Think green when you spring clean. Following are tips and tricks from natural cleaning products companies, including Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, Method, Clorox Green Works and Seventh Generation, plus a smattering of great green products that will make your house sparkle
In your bathroom, if a pesky ring around the tub appears, take an old pair of nylon stockings and scrub away. For feistier stains, mix equal parts salt and white vinegar, spread the paste on spots, and let sit for up to two hours before wiping clean with warm water.
Bring back the luster in a dull-looking wood floor. Sealed hardwood floors simply need to be swept of dirt and debris, and then mopped with a little all-purpose cleaning liquid and water.
To shine up faucets, apply dish soap and warm water. Then put in some elbow grease to buff. An old toothbrush is good at getting into crevices. If that doesn’t work, wrap faucets and handles in white vinegar–soaked paper towels for an hour to get back that shine.
Give a scuffed-up kitchen sink some love by filling it with hot water and a few sprigs of rosemary, and then letting it sit overnight. It’s like a spa treatment for one of the hardest workers in your household.
Organize your supplies. Keep everything you use to clean your home ready to go in one cleaning tote, caddy or bucket. You won’t waste time gathering your necessities to start or continue—just bring it with you from room to room. If your home is large, consider creating two or more, one for each level.
Freshen up your fridge, freezer and pantry. Spend some time sorting through—checking expiration dates, removing old food and organizing what is left. To clean shelves and bins, set food aside and wipe surfaces down with all-purpose cleaner or disinfecting wipes.
Make a list. Determine which areas of the home need the most work, and focus on those rooms first. Check your list off as you go.
To clean the ceiling of a microwave, place a bowl of water in the microwave. Heat water, and allow to steam for a couple of minutes. Wipe down with a cleaning wipe.
Need to tackle built-up grease on kitchen surfaces? Heat a sponge in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. Spray all-purpose cleaner on it. Wipe greasy surface, and repeat if necessary.
For streak-free mirrors or windows, use a glass cleaner without ammonia. Spray cleaner directly onto a microfiber cloth or paper towel before wiping the surface clean—and remember, a little goes a long way.
Have dusty ceiling-fan blades? Find an old pillowcase you won’t mind washing. Wipe each blade with the pillowcase, putting it over the blade like you would a pillow, to remove the dust. Spray on an all-purpose cleaner, and wipe away any remaining dust.
Did you know your dishwasher can wash more than dishes? Stick the following in to get them clean.
- Toothbrushes; put in with the silverware. You can put your toothbrush holder in, too, in the top rack
- Sink brushes or sponges
- Lint screen from the dryer, once a quarter
- Soap trays and dishes from around the house
Know that it doesn’t have to be perfect. At the end of the day, a home should be lived in! Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to keep things spotless at all times.
Try These Natural Products
Boulder Clean Natural All-Purpose Cleaner – Valencia Orange
Orange essential oil adds a crisp scent and degreasing cleaning power to this all-natural, EPA Safer Choice–certified cleaner for appliances, countertops, sinks, tile, sealed stone and washable walls.
Method Glass + Surface Cleaner – Mint
Naturally derived, nontoxic and biodegradable, this ammonia-free cleaner contains a corn-based solvent that eliminates dirt, dust and pesky handprints. Mint and eucalyptus scented.
Biokleen Bac-Out Stain + Odor Remover
A unique blend of live enzyme-producing cultures, citrus extracts and essential oils to eliminate stains and odors. Best for stains on carpet, couches and clothing. Scented with lime.
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner
Powered by a botanical, disinfecting thyme oil, this cleaner works on hard and nonporous surfaces, such as countertops, floors, changing tables, high chairs, desks and toilet seats. Scented with lemongrass.
Simple Truth Cleaning Wipes – Fresh Mint
Remove dirt, grease and grime from kitchen and bathroom surfaces with these hypoallergenic, toxin- and ammonia-free wipes. Rainforest Alliance Certified, with a subtle mint oil scent.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner – Lemon Verbena
A natural vegetable protein in this all-natural cleaner fights odors on nonporous surfaces, such as finished wood, tile, countertops, walls, porcelain and sealed stone. With a light, citrus scent.
Clorox Green Works Multi-Surface Cleaner – Lemon
This lemony-scented spray’s cleaning power for a range of kitchen and bath surfaces comes from a mix of coconut-based cleaning agents, essential lemon oils and filtered water. EPA Safer Choice certified.