Get a Jump on Spring Cleaning with 5 Homemade Cleaning Solutions
It may still be cold outside, but if you’re yearning for an early spring, there’s nothing like freshening up your interior spaces in preparation for open-window weather. Home-made cleaning solutions are back in fashion because they are simple to make, and they require the use of fewer harsh chemicals and are extremely budget friendly. Try one or all 5 of the following recipes. Who knows? You may never by name brand cleaners again. 1. Wood Furniture Cleaner and Polish: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and 1/2 cup of vinegar or lemon juice in a plastic spray bottle; shake well and spray onto a microfiber cloth. 2. Glass Cleaner Mix 1 ½ cups of vinegar, 1½ cups water and 5-10 drops essential oil (optional) together in a spray bottle. Spray on glass & use squeegee, crumpled newspaper (Tip: use newspapers that are at least 2 weeks old to avoid black fingers!), or a lint-free rag to get a streak-free shine. Also works well to shine chrome and countertops after you’ve disinfected them. 3. Bathroom Cleaner: Mix 3/4 c. baking soda, juice from 1/2 a lemon (about 1/4 c), 3 tablespoons salt, 3 tablespoons liquid dishwashing soap, 1/2 cup vinegar and 10 drops essential oil (optional), together in a medium bowl to make a paste; use scrub brush or sponge to apply to the tub, shower walls, & sinks. (Be sure to test a small area to make sure paste does not scuff tub surface; if so, eliminate the salt from the mixture!) Rinse well with water and a wet rag, then dry with a clean rag or old towel. Place 1 bar of Ivory soap in a large microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes, until soap turns to foam. Quickly stir the foam until it becomes small soap chips, then mix well with 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of washing powder. Allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. (Tip: This detergent works best in warm or hot water; for cold water washing you may want to first dissolve in 1/4 c. of hot water.) 5. Homemade Air Freshener The best way to freshen your air is to open the windows, even when it’s cold outside it is a good idea to open the windows periodically. Small boxes of baking soda absorb odors naturally. Tuck a few boxes around your home in discreet areas, perhaps behind a plant or on a shelf behind a book. Homemade air freshener can be made by combining a teaspoon or two of your favorite essential oil with distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. The following recipe is adapted from the Nursery Spray in Herbal Crafts by Jessie Hawkins: ¾ teaspoon lavender essential oil 1 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil ½ teaspoon lemon essential oil Fill bottle will water, measure in the oils. Tighten lid and shake to blend. Bonus idea: You may overlook these surfaces on a daily basis, but once a year, give your baseboards, door frames, and walls a good scrub-down. Wash them with a sponge and a squirt of dishwashing liquid mixed in a bucket of warm water. Brought to you by our preferred Partner, HMS Home Warranty. HMS is an industry leader with over 30 years of creating success for clients and providing peace of mind for customers. To learn more visit www.hmsnational.com.
4. Laundry Detergent:
