Green your spring cleaning with easy homemade recipes

Re-purpose mesh bags as scrubbers. (copyright Jaipi Sixbear 2012)

Traditionally, spring cleaning involves using lots of harsh chemicals to wipe away the germs. Now we know better. There are plenty of nontoxic cleaning supplies that kill germs just as well. Plus, most are things you already have on hand. Why complicate things? Give your outgrown clothes and other discards to charity. Then, start cleaning the ecofriendly way with these easy homemade nontoxic cleaning supplies.

Green window cleaner

You can buy “green” cleaning supplies in the store. Unfortunately, some of those supposedly green cleaning supplies contain harmful chemicals. For instance, most window cleaner contains ammonia, which (although natural) is highly toxic. Here's an easy green spring cleaning solution. Simply mix ¼ cup apple cider vinegar with a quart of water. Use as you would any window or glass cleaner. It's completely nontoxic. In fact, if your pet or child drinks it, it's actually good for them. It's great for stainless appliances too.

Green wall cleaner

Cleaning walls and other painted surfaces with conventional cleaners leaves chemical fumes for your family to inhale. These same chemicals can also peel paint from the walls. Why not make your own ecofriendly spring cleaning solutions for walls and other painted surfaces? Simply mix together 2 tablespoons of glycerin, ¼ cup vinegar and two cups water. Making nontoxic cleaning supplies like this is a snap.

Green drapery cleaning

You might think it's a good plan to have your drapes freshly dry cleaned each spring. While it sounds good, the chemicals used to dry clean drapes can linger, causing health issues for your family. Do yourself a favor by purchasing washable drapes and curtains. One of the most effective and easy ecofriendly cleaning methods I've used is simply washing window coverings in vinegar and baking soda. These nontoxic cleaning supplies will freshen up dusty drapes and curtains without harmful chemicals. Just toss a cup each of baking soda and vinegar into the wash cycle.

Power scrubber

Green your spring cleaning by eliminating gritty chlorine based cleansers from your cleaning supplies. What works just as well? Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces like baths, showers, sinks, toilets and counter tops. Spritz on full strength vinegar (from a spray bottle). Watch the bubbles scrub away grime and soap scum. Add the cleaning action of your own muscles to further the effectiveness. Think of it as a bonus workout to save the environment.

Portions of this article were previously published by this author on a closed Yahoo! property.