6 Simple Homemade Cleaners to Help You Spring Clean

Spring cleaning time is here! Make this job more frugal by using my 6 favorite simple homemade cleaners!

6 Simple Homemade Cleaners to Help You Spring Clean:

Spring has arrived for much of the country. When we lived in SW Florida, spring was a very short window, that occurred between January and late March. After that, summer settled in and stayed until October. I can’t say that I miss that now living in Tennessee. We do have four distinct seasons here, and for that, I’m truly thankful. Spring could certainly last a little longer, even here, but I’m happy to have a true spring. With spring comes . . .  spring cleaning!

Being a frugal gal, I try to make as many things myself as possible. Sure, some of that inspiration is to reduce chemicals in our home, but mostly, it’s to save money. Living a frugally has been a way of life for me all of my life.

As you begin your spring cleaning jobs this year, I’d like to share with you my most favorite simple homemade cleaners. There are many recipes out there, some work, some don’t. I’ve tried many of them. These are the ones that I actually make and use myself.

I make these cleaners up ahead of time so that I’m ready to tackle any job I encounter. When it’s time to begin spring cleaning, I head to Walmart, as it’s my one-stop-shop for stocking up! I add them to a plastic basket, along with a scrubbing sponge, plastic gloves (I don’t wear them for all jobs, but if I have my nails polished, I like to keep them looking nice!), a roll of paper towels, a few plastic grocery sacks, and small trash bags.

When I remove the trash bag from the small trash can in the bathroom, I add a couple of extra bags to the bottom of the can. This makes emptying that trash can and replacing the bag simple.

I’ll begin in the bathroom. For some reason, that is where I typically begin any cleaning day. We have one bathroom in our home (and six people!), so our bathroom is well-used! This is the shower cleaner that I LOVE! The shower cleaner also works well to clean the grime that builds up in the sink and on the counters.

Download your free printable of these recipes below!

Homemade Shower Cleaner:

12 oz. vinegar
10 oz. blue Dawn dishwashing liquid

Heat the vinegar for 2 minutes in the microwave and add to a spray bottle. Add in the Blue Dawn, and shake gently to combine.

Another area of the bathroom that needs attention is the showerhead. This one is simple!

Simple Shower Head Cleaner:

Place 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar in a plastic food storage bag, and secure the bag to the shower head with a sturdy rubber band. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, then rinse and buff the fixture to a shiny finish.

This glass cleaner works so well on mirrors and windows. I’m not a huge fan of washing windows, however, I am a huge fan of clean windows. 😉

Homemade Glass Cleaner:

In a spray bottle, mix 1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon dish soap.

This is an excellent all-purpose cleaner. I use this for general cleanup all around the house. It works especially well as a floor stain pre-treater before mopping.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Combine:
1 teaspoon borax
1/2 teaspoon washing soda
1 teaspoon liquid castile soap
2 cups warm water

We have 5 dogs. Our floors get mopped frequently. Very frequently. 😉 This is the easiest floor cleaner I’ve ever made!

Homemade Floor Cleaner:
1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon liquid Castile soap
2 gallons warm water

To use:

Add vinegar and soap to a bucket, then add water. Use the mop to mix. Wring out mop well, then wash floors. Let air-dry—no rinsing necessary.

My last favorite cleaner could not be more simple, nor more frugal! Simply spray on the area to be cleaned, then wipe away the grime. I particularly like to use this cleaner to clean the refrigerator and freezer. Leaves behind a fresh scent!

Citrus Infused Vinegar:
Steep orange or lemon peels in vinegar for a fresh- scented cleaner. Be sure to use a plastic jar with a plastic lid for steeping. After 2 weeks of steeping, strain the vinegar into a plastic spray bottle.

While we’re talking about citrus, here’s another great use! To quickly clean a garbage disposal, cut a lemon in half, shove into the garbage disposal and grind (with water running) for 10 seconds. Fresh lemon scent replaces the icky smell!

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be drudgery. Think of the open windows, sunny days, and clean home you’ll soon be enjoying!

I hope these 6 simple homemade cleaners help you tackle the task of spring cleaning with gusto! Or to at least save some money and be happy about that. 😉

 

What is your favorite part of spring? (once you’re done cleaning, of course!)

Enter your info below to download your free printable sheet of recipes for these homemade cleaners!

Special thanks to Kimberly-Clark and The Motherhood for sponsoring this post.  All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine!