Coming Clean!

5 budget friendly DIY remedies you can use today to Spring Clean your house.

Ah, Spring is in the air! The sun is warm… the sky is blue… and the smell of spring flowers is everywhere.

We all know what this means… Yep - it’s time for our Spring Cleaning event. It’s the ritual we undertake every year to make the inside of our house sparkle and shine.

Now that winter’s hibernation is coming to an end, it’s time to pull open the blinds and throw open the windows… let all the glorious fresh air in.

Let the sunshine,

Let the sunshine in,

The sunshine in.

But before you do, get out your DIY supplies because this year our Spring Cleaning is going ECO and BUDGET friendly with homemade solutions.

With today’s dollar not stretching as far as it used to, you look to cut corners where you can. One of the best places to start is with cleaning supplies. The mark-up on these items at the store is off the charts!

And, in all cases, the store bought version doesn’t work any better than the homemade one.

Aside from being budget friendly, homemade remedies are healthier for you and your family. No harsh chemicals… no abrasive materials… and, no toxic concoctions to worry about.

And, in all cases, the store bought version doesn’t work any better than the homemade one.

Aside from being budget friendly, homemade remedies are healthier for you and your family. No harsh chemicals… no abrasive materials… and, no toxic concoctions to worry about.

So let’s get started!

Here are some basic ingredients you want to have on hand in your DIY kit:

So let’s get started!

Here are some basic ingredients you want to have on hand in your DIY kit:

● Baking Soda. This has been used for years to deodorize. It’s also a great abrasive to scour tough dirt without causing damage.

BONUS - A baking soda + water paste works wonders on bee-stings. It pulls out the stinger and acts as a pain reliever on the spot.

● Baking Soda. This has been used for years to deodorize. It’s also a great abrasive to scour tough dirt without causing damage.

BONUS - A baking soda + water paste works wonders on bee-stings. It pulls out the stinger and acts as a pain reliever on the spot.

● Distilled White Vinegar. Perfect for clearing away soap scum and hard-water build-up. This also works well for deterring the growth of mold. If possible, find a product that contains more than 5% concentration since a higher concentration works best.

BONUS - Use in your laundry instead of fabric softener for a clean, cling-free experience.

● Castile Soap. This is considered to be a general - all-around cleaning product. You can use it to clean dishes… in the laundry… hand or bath soap… floor cleaner… and so much more!

● Essential Oils. These work great to sanitize your house all while adding a nice fresh scent to the air. Some of the more popular scents include lavender, lemon, tea tree, lemon grass and eucalyptus.

BONUS - These are all naturally antibacterial.

● Castile Soap. This is considered to be a general - all-around cleaning product. You can use it to clean dishes… in the laundry… hand or bath soap… floor cleaner… and so much more!

BONUS - These are all naturally antibacterial.

● Lemon Juice. The strong acid helps to fight against bacteria. It also works great to remove tough stains.

● Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Considered to be one of the best for polishing furniture. It lifts grease and grime, while tackling those tough stain spots.

Tackling the Common Jobs

To get you started, below are some common remedies you can use to tackle your Spring Cleaning event:

Tackling the Common Jobs

To get you started, below are some common remedies you can use to tackle your Spring Cleaning event:

1. Windows and Mirrors. Plain vinegar and water work wonders for a streak-free shine. Note: Overcast or cool days work best to prevent streaking.

Remedy - Mix 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Add your favorite essential oil for a clean fresh scent.

1. Windows and Mirrors. Plain vinegar and water work wonders for a streak-free shine. Note: Overcast or cool days work best to prevent streaking.

Remedy - Mix 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Add your favorite essential oil for a clean fresh scent.

2. Toilet Cleaner. Mix vinegar with baking soda to create a bubbly concoction that leaves the toilet bowl sparkling clean. Once you add the remedy, let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then use the toilet brush to ‘bubble it up’ and scrub away the mess.

Remedy - Mix 1 part baking soda to 4 parts vinegar. Add 10-12 drops of your favorite essential oil.

3. Furniture Polish. Make your own lemon-scented polish to bring wood surfaces back to life. This can also be used on wood floors. Using this polish is simple - just spray it on and wipe it off.

Remedy - Mix ¼ cup of vinegar, ¾ cup olive oil and the juice of ½ lemon. Test first in an inconspicuous area.

4. All Purpose Cleaner. This cleaner can be used on all surfaces where store-bought can be used. It acts as a bacteria deterrent versus being a bacteria eliminating agent. With regular use, bacteria can’t grow, and it’s reduced to almost an undetectable level.

Remedy: Combine equal parts vinegar and water. Add 10-12 drops of your favorite essential oil to make your house smell amazing.

5. Carpet and Furniture Deodorizer. Baking soda is the best kept secret for eliminating odors. You simply sprinkle it on your carpet, couches or chairs. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes and vacuum. Works great to eliminate pet and food odors!

Add some drops of your favorite essential oils to give your room a nice fresh scent.

BONUS: You can also put an open small container in the back of your refrigerator to eliminate food odors.

5. Carpet and Furniture Deodorizer. Baking soda is the best kept secret for eliminating odors. You simply sprinkle it on your carpet, couches or chairs. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes and vacuum. Works great to eliminate pet and food odors!

Add some drops of your favorite essential oils to give your room a nice fresh scent.

BONUS: You can also put an open small container in the back of your refrigerator to eliminate food odors.

Let’s go you Fabulous 50+ Women… The DIY Spring Cleaning event has officially commenced!