Spring Cleaning How To: Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

How ironic Mother Nature is. I knew very well that the freak warm weather we had here on the east coast in February only meant that we would get hit hard with snow close to the start of Spring! Sure enough, along with most of the country we’ve woken up to A LOT of snow. There is only one good thing about today’s blizzard, no not cozying up to watch movies, Spring Cleaning! I’m not crazy, I just can’t sit around and do nothing, plus a cloudy day trapped inside is actually the best to tackle those once a season cleaning tasks, like cleaning the windows, base boards and light fixtures.

When Spring officially kicks off, I like having the house totally refreshed. The biggest tip I’ve shared in the past is to start early, and break it up by room, or tasks, that way you’re not overwhelmed and avoid spring cleaning altogether. Another perk of cleaning on snowy day, making the house smell like a beautiful Spring day. And that isn’t with cleaners filled with toxic chemicals that are so strong you end up with headaches instead. People are making major strides in more natural choices, which includes this All-Purpose Cleaner made with items you already have in your home! Yes, you can create a power cleaner, that is less abrasive to your furniture, less harmful to the environment, and better for your wallet! For years now I’ve used this DIY all-purpose cleaner for all cleaning needs, bringing out the chemicals only when something requires it {although I am researching natural solutions for those too}.

So what goes in this simple cleaner? White Vinegar and Lemon peels, that’s it, and a few drops of essential oils if you really want to customize scents. I mean it when I say it’s all-purpose too. Works perfectly on wood surfaces, marble, windows, and tile with only one exception being natural stones. The lemon and vinegar actually help cut down on the bacteria that grows, especially in humid rooms like the bathroom, which allows for longer periods between deep cleanings. And you doesn’t want that!

If you’re not a big fan of lemons, go ahead and create your own blend. Maybe use orange peels instead or cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, eucalyptus leaves, fresh herbs, tea tree oil {which is antibacterial, anti-fungal & antiseptic} or lavender. If you’re worried about pets, then go ahead and just use vinegar and water, adding fresh herbs to mask the slightly pungent vinegar scent.

You’ll Need

16 ounce Spray Bottle {Glass or BPA-free Plastic Bottle – I bought these}
1 cup Water
1 cup White Vinegar
2 Lemons, peel only
20 drops Neroli Essential Oil {or scent of choice}
10 drops Lemon Essential Oil, optional

I’m obsessed the smell of Orange Blossoms. It’s one of the things I miss the most about living in Arizona, where endless orange trees grew right outside my apartment. I could live in that scent if that was possible, so I’m thankful for Neroli oil. Just the faintest smell brings back wonderful memories and makes me happy, and that’s what I want my house to always smell like. So definitely use an essential oil scent you absolutely love, it will actually entice you to clean more. Use a peeler or knife to cut the peel from the lemons scraping off as much of the white part as possible. Place the lemon peels into the spray bottle. Add in the vinegar. {To get the most potent cleaning effects, allow the vinegar and lemon peels to steep in a sunny spot for a few days. But you can use it right away too, as the concoction will continue to infuse as you use it.}

Fill the rest of the spray bottle with water, then add in the essential oils. Swirl to blend ingredients together before each use.To use; spray onto countertops, sinks, toilets, windows and anywhere that needs cleaning, and wipe with a rag.

So let’s welcome Spring by making room for what matters. Tidy up, choose natural simplicity, breathe the fresh air in deeply, learn something new and keep growing.

Here are some other great Spring Cleaning DIY’s you can start doing today too!

Happy Spring Cleaning!