Thanks to the groundhog’s recent prediction, spring seems just around the corner! And with it comes spring cleaning. A time to purge stuff from the past and make our homes clean and tidy. It’s important to remember that many household cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that are hard on lungs, skin, and overall health. While unsafe for everyone, you will want to be especially diligent about using gentle cleansers if you are pregnant, nursing, or have young children. Using safe products is also important in the kitchen area, where you are preparing food for consumption.
To disinfect, cut through grease, and remove stains, consider diluting vinegar with warm water. Add some vinegar to your laundry and get your whites bright, without bleach! For tough stain removals on fabrics or bathroom/kitchen surfaces, use some baking soda. I recently spilt coffee on a (brand new) white carpet and sprinkled baking soda, let it sit overnight, and vacuumed it the next morning. The carpet? Now stain free! If you miss the “fresh” scents from your old cleaning products, add a few drops of your favourite essential oils like lavender or peppermint. You can also add lemon juice for a fresh citrus scent and some added disinfecting power.
Happy cleaning!