Green Your Spring Cleaning

Whether it’s your house, apartment or dorm, it’s that time of year when you’re ready to throw open the windows, roll your sleeves up and start cleaning. But as much as we can appreciate the seemingly magical effect cleaners have on dirty spaces, have you ever stopped to wonder, “How do these products so easily turn grime into shine?”

Just as it’s important to look at food labels to really understand what you’re putting into your body, you should also consider seeing what ingredients and chemicals make up your household cleaning products. Even though those products can leave a room sparkling clean, you should be aware of what else you might be exposing yourself to after the work is done.

As an alternative this year, consider making your own cleaning products. You’ll save money and reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals. 

AIR FRESHENERS - BAKING SODA & LEMON
1. Dissolve 1/8 cup of baking soda into 2 cups hot water
2. Add in 1/2 cup lemon juice
3. Fill in spray bottle

OR

1. Cut up peels of fresh lemon
2. Place on top of 1 cup baking soda* in a clean plastic-lidded container
3. Punch holes in lid

*Baking soda is great at absorbing odors, and lemons infuse a fresh citrus aroma into the air





WINDOW & MIRROR CLEANER
1. Put 1/4 cup of vinegar in a spray bottle and fill to top with water
2. Spray on surface
3. Rub with a cotton cloth, other lint-free rag, or sheets of newspaper. 





TUB & SINK CLEANER
1. Use baking soda in place of scouring powder
2. Sprinkle on porcelain fixtures and rub with a wet rag
3. Add Castil Soap or Murphy's Oil Soap to the rag for more cleaning power
4. Rinse well to avoid leaving a hazy film






ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER
For spots on linoleum, tile, and woodwork:
1. Add a drop of Murphy's Oil Soap on a wet washcloth
2. Rub briskly. A washcloth will last longer and create less waste than a sponge.