The daffodils are flowering, lambs are jumping in the fields and the nights are drawing out, which means only one thing - spring cleaning! Normally this would mean copious bottles of chemicals in a hundred different fragrances promising easy cleaning. In truth we don't need to pollute the environment when we clean and we certainly don't need all the chemicals, parabens or bleaches. With a few natural ingredients which are probably already sitting in your pantry you can clean your house from top to bottom.
Distilled white vinegar is an amazing natural cleaner capable of killing household bacteria, cuts through grime in a fraction of the time of branded products and dissolves hard water deposits.
For windows, mix 50% white distilled vinegar with 50% hot water into a spray bottle. If windows are grimy, wash with warm soapy water beforehand.
Scented All-Purpose Cleaner; mix one part vinegar, one part water, lemon rind and rosemary sprigs into a spray bottle, shake and let infuse for a week before using. Great for cleaning your bins, wall smudges, removes hard water stains and many more (however do not use on granite!).
Lemon is also a great natural cleaner and the acid is an antiseptic and antibacterial. Added to vinegar when cleaning, lemon juice will help neutralize the smell of vinegar. The acid in lemon juice also cuts through grease and is perfect for removing grease from the stove and countertops.
For countertop stains, allow the lemon juice to sit on the stain for a few minutes (not too long - it can be powerful stuff). Scrub the area with baking soda and watch the stain disappear.
A 50/50 vinegar/water solution will clean tiles, cabinet fronts and soap scum from showers. To remove stuck on gunk in the shower and bath mix baking soda and water to a paste. For really tough stains, use vinegar instead of water.
By adding a few drops of essential oils to all of the above you can personalise your home to your favourite scent.
There are also a number of alternative, natural cleaning products available to purchase on a refillable basis in store. We are more than happy to discuss alternative options.