by Melissa J Luther

Created on: February 04, 2011   Last Updated: February 15, 2011

Spring is just around the corner and you’re more than ready to rid yourself of the dinginess winter left behind. Of course, scrubbing and polishing with harsh chemicals is the last thing you want to do on a beautiful day when you could be outside breathing fresh air.

Do yourself and your nose a favor by using natural, chemical free cleaners. Whether you make them yourself or buy them, here are some ideas for cleaning common areas.

> Windows <

It’s amazing how much glorious sunshine sparkling clean windows let in. Focus on those in heavy-traffic areas like the kitchen, front door and living room to give yourself a feeling of accomplishment. Make a simple solution of equal parts white vinegar and water with a splash of vodka or rubbing alcohol. The alcohol helps it dry faster and streak less. If the vinegar smell bothers you, add a few drops of lemon juice.

> Bathroom <

Forego commercial powder cleansers with a paste of approximately two parts baking soda and one part liquid soap (either hand soap or dishwashing liquid works fine). The paste should resemble frosting. Rinse well with clean water after scrubbing. This cleanser will make all bathroom surfaces gleam without scratching. It even works in the toilet.

> Kitchen <

For countertops, use the same paste as for the bathroom, or fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. A little lemon juice boosts its grease-fighting power. If the countertop is stained, use dry baking soda and rub it into the stain with half a lemon.

Wipe down the outside of the refrigerator with the vinegar/water mixture. Clean the inside by removing everything and tossing old, expired or questionable items. Then wash any removable shelves and drawers with mild soap and water in the sink. Wipe everything else with your vinegar/water cleaner.

> Floors and Rugs <

After tracking salt into the house all winter, your floors no doubt look dull. And leaving salt in your rugs will wear them out faster. Clean floors with a mixture of one cup white vinegar to one gallon of water. For wood floors, reduce the vinegar to one-half cup.

For steam-cleaning carpets, use equal parts white vinegar and water. Add one-quarter cup of ammonia per gallon of cleaning solution for extra power. Always test on a hidden spot before doing the whole carpet.

> Commercial Green Cleaners <

If you’d rather not make your own cleansers, Seventh Generation and Method offer a variety of excellent options. Try:

* Seventh Generation disinfecting wipes and sprays: These products use thymol (from thyme oil) for its disinfectant properties.

* Seventh Generation all-purpose cleaner: The cleaning agents in this cleanser are derived from plants, not petroleum.

* Method Lil Bowl Blu toilet cleaner: This eucalyptus and mint-scented toilet cleaner uses lactic acid in place of bleach.

When it comes to spring cleaning, take a cue from Mother Nature and go green inside as she turns the world green outside.

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