Purchasing all of the spring cleaning supplies you need at the stores can add up quickly, especially if you buy a specific cleaner for each area of your home. In addition, many may contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to children and pets.
If you’re determined to complete your spring cleaning without breaking the bank, we have some great budget-saving ideas that will lower your spring cleaning cost and eliminate the need for potentially harmful cleaning products. Many of these products are already staples in your home and serve as double agents: by night, they are cooking ingredients, and by day they are an effective, eco-friendly way to clean. Common grocery items like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon are safe and effective cleaning agents that cost far less than name brand cleaning products. Continue reading to learn about how you can make these dual-purpose ingredients work double duty for you!
9 Spring Cleaning Essentials Accessible at Home
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a spring cleaning essential because it is the ultimate stain remover and deodorizer.
Stain remover: To make a stain remover for your clothing, make a solution with two parts hydrogen peroxide and 1/4 part baking soda. Mix it and pour it into a spray bottle. Apply the mix to the stained area(s), let it sit for 15 minutes, then run it through the wash.
Drain cleaner: Combine vinegar and baking soda in a 1:2 ratio. Once you add the baking soda, immediately pour it down the drain and watch the foam it produces clear your clogged drain.
Deodorizing carpet: Vacuum your carpet, sprinkle baking soda onto it, and let it sit for two hours. Then, vacuum again to remove the baking powder, and your carpets will come out smelling cleaner and fresher than ever.
Toilet bowl cleaner: Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda into the toilet and add one cup of distilled white vinegar. Let sit for 30 minutes. Scrub as usual and flush!
2. White Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the most effective all-purpose spring cleaning essentials you can use for every room in your home.
All-purpose cleaner: Take a spray bottle and fill it 1/3 of the way with white vinegar and the rest of the bottle with tap water. Add essential oils to mask any vinegar smell.
Window Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 2 1/2 cups of water and a 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap in a spray bottle.
Grout cleaner: Spray full-strength vinegar on any grout and let it soak for at least an hour. Scrub it off with a brush to restore the look of your grout.
3. Dryer Sheets
Did you know that dryer sheets aren’t only for the laundry room? Dryer sheets are also the ultimate duster.
Use dryer sheets, even used ones, as dusting rags for window blinds and baseboards. They leave a trace of anti-static fabric softener that repels dust, pet hair, and it will also leave those areas smelling nice too.
4. Lemon
When they give you lemons, put them to good use in your spring cleaning product arsenal.
Garbage disposal freshener: When your dishwasher emits an unpleasant odor, it is time to freshen it up with the lemon you have in your fruit bowl. Cut the lemon in half and throw it down the drain. Turn the disposal on with the lemon in it and run the water until the lemon is completely broken down.
Soap scum: Use undiluted lemon juice to dissolve soap scum and mineral deposits on counters and sinks.
5. Olive Oil
Almost every home is stocked with olive oil, a favorite pantry staple for pasta, bread, and more. But did you know that olive oil has some utility outside the kitchen as well?
Wood polish: To make your own wood polish, combine 3/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white vinegar, and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Essential oils can be added to make your wood smell wonderful.
Stainless steel cleaner: Remove the grease on your stovetop with vinegar and then use olive oil and a paper towel or cloth in a circular motion to restore its shine.
6. Dish Soap
How do you spring clean your house with dish soap? Dish soap can be used for a variety of cleaning needs, but it is especially good at cutting through built up grease.
Fights grease: Use dish soap to remove a buildup of scum and grease from showers and sinks. It can also be used to effectively remove grease from carpet and clothing. Squirt a little dish soap on the greasy area. Then, let it sit for a couple of hours and wash it out.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide
It’s a good idea to keep a hydrogen peroxide bottle in every room in your home year-round. Many don’t know hydrogen peroxide is a natural way to remove bacteria.
Disinfect kitchen sponges: To get bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella out of your sponges, disinfect them daily with a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent hydrogen peroxide.
Clean the refrigerator: Spray the inside with hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria and then wipe it down with plain water.
Eliminate dust mites: Spray your mattress with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water to kill dust mites that thrive on dead skin and dander.
8. Essential Oils
Essential oils are an excellent non-toxic way to help spring clean your house. One of the most popular essential oils for cleaning is lemon oil. It provides a citrus scent and contains antibacterial elements. Use it as a DIY all-purpose cleaner or to help bring a shine to wood floors and furniture.
Tea tree oil is one of the strongest cleansing oils to eliminate germs, bacteria, and viruses. Use tea tree oil for everyday cleaning throughout the house to fight germs and maintain a healthy indoor environment.
9. Cornstarch
Did you spill some oil on your couch? Don’t panic, get the cornstarch.
Carpet and upholstery stains: If the stain is oil-based, sprinkle the spot with cornstarch. Wait 20 to 30 minutes before vacuuming. Cornstarch is great at breaking down and absorbing oil.
Need Spring Cleaning Help?
Using the cleaning ingredients that you probably already have in your home is a great way to complete your spring cleaning. These ingredients are not only powerful and effective, but they also offer a natural cleaning solution that eliminates the need for harsh chemicals.
When it comes to a great spring house cleaning resource, the trusted and reliable professionals at your local Molly Maid® can make your home shine from top to bottom. We can provide you with a cleaning plan that meets both your needs and schedule. Whether you need weekly cleaning, occasional cleaning, or would like to give a cleaning gift certificate, Molly Maid is the answer. We use eco-friendly products and our pros know how to get all your cleaning done right—that’s our promise! Take the stress out of keeping your home clean and check clearing off your to-do list. Call us or request an estimate online today.
