by Sande Waybill

Created on: April 08, 2009   Last Updated: April 15, 2009

As soon as the sunshine is warm enough to allow for the wide opening of windows and quick drying of surfaces without the threat of dampness, it is time to consider spring cleaning your home. There is no better time than your annual spring clean to spring clean your closet as well. It is a relevant time of year to dispose of harsh chemicals and turn green with your cleaning products. This can be done in a simple wipe out of poisonous products in one go, or by replacing used products only with green alternatives as they are finished.

All you truly need to keep your entire house clean are three separate products. White vinegar, pure soap, and sodium bicarbonate. With this trio, a few containers, hot water, and some sponges, your complete house can be not only germ and dirt free, but chemical free as well.

White vinegar acts as a mild disinfectant, so can be used in place of store purchased brands to alleviate the extra toxins and additives of your usual disinfectant. The vinegar also replaces your anti-stain soaker in the laundry, is ideal for cleaning windows and other glass surfaces, and you can even use white vinegar as a natural hair conditioner and clean yourself! If the aroma of the vinegar is repulsive to you, you can leave fresh orange, lemon and lime skins placed on a dish in the room to give a more pleasant scent, or simply leave your window open wide for a half hour.

Pure soap is not always pure. You will need to check the ingredients before purchase, as some supermarket brands labeled pure contain added coloring and scent. Using a blunt knife, scrape flakes of the soap into a tub. The leftover knob of soap can be used in the bathroom. Taking two tablespoons of soap flakes per two liters of hot water, mix the soap and water in a container. You now have a great all-surface cleaner, washing up detergent, tile floor cleaner, and laundry detergent, all in the one tub. This solution can also be used as a chemical free shampoo.

Sodium bicarbonate is the main or only ingredient of baking soda, but in some stores, they add extra ingredients. It may also be called bicarbonate of soda in some countries. This can be used in conjunction with a soft sponge or harsher scrubber and used to clean your stove, basin, sink, bath, and other enamel surfaces. It doubles up as a fridge deodorant, bath salts, and pre-vacuuming carpet powder. Bicarbonate of soda can additionally be mixed with peppermint essence to provide you with pleasantly scented, safe and natural toothpaste.

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