Spring Cleaning Recipes

Ahh, the thought of spring! After months of long nights, cold days and snow, just the idea of spring and pretty flowers is enough to brighten anyone's day. As we anxiously await the warmer temperatures, many of us begin our spring cleaning so that once the weather breaks, we can spend it outdoors. This year, why not help the environment and try a few "Green" cleaning tips?

Here are a few to get you started:

For Walls, Floors and Cupboards:

To 3 Gallons of water, add:

1/2 cup Borax
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup white or apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup salt
1 teaspoon of Bergamot or Tea Tree oil.

Stir to blend and wash as usual. Makes a great disinfectant for kitchen surfaces too!

For Wood Furniture:

Combine 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/8 cup lemon juice and 1-2 drops of Vitamin E oil.

Apply with a clean rag. Leaves furniture shiny!

For Drains:

Pour 1 cup of white vinegar followed by 1/2 cup baking soda into your drain and let set for 15 minutes. Rinse with clean, hot water.

For counters, sinks, tub and tiles:

Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of Borax and 1 cup of salt. Dampen the area with a clean, damp rag. Sprinkle a little of the mixture onto the rag and rub onto the surface. Rinse clean.

For stains or mildew, add a little lemon juice.

Garbage Disposal

Add 1 lemon, cut up and one cup HOT white vinegar. Let stand 3-5 minutes. Add 2 cups ice chips and 1/2 cup baking soda and turn disposal on. Rinse with hot water. Repeat as necessary.

Dish Washer Detergent:

Mix 2 Tablespoons of baking soda with 2 Tablespoons of Borax and use to wash dishes. For tough grease and grime, sprinkle a little over the dishes as well.

Tea Pots and Coffee Pots

In the pot, combine 1 cup of vinegar and 4 Tablespoons of baking soda. Let fizz, then use the mixture to scrub the pots clean.

Coffee Maker:

Brew 1 quart (less for small coffee pots) and 1/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup lemon juice. Allow to finish the cycle, then brew a pot of clean water.

Microwave:

For caked on grime, combine 1 quart warm water, 4 Tablespoons of baking soda and 2-3 drops of Bergamot or Lemon essential oil. Dampen a sponge or clean rag with the mixture and scrub as usual.

For Greasy Grill or Oven Racks:

Place the racks in a plastic bags outdoors. Mix 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup ammonia and pour over the racks. Close the bag tightly and let stand overnight. Racks will wipe clean in the morning. Rinse well with hot water.


For Carpets:

Mix 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup baking soda and 15 drops of your favorite essential oil. Sprinkle on carpets and let stand overnight. Vacuum as usual in the morning. IMPORTANT: Be sure to test a small, inconspicuous spot with the mixture first, as some oils may stain.

For Smelly gym bags, Suitcases or storage totes:

Sprinkle a little baking soda and let stand overnight. Vacuum out the baking soda and odors in the morning.

Helpful Hint: To prevent critters like cockroaches and bedbugs from climbing into your luggage and coming home with you, sprinkle a little Borax inside. The boric acid will deter the bugs and kill any that come inside.

Experiment with your recipes and have fun!

Until Next Time,

Be Well!