The daffodils are blooming and the first robin of the year has been spotted hopping on the lawn — for lots of us that means one thing: spring cleaning!  If you’re like me, you might actually secretly look forward to this yearly tradition of scrubbing your home from top to bottom; the feeling of renewal combined with a sparkling bathroom just can’t be beat.  But is it possible to do it all without harmful cleaning products?

The answer is: of course!  GladRags Gabbers, your Green Goal this week is to try out at least one of the below eco-friendly — and budget-friendly! — cleaning tips.  Be sure to comment on this post to let us know how you did!

• Wash windows and mirrors by combining equal parts white vinegar and water.  Spray mixture onto surface and wipe off with scrunched up old newspapers for streak-free glass!

• Sprinkle baking soda on bathroom countertops, sinks, or in the tub.  Scrub with a damp sponge or cloth to get rid of grime and build-up.  Cut a lemon in half and rub it on tough stains for some extra elbow grease.

• Mix 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water to create a great kitchen disinfectant spray!

• Thirty minutes before vacuuming, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on carpets to help eliminate any odors in the rug.

• Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to a gallon of water to safely and effectively mop hardwood floors.  Don’t like the smell?  Add a few drops of an essential oil, like soothing lavender or uplifting citrus scents.

*Image by Suat Eman

Green This! Volume 1: Greening Your Cleaning by Deirdre Imus

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 at 8:06 am and is filed under Environment, GladRags' Green Goals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.