Graphic by Ron Mader.

Vintage spring cleaning via Nationaal Archief.

The sun is shining, the weather is getting warmer, and many of us plan to spruce up our homes for spring. That can involve using a lot of chemicals, which will contribute to air and water pollution. Luckily, there are plenty of easy green recipes for home cleaning products. You can also buy premade eco-friendly cleaning products. For those with a DIY bent, try these natural concoctions that’ll leave your domestic surfaces sparkling…

Photo by Susy Morris.

Glass: 1/4 cup vinegar (Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar is great!) and 1 quart of water, shaken in a spray bottle.

Tile and countertops: 2 parts vinegar, 1 part baking soda, and 4 parts water.

Floors: 4 cups of vinegar mixed with a gallon of water. Add a scent with crushed peppermint leaves or lemon juice.

Wood furniture: Equal parts lemon juice and olive oil.

Toilets: Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and baking soda. Clean the outside with vinegar.

Mold and mildew: Vinegar! Vinegar is pretty magical.

Air freshener: Sprinkle your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and put it in a bookshelf corner.

After you have accomplished your spring cleaning the green way, consider these additional ecofriendly actions:

Hang dry your laundry instead of using the machine. Maybe you don’t have time to hang-dry every load, but even once a week will make a difference!

$17 hanging plant on Etsy.

Add plants to your house to filter the air. Spider plants, English ivy, rubber plants, and peace lilies are great air-cleaning options.

Quit buying single-use paper towels. Invest in cleaning cloths that you can wash and hang dry.

If you have more tips for a greener home, please share them with us on our social networks! Thank you 🙂