{"id":5898,"date":"2023-03-17T14:26:43","date_gmt":"2023-03-17T14:26:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/?p=5898"},"modified":"2023-03-17T14:28:12","modified_gmt":"2023-03-17T14:28:12","slug":"spring-cleaning-naturally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/spring-cleaning-naturally\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Cleaning Naturally"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5909\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Spring-Cleaning-Green-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Spring-Cleaning-Green-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Spring-Cleaning-Green-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Spring-Cleaning-Green-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Spring-Cleaning-Green-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Spring-Cleaning-Green.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/>It\u2019s Spring Cleaning Time once again and it\u2019s the perfect season to keep it natural with some DIY homemade cleaners. With just a few simple ingredients, your family can enjoy a greener spring clean this year.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Reduce, Reuse, Refresh!<\/strong><br \/>\nA good start: Instead of going through a whole roll of paper towels, turn to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.livingonadime.com\/cleaning-rags-save-money-paper-towels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reusable cloths<\/a>. Whether you\u2019re giving new life to an old t-shirt or using store-bought lint-free cloths, this is an easy way to save money and help the environment.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5899\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5899\" class=\"wp-image-5899\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/reusable-cloth-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/reusable-cloth-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/reusable-cloth-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/reusable-cloth-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/reusable-cloth-605x400.jpg 605w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5899\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Reusable cloths are the best way to get started<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>I Can See Clearly Now<\/strong><br \/>\nLooking for a streak-free window cleaner? Check your pantry. Vinegar makes a great, natural cleaner. Just mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a reusable spray bottle for cleaner, greener windows. Another tip? Try wiping down the windows with <a href=\"https:\/\/home.howstuffworks.com\/home-improvement\/household-hints-tips\/cleaning-organizing\/can-you-use-newspaper-to-clean-glass.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">black &amp; white newspaper<\/a> so you can recycle while you clean.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5901\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5901\" class=\"wp-image-5901\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/spring-cleaning-green-way-1-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/spring-cleaning-green-way-1-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/spring-cleaning-green-way-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/spring-cleaning-green-way-1-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/spring-cleaning-green-way-1-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/spring-cleaning-green-way-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5901\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vinegar is a unique multi-purpose cleaner<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Keep Your Stainless Steel Looking Stainless<\/strong><br \/>\nBaking soda is a natural cleaner that is non-abrasive for your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realhomes.com\/advice\/how-to-clean-a-stainless-steel-sink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">stainless steel<\/a> appliances. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply with a soft sponge and then rinse well with warm water. You\u2019ll be surprised how well it works and it\u2019s also good for your countertops.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5910\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5910\" class=\"wp-image-5910\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cleaning-Naturally-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cleaning-Naturally-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cleaning-Naturally-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cleaning-Naturally-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cleaning-Naturally-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cleaning-Naturally.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5910\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Baking soda is an excellent non-abrasive cleaner<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>When Life Gives You Lemons\u2026 Clean Your Microwave<\/strong><br \/>\nSimply put some cut-up lemons or cider vinegar in a microwavable bowl of water. Microwave on full power for several minutes, then leave the steam inside for at least five more minutes to loosen remaining stains and eliminate odours. When you remove the water and lemons you can easily wipe down the inside of the microwave with a clean towel.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5903\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5903\" class=\"wp-image-5903\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/cleaning-microwaves-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/cleaning-microwaves-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/cleaning-microwaves-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/cleaning-microwaves-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/cleaning-microwaves-605x400.jpg 605w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5903\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Use lemons for an easy clean microwave<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>A Breath Of Fresh Air<\/strong><br \/>\nWhat\u2019s more natural than fresh air? As soon as the weather allows, open up those windows and let some spring inside. This is a simple and refreshing way to eliminate stale odours from a long winter.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5902\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5902\" class=\"wp-image-5902\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/open-the-windows-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/open-the-windows-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/open-the-windows-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/open-the-windows-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/open-the-windows-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/open-the-windows.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5902\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Let the fresh air in, enjoy!