Spring Cleaning can be daunting, especially in a large home. But many hands make light work, so enlist some help from your family, set a reasonable timeline, and plan multiple days if needed. Studies show we are more productive when we break large projects into small, manageable tasks.
Plan of Attack
- Eat a good breakfast and fill your water bottle
- Start upstairs. Bedrooms first
- Clean top to bottom to avoid re-cleaning
- Dust first, vacuum second
- Wash towels and sheets as you go
- Bathrooms last, then a shower-reward!
Homemade Cleaners
I use natural homemade cleaners for most of my cleaning. Homemade Cleaners are non-toxic, less expensive, and very effective when used properly. It also simplifies my shopping list and reduces plastic waste. Try my favorites below. Choose just one or two to get started. And be sure to use your existing inventory of cleaning products first!
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
The All-Purpose Cleaner is anti-bacterial and great for doorknobs, countertops, and more. Combine these ingredients in a 16-ounce spray bottle and shake well.
- 3/4 Cup Water
- 1/4 Cup Rubbing Alcohol
- 5-10 drops peppermint, grapefruit, or lemon essential oil
- 1 Squirt Natural Dish Soap
You can make most cleaners with a few ingredients and glass bottles. I really like the amber glass ones which I’ve had for years!
2. Glass Cleaner – This is the best streak-freak glass cleaner. Cornstarch makes all the difference.
- 1/4 C Rubbing Alcohol
- 1/4 C White Vinegar
- 1 T Cornstarch
- 2 C Warm Water
- Put it all in a spray bottle and shake
3. Dusting Solution
- 1/4 C White Vinegar
- 3/4 C Water
- 8-10 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
4. Sink Scrubber
- Shake 1/4 C Baking Soda in the sink
- Spray with the All-Purpose Cleaner
- Scrub with a sponge or cleaning brush
5. Mold and Mildew Remover
- 2 tsp Tea-tree oil
- 2 C Water
- Mix in a squirt bottle – Spray on affected surfaces in the tub or shower and let sit for at least 30 min.
- Sprinkle shower with baking soda, spray again, and scrub with a sponge or brush.
Cleaning Doesn’t Have to Be a Chore
I find vacuuming, mopping, and dusting to be rewarding but cleaning is not my favorite thing in the world to do. However if I get to listen to a podcast or book, it becomes something I want to do. Jame Clear’s book, Atomic Habits suggests pairing a favorite activity with a less desirable one. Instead of dreading cleaning, I look forward to the time.
I know. You’re shaking your head. Perhaps you dismiss this is possible? That’s true when family calendars leave so little margin. My minimalist journey set the stage for accomplishing any task in less time. We eliminate clutter, set boundaries for our stuff and calendars.
Are you overwhelmed by spring cleaning or even weekly cleaning?
Remove clutter and simplify the contents of just one room. Notice how much easier it is to clean a clutter-free room.
Happy Spring Cleaning!
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Wow, so great to have some alternatives to the chemicals, especially since it has been kind of hard to even find cleaners in the stores. Last spring I couldn’t find anything. Wish I had read this post back then!
Yes, I love the non-chemical alternatives too. It’s amazing when you realize how much of this stuff you already have at home!
I LOVE a good DIY. Sharing this one with my personal organizer’s group. Thanks for this post.
My pleasure! Thanks for the share!
I hate housework and use Scrubbing Bubbles (and the kitchen version as well) for 99% of everything. Considering I’m a horrible cook, the idea of “cooking up” these DIY products has me imagining accidentally blowing up a chemistry lab. (I once followed drain-cleaning instructions to the letter, but the combo of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water, while clearing the drain nicely, basically destroyed the metal ring at the drain, pitting it. I can’t be trusted to make a vinaigrette, so maybe I need to pay one of you to make these products for me! 😉 Great advice, though, I’m sure, and yes, pairing cleaning with a podcast, book, or music might be the only way to get through it!
What great “recipes” for making your own cleaning products! I will admit that like Julie, I prefer to buy off the shelf cleaners. It’s not that I don’t trust myself to still something up properly, I think I prefer the convenience. But you’ve given me lots to consider. I appreciate your dedication to cleaning. It’s inspiring!
This is great information. I’m going to save it for myself, as I’m moving more and more towards making my own cleaning supplies.
Thank you for collecting these recipes together, I’ll be saving this post for future reference!
Great article! I hadn’t thought to make my own cleaners, can’t wait to try some of these!