So with spring almost here many of us are thinking about tackling a spot of cleaning. However, in a world full of ever-increasing chemicals should we not be thinking of spring cleaning without the chemicals? Chemical-free cleaners are great for allergies, they help you save money and are great at reducing your plastic waste. Plus, you are putting less harmful chemicals down your drains and into the environment.
I used to be chemical all the way. However, in recent years, I find I am opting more and more for the natural, chemical-free resources as a way to keep my home clean. My family think I am crazy at times when I reach for my bicarb and vinegar! However, this is definitely a better way of cleaning for us all in the long run.
Lemons, Lemons, Lemons
The power of the lemon is a good one. Not only do they smell amazing but they can be teamed up with other products to help your spring cleaning without the chemicals.
- Sprinkle salt in your sink then rub down with lemon ~ it will leave your sink smelling great and super sparkly too.
- Place some lemon slices in a bowl of water and pop in the microwave for a couple of minutes. This will help to soften any dirt which can then be wiped away easily.
Bicarbonate of Soda
This stuff is literally amazing, especially on stains.
- For dirty marks on carpets and rugs sprinkle some on the stain and spray with warm water. Once dry simply vacuum, it up. You can always mix the bicarb with a few drops of essential oils first.
- Team it up with a little water to make a thick paste to clean your oven. Spread the paste over the inside of your (cool) oven, leave to dry overnight and then wipe it all away in the morning. Easy peasy and super clean too, all without the need for any elbow grease!
- Mix about 2 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda with 4 cups of warm water. Then use with a soft cloth to clean an empty fridge
- Use in the bathroom ~ sprinkle the area to be cleaned with bicarb and then spray down with water, scrub and rinse.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a great polish and for adding some sparkling shine. Be super careful on surfaces such as stone (granite and marble in particular) as vinegar is acidic which can damage them.
- For windows, mix one part vinegar mixed with 8 parts water in a spray bottle. Top tip: Use with newspaper to clean and buff the glass.
- For an all purpose cleaner mix 1 or 2 cups of vinegar with 2 cups of water to spray on the counters with a dry cloth. You can infuse the cleaner with lemon slices or 20 drops of essential oils to reduce the vinegar smell. You can even make this as a batch and keep it in a spray bottle to use when needed. This will help reduce the vinegar smell too. For tough stains, add in some bicarb for extra punch.
- For floors mix equal parts of vinegar to water. But be careful of wooden floors, you might need to make the solution a little weaker.
- Vinegar is also great to use in toilets, put 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar into your toilet along with 1-2 drops of essential oil. Leave it for an hour, might as well grab a cup of tea. Go back, scrub again and flush.
The above three household ingredients are definitely my go to when I am in a fix with my cleaning! But there are also other great ways to spring clean without the chemicals, to leave you home smelling and looking great.
- Vacuum Vacuum Vacuum – I find vacuuming quite therapeutic. But it’s also great for removing all those stored chemicals and dust, to leave your home with improved air quality.
- Fresh Air – There is nothing like a spot of fresh air to help keep your house smelling fresh and clean. And it’s easy. And it’s free!
- Microfibre – Why not try a microfibre cloth? Super easy to use even with just water, which is definitely a natural non toxic way to clean.
- Houseplants – the more the better I think! There are some great detoxifying plants which not only help absorb chemicals but also help keep the air you breathe clean and fresh.
- Turn to essential oils to scent your home instead of artificially fragranced products and sprays. Look to local suppliers of wax melts and candles for a fantastic way to scent your home.
Spring cleaning without the chemicals by Samphire Photography
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