Super strong-smelling cleaners just aren’t good for your family’s health or your wallet. This Spring, clean house and save money with simple alternatives recommended by the experts.
WINDOWS WITHOUT STREAKS
Make a simple window cleaning solution. Mix one-part distilled vinegar to 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle. Quickly rub the solution on windows with a lint-free cloth, paper towels, newspaper or sponge.
Using a damp squeegee, wipe from the top of the window down to remove the solution. Wipe the edge of the squeegee clean after each swipe.
www.pellabranch.com/blog/global-blogs/how-to-clean-windows-without-streaks
TACKLE TOILETS
Drain the water out of toilet bowls – then clean. The water in the bowl dilutes the cleaner, so simply turn the water valve at the base of the toilet off and flush once to empty it out.
DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner: 1 cup table salt, 1 cup baking soda, and 1 cup oxygen bleach (such as OxiClean).
Sprinkle cleaner liberally around the inside of the bowl and let it set for at least 5 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean with water.
www.marthastewart.com/1532604/best-way-to-clean-a-toilet
SET UP A FRUIT FLY TRAP
To attract fruit flies away from your food, open a bottle of apple cider vinegar, cover the opening with plastic wrap and hold it in place with a rubber band. Poke holes in the wrap. Flies will go in but won’t be able to get out.
www.farmersalmanac.com/get-rid-fruit-flies-naturally-25356
SPARKLING CHROME
Bring dull chrome fixtures and hardware back to life with lemons.
Roll a lemon to release the juice. Cut it in half. Rub it all over hard-water stained chrome fixtures. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Prevent film buildup and maintain that shine longer with a few drops of dishwashing liquid dissolved into a gallon of distilled water wiped on with a microfiber cloth weekly.
www.merrymaids.com/cleaning-tips/diy/how-to-clean-chrome-fixtures-and-fittings
CLEAN GARDEN TOOLS
Remove rust and caked-on dirt from trowels, rakes, clippers and other garden gear by submerging the steel parts in a large bucket filled with enough strong black tea to cover them. Soak for a few hours then wipe the tools down with a clean rag. To condition wooden handles, rub with olive oil.
www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-home-cleaners-to-borrow-from-the-pantry
PAY ATTENTION TO PLANTS
To spruce up houseplants, carefully clear away dust and debris. Pluck away blossoms that have fallen off and onto the soil to prevent mold. Clean the leaves without breaking them by gently supporting them in your hand while wiping them with a moist cloth (skip the shining oils and polishes because they can block plant pores). For fuzzy-leafed plants such as African violets, push away dust with a soft-bristle paintbrush.
Fill your containers, patio planters and window boxes with fragrant insect-repelling plants to deter house flies and mosquitos. Basil, mint, lavender, lemon thyme, lemongrass and catnip transplants are all good choices.
To activate the plant’s natural bug-repellent powers, release its oils by rubbing or crushing several sprigs.
www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/care/how-to-clean-your-houseplants
www.bhg.com/gardening/pests/insects-diseases-weeds/insect-repelling-plants
