprayer bottle:

1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice

Shake well and apply a small amount to a flannel cleaning rag or cleaning cloth. Spread evenly over furniture surface. Turn cloth to a dry side and polish dry.

Happy Spring Cleaning to you!