With Spring in full swing, now is a great time to start that spring cleaning.  Between all of the different cleaning products you use to get your home clean, the smell of your home can start to make you dizzy by the end. 

This year, why not try cleaning with green products.  Not only will your home be just as clean and disinfected but you will also be helping the environment by not using all of those harsh chemicals.  Also, by making your own products, you can save a lot of money.

Here are some recipes so you can start making your own green cleaning products.  Keep in mind, that many of these require shaking so the mixture mixes together.  You will need to shake the products before each usage. 

Window Cleaner:

• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 1 gallon of warm water

Squeegee the mixture on your window and wipe with a crumpled up newspaper.  The newspaper, unlike paper towels, will not leave lint residue.  And no, the ink won’t run onto your windows either, we promise!

Furniture Polish:

• 2 parts Olive Oil
• I part lemon juice

Combine into a spray bottle and shake to mix.  Spray onto a dry cloth and begin polishing!

Hardwood Floor Cleaner (courtesy of Pure Natural Diva):

• 2 tablespoons of Oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoon of alcohol
• 24 ounces of water

Combine all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake.  Spray directly onto the floor and use a damp cloth or a mop to wipe down. 

Carpet Cleaner:

Baking soda is the ultimate ingredient when it comes to deodorizing.  Sprinkle some onto your carpets before you vacuum.  

Baking soda can also be used to get any unwanted smells out.  It is great to leave out on the counter (out of the way of kids and pets of course) since the kitchen can get smelly even if it is just from cooking.

All-Purpose Cleaner (courtesy of Clean House, Clean Planet):

•  2 tablespoons of vinegar
•  1 teaspoon of Borax
• 1/4 cup of liquid soap
• 10 to 15 drops of an essential oil if you want to add scent

Mix the vinegar with the borax and then fill the spray bottle with hot water.  Shake to dissolve the mixture.  Add the liquid soap and then, if desired, the essential oils.

Disinfectant Cleaner:

• 2 Cups Water
• 1/4 Cup White Vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. Tea Tree Oil
• 1/4 tsp. Lavender Oil

Combine all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake.   

We hope that these recipes will allow you to make you home a little greener, while allowing you to save some green as well. 

What are you favorite cleaning recipes?