Family-Friendly Spring Cleaning

With spring in the air, many parents mange to convince even the most reluctant cleaners to lend a hand for spring cleaning. And those parents with little ones end up with a few “helpers” as well. That can mean lots of little hands and mouths exposed to some scary chemicals. But the truth is that most household cleaners can be created from ingredients already in your kitchen cabinets, at a much better price than anything in the store.

There’s no better time to reconsider your cleaning products than during this National Poison Prevention Week. Also check out other steps parents can take to prevent accidental poisoning.

Happy cleaning!

Safe Cleaners You Can Make at Home:

ALL PURPOSE CLEANER

1/4 cup Castile Oil Soap (available at Target and Trader Joes)
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup white vinegar
1t lemon juice (optional)
A few drops of Tea Tree Oil (optional, available at Trader Joes)

Add all ingredients to an empty spray bottle and fill with warm water. Shake and use all over the house. Also use this as a glass cleaner by wiping with newspaper instead of a rag.

OVEN & STOVE CLEANER

3/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup water

Make a paste and apply it liberally. Let it sit for several hours before scouring.

FURNITURE POLISH

1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice

Shake well and apply a small amount to a flannel cleaning rag or cleaning cloth. Spread evenly over furniture surface and be sure to dry it.

WOOD FLOOR CLEANER

Oil
Vinegar
Almond Extract (optional for smell)

Combine equal parts oil and vinegar and rub in well.

SILVER CLEANER

Scrub with toothpaste. Or line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse silver. Polish with a soft cloth.