This time around, why not combine two neighboring traditions, Earth Day & Spring Cleaning?
By utilizing a few of our tips & tricks, you can have a clean house and use fewer chemicals. Chemicals which may negatively impact the planet, not to mention to you, your family and pets.
1. All Purpose Cleaning Paste
Suitable for use on hard surfaces, from the kitchen to the bath, this recipe leverages natural ingredients to get the job done.
Ingredients
½ cup baking soda
Plant based liquid soap
½ lemon
Instructions
1. Mix ½ cup of baking soda with just enough plant based liquid soap* to make a creamy paste.
2.Spread the paste on the flat side of the ½ lemon and apply.
3.The lemon serves as the scrubber and adds a delightful lemon scent.
4.Wipe residue with a lightly damp cloth.
*Bartell’s carries a variety of plant based liquid soaps from Seventh Generation, Doc Bronner’s and more!
2. When in doubt, air it out.
Things getting a bit funky? Instead of defaulting to a deodorizing spray, throw open the windows and let in some fresh PNW air. If you can create a breeze by strategically opening other doors & windows around the house, all the better.
Still want some fragrance, consider trying essential oils and diffusers over artificial scents.
**PRO-TIP: Although an at-least-annual deep clean is a great idea, nothing beats regular maintenance cleaning. Regular cleaning, vacuuming and dusting can help lower the impact of dust and pet allergies as well as extend the life and improve the performance of appliances and home electronics.
King County – https://kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/en/households-disposal
Pierce County – https://www.co.pierce.wa.us/1544/Household-Hazardous-Waste
Snohomish Counties –https://snohomishcountywa.gov/477/Hazardous-Waste
3. Oven Tamer
If instead of an actual setting, the ‘self-cleaning’ feature of your oven features you on your hands and knees with yellow gloves and caustic spray, try this tip before filling the kitchen with fumes.
Make a paste from 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup water. Liberally spread the mix over the accumulated grime and let it sit for 45 minutes. Then give it a healthy scrubbing with a scouring pad to break up the gunk.
4. Breaking the Mold
Although preventing mold by wiping down and drying out surfaces where mold can thrive is the best practice, you can avoid using harsher alternatives by cleaning mold with plant-based soap and water. If that hasn’t worked, you can try 2 teaspoons of natural fungicide tea tree oil, mixed with two cups of water.
5. I can see clearly now…
With better weather coming it’s the perfect time to improve the view. Here are some easy window cleaning mixtures to try.
Start with a base of 1 quart of warm water and add the natural cleaner of your choice from the list below.
White vinegar: 1 cup
Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 cup
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
Apply and wipe with a soft cotton rag or newsprint if you have some you’re about to recycle. Take your window wiping game to the next level by breaking out the neglected squeegee you have sitting underneath the sink.
Rug Stain Rescue
Fight minor rug stains with 2 easy items you likely already have around the house.
For a fresh spill, pour a small amount of club soda/soda water directly onto the area and blot with a clean towel. Resist the urge to rub since it can mat the fibers. For a set stain, try hydrogen peroxide. Pour some onto a clean white cloth and press the cloth to the carpet. Leave the cloth in place for about 15 minutes and then blot the area with a clean cloth.
When you’re ready to stop leaning and start cleaning, swing by your local Bartell’s and pick up vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide or something from our selection of green cleaning products from Seventh Generation and more!