It’s that time of year again. When the birds begin to chirp, the sun shows its radiant face, and all of nature is celebrating the thrill of new life. It is also a great opportunity to throw open the windows, roll up your sleeves, and get to work scrubbing away the grime and tidying the clutter that has been slowly building up over the long winter months. Grab your cleaning bucket and rags and let’s get to work!
Remember, you don’t have to accomplish everything in one day. Break the cleaning into manageable chunks based on each room of the house. Even if you only complete one room each weekend, you are still making progress. Here is the ultimate step by step guide for your spring cleaning session…totally chemical free.
Create a motivational cleaning playlist
Before you can even begin cleaning, you need the jams that are going to fuel your frenzied scrubbing. Plug in your speakers and blare your favorite motivational playlist, podcast, or audiobook.
Gather your supplies
Since this is a chemical free zone, you don’t need a ton of fancy products to get the job done. Be sure you have these materials on hand before you get started and you’re good to go.
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Your favorite essential oils
- Castille soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Borax
Other materials you may need:
- Washable rags or paper towels
- Vacuum, broom, and mop
- Microfiber Cloths
- Empty spray bottles
Mix together this all-purpose spray for general cleaning
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp borax
- 1/2 tsp washing soda
- 1 tsp liquid castile soap
- Essential oils of choice- about 15 drops altogether. Mix and match to create your perfect scent.
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a spray bottle including any desired essential oils.
- Fill with 2 cups warm water.
- Place lid on the spray bottle and shake well to combine.
Open all the windows
Raise the blinds, let in the sunlight and open the windows to embrace the fresh spring air.
Get that laundry machine busy
Wash all bedding and couch cushion and throw pillow covers (if removable). It’s good to do this step early in the cleaning process so that you have time to get all of your laundry done.
Declutter
Go around to each room in your house and find areas that usually collect clutter. Return everything to its proper place.
Dust everything
Using the microfiber cloth to trap dust, begin at the highest point in your home and dust all furniture. This is also a great time to tackle fans and light fixtures. Be sure to move knick-knacks and books and clean the edges of your furniture as well.
Wash all windows inside and out.
Using a 50/50 water and vinegar solution in a spray bottle and clean paper towels, clean all windows and windowsills. Make sure to vacuum any dirt or bugs from the inside of the window track.
Clean wall with all-purpose spray
Using your chemical-free all-purpose spray, wipe down all the walls. You’ll be surprised at how dirty they can get. Don’t forget clean all the way down, including the baseboards and any door or window trim.
Scrub down your bathroom
Create another batch of all-purpose spray and simply add in a cup of vinegar. This will help with disinfecting and clearing away any stubborn stains from your bathroom fixtures. You can also use hydrogen peroxide for even more disinfecting power. Scrub down all the shower walls, vanity, sink, and toilet. You can use a rag soaked in hot, soapy water to clean any vents or fans and around the base of the toilet. Use your 50/50 water and vinegar solution to shine the mirror.
Attack the kitchen
Wipe down all appliances and the counter with the all-purpose solution. Be sure to pull out your fridge and stove and clean all sides of these appliances, focusing on the floor underneath as they often hide nasty food debris and stuck-on spills. Clean the inside of the stove and fridge, scrubbing shelves and making sure to throw away any outdated food or condiments. Wipe down cabinets and any other kitchen shelves.
Finish with the floor
Vacuum anywhere you have carpet. Sweep tile and hardwood, and then mop the floor with a solution of soap, vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oils.
Happy cleaning!
-Susan Patterson