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Spring is that magical time of year when flowers bloom and birds sing. It's also the sometimes dreaded time of the traditional spring cleaning, when we sweep out the dust of winter's gloom and welcome the warm weather. This year, throw open the windows and bring the outdoors in by using natural materials to clean and refresh your home. Although there are many "green" cleaning materials now on the market, you can make your own enviornmentally friendly solutions by using items you probably already have in your pantry.

First, take stock of what you have on hand. Create a cleaning kit by gathering the following:

baking soda, isoproply alcohol, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, borax, and white vinegar.

These are all great cleaning agents that can be mixed and matched to whiten and polish virtually every surface in your house. Gather up old rags that can be used in place of sponges. Now that you've armed yourself with the basic materials needed, let's get started!

When you clean, always work from the top to the bottom of the room so that any dirt falls to the floor and can be cleaned up last. First, focus your attention on the windows. Isopropyl alcohol (commonly known as rubbing alcohol) is a great cleanser for glass. It evaporates quickly, so produces a streak free shine. Mix 1 c. rubbing alcohol, 1 c. water, and 1 T. white vinegar in a spray bottle and use to clean windows, mirrors, or even chrome fixtures in your home.

Next, turn your attention to any permanent fixtures in the room, such as a sink, toilet, or shower. Simple baking soda gets the job done very efficiently without the strong smell or havoc on your skin that store-bought brands may offer. Use it directly on a damp sponge or rag to get rid of dirt and grime in the tub or shower. It's mildly abrasive to tackle soap scum and has a deodorizing property to freshen. For tougher jobs such as hard water deposits, make a paste with baking soda and water, rub it directly on the surface and let it work its magic for about twenty minutes. The paste will soften the buildup to be more easily wiped away.

If you don't have baking soda, not to worry. White vinegar will also do the trick. Mix 1 c. white vinegar with 1 c. water in a sprayer bottle and use on small jobs, such as the outside of the toilet bowl or countertops. Use it undiluted to clean water deposits, soap scum, or even the pesky ring around the inside of the toilet bowl.

Get rid of those harsh sprays that can ruin your wood furniture. Instead, use a mixture of 1 c. olive oil and 1/2 c. lemon juice. Spread a small amount over your furniture surface, then polish with a dry cloth.

As always, leave the floors for last. To eliminate tough carpet stains, mix 1/4 c. salt, 1/4 c. borax, and 1/4 c. white vinegar. Rub this paste into the stain and let sit for a few hours before vacuuming. For wood floors, use a 1:1 solution of vegetable oil and white vinegar. Apply a thin coat to the wood and polish with a clean cloth.

Instead of lighting a candle to cover up odors in your home, put lemon or orange peels down the garbage disposal. The invigorating citrus smell refreshes the air while getting rid of odors that have built up in your disposal.

Supplies for your spring cleaning endeavor don't have to break your budget or the environment. Let nature be your guide this season and you'll be well on your way to a clean and healthy home.

Learn more about this author, Jonna Norris.
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