<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Recharge Your Towels With Two Simple Ingredients<\/strong><br \/>\nSkip the detergent and wash your towels with white vinegar and baking soda to make them soft, fresh and more absorbent. Place your towels in the washer, fill with hot water and add a cup of vinegar. Let it dilute for a moment and then add half a cup of baking soda. Wash and dry as normal for towels that are like new.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5904\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5904\" class=\"wp-image-5904\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/new-life-to-old-towels-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/new-life-to-old-towels-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/new-life-to-old-towels-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/new-life-to-old-towels-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/new-life-to-old-towels-605x400.jpg 605w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5904\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Recharge those older towels<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Recycle Your Dryer Sheets<\/strong><br \/>\nDid you know you can dust your TV screen, your computer, your baseboards and more with used <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thespruce.com\/use-dryer-sheets-around-the-house-4060532\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dryer sheets<\/a>? The recycled sheets will also help repel hair and dust from the surface.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5908\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5908\" class=\"wp-image-5908\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/dryer-sheet-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/dryer-sheet-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/dryer-sheet-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/dryer-sheet-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/dryer-sheet-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/dryer-sheet.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5908\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Recycle your dryer sheets for quick clean ups<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Lemon Aid For Your Fridge<\/strong><br \/>\nCut a lemon in half, place it in your fridge and let it absorb all those food odours. Lemon rinds in the garbage will help keep that area smelling fresh as well. Looking for more fresh ideas for using your lemons? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/20-fresh-ways-to-clean-with-lemon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Taste of Home<\/a> has some great tips.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5906\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5906\" class=\"wp-image-5906\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lemon-cleaning-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lemon-cleaning-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lemon-cleaning-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lemon-cleaning-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lemon-cleaning-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/lemon-cleaning.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5906\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lemons offer a fresh cleaning alternative<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Clear The Air<\/strong><br \/>\nThere are many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.martysmusings.net\/homemade-potpourri\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">recipes<\/a> for creating your own potpourri, or for simmering air fresheners. One of the easiest and freshest uses orange peels. Just add orange peels and a few cinnamon sticks to a pot of hot water and let it simmer, adding more water as necessary. Mini crockpots are ideal for this or you can put it on the stove at the lowest possible temperature, as long as you stay in the kitchen to keep an eye on it.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5907\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5907\" class=\"size-large wp-image-5907\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/potpourri-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/potpourri-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/potpourri-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/potpourri-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/potpourri-605x400.jpg 605w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/potpourri.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5907\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nice smells &#8230; naturally<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Easy Does It<\/strong><br \/>\nLastly, don\u2019t try to tackle all the spring cleaning in one day. Take a few hours each day and before you know it, you\u2019ll be ready for spring with a greener home to enjoy!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5905\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5905\" class=\"wp-image-5905\" src=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/enjoy-cleaning-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/enjoy-cleaning-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/enjoy-cleaning-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/enjoy-cleaning-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/enjoy-cleaning-605x400.jpg 605w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5905\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Take some &#8220;me time&#8221; during your spring cleaning<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s Spring Cleaning Time once again and it\u2019s the perfect season to keep it natural with some DIY homemade cleaners. With just a few simple ingredients, your family can enjoy a greener spring clean <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/spring-cleaning-naturally\/\">READ MORE ><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5909,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34,846,7],"tags":[122,411,1046,1047,331,73,1045,176,381],"class_list":["post-5898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diy","category-going-green","category-indoor-living","tag-diy-2","tag-environment","tag-going-green","tag-green-spring-cleaning","tag-home-tips","tag-household-tips","tag-naturally","tag-spring","tag-spring-cleaning"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5898","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5898"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5898\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5915,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5898\/revisions\/5915"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5909"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5898"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5898"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5898"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}