As the weather warms up and birds chirp outside our windows, it's a sure sign that spring cleaning season is here! Luckily, you don’t need harsh chemicals to freshen up your home. Many everyday ingredients you probably already have in your home can be used to clean effectively while keeping your family and pets safe. Plus, your kids can help with most of these simple and natural cleaning solutions!
⚠️ Note: Even natural and non-toxic cleaning products require proper use and precautions, especially around children.
 studioroman via Canva |
Fresh Lemons 🍋
When life gives you lemons, use them for cleaning! Here are some natural ways to incorporate lemons into your cleaning routine:
- Brighten Yellowing Fingernails: Add a few drops of lemon juice to warm water and soak your nails to help remove yellow stains after nail polish removal.
- DIY Window Cleaner: Mix a few tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. It’s a great natural cleaner for windows and countertops.
- Laundry Brightener: Add lemon juice to your laundry load to naturally brighten whites and remove stains.
- Freshen Your Sink - With Ice and Lemon Juice: For a fresh-smelling disposal, freeze a mixture of water and lemon juice in ice cube trays. Run a few cubes through your garbage disposal to clean and freshen it, without the risk of clogs.
Baking Soda 🏡
A non-toxic powerhouse for cooking, baking and cleaning!
- Sprinkle on a wet cloth to scrub kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
- Soak stained and smelly plastic food containers in a baking soda and water mixture.
- Remove scuff marks from floors with a baking soda and water paste.
- Freshen carpets and upholstery by sprinkling baking soda, letting it sit, then vacuuming after 20 minutes.
- Add to laundry for fresher clothes.
- Deodorize your fridge with an open box—replace monthly.
- Remove coffee and tea stains from cups by soaking them in a baking soda solution.
Distilled white vinegar 🌿
A versatile, non-toxic cleaner with antibacterial properties - helpful for many of your household needs. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, add some lemon juice to your spray bottle.
- Dilute with water for an excellent window and surface cleaner.
- Use full strength to inhibit mold and mildew in the bathroom.
- Use in the kitchen on the counters and cutting boards for cleaning plus it can help inhibit the growth of some bacteria such as E. Coli and salmonella.
- Pour into the dishwasher to remove food odors and hard water spots.
- Refresh forgotten laundry loads by adding vinegar before rewashing.
- Clean coffee makers by running a vinegar and water solution through the brew cycle.
- Mop non-wax floors with a mix of vinegar and warm water for shine.
Hydrogen Peroxide ✨
A budget-friendly efficient, non-toxic cleaner, deodorizer and disinfectant - use 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Use in a spray bottle to sanitize countertops, refrigerators, microwaves and door handles.
- Clean toys, door handles, and bathroom grout with its bubbling action.
- Disinfect toilet bowls by letting peroxide sit before flushing.
- No-rinse needed when using to clean floors.
 studioroman |
Castile Soap 🫧
An eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaner made from vegetable oils. This soap has been used for hundreds of years - originally made from olive oil you can find it made now from a variety of vegetable oil.
- Mix ¼ cup with a gallon of water to clean floors, countertops, and grease from stovetops.
- Safe for washing hands, cleaning cars, and scrubbing patio furniture.
- Its uses are endless.
Cornstarch 🌾
A 100% pure multi-purpose cleaner.
- Sprinkle on carpets for grease stain removal—let sit, then vacuum.
- Use on clothing grease stains before washing.
- Make a paste to polish silver.
Toothpaste 🦷
More than just for teeth!
- Fill small nail holes in walls with white toothpaste.
- Remove scuff marks from floors and walls.
- Clean chrome fixtures and baby bottles.
- Scrub fingernails for extra shine.
Table Salt 🧂
A natural abrasive cleaner.
- Sprinkle on oven spills for easy cleanup.
- Soak water-stained glasses in a salt solution before washing.
- Clean drains and remove soap scum by filling the sink with hot water and salt
Fels-Naptha Soap 🧼
A classic laundry and stain remover - best used for oil stains on clothing or upholstery.
- Rub onto oil stains - use a washcloth to rub soap on the stain, let sit, then rinse before washing.
- Scrub shower walls to remove soap scum.
- Wash hands with it to remove grease and ink stains.
Please note: This product is not Vegan or Kosher as it contains animal fat
Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 🏠
A powerful disinfectant.
- Safely cleans marble countertops.
- Glass cleaner, use on windows - mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle - cleans your glasses too.
- Disinfects phones, keyboards, and whiteboards.
- Removes sticker residue and permanent marker stains.
⚠️ Caution: Use in a well-ventilated area and keep away from flames and children.
Borax 🛁
A natural mineral with multiple cleaning uses.
- Sprinkle on mattresses and carpets to remove pests like bed bugs and fleas.
- Boost laundry detergent for extra cleaning power.
- Clean kitchen sinks and disposals by scrubbing with a borax and water paste.
- Kill mildew with a borax spray solution.
- Remove rust stains from toilets overnight.
⚠️ Caution: Use with care around children, pets, and food. Avoid inhalation and prolonged skin exposure.
- How Stuff Works: Is Borax Harmful or Helpful?
- EWG: Borax - Not the green alternative it's cracked up to be
- How Safe is Borax?
By swapping out chemical-laden cleaners for these simple, natural alternatives, you’ll create a cleaner home and a healthier environment for your family.
🌷 Bring on Spring - Clean on! 🧹
📢 If you enjoyed this article, please share 🥰
📬 Don't forget to Subscribe if you haven't already
🔗 Lets Get Social!
 |  |  |  |
Written by Jodi Lorence, publisher for Macaroni KID in MN
Updated and edited by B. Gutell, publisher for Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas
