Saturday Short Subjects: DIY Cleaners

Although it may not seem possible, Spring weather will soon be here — even if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow tomorrow. 

If you’ve got a case of cabin fever, why not start your Spring cleaning? If you can get it done now, you’ll have one less thing to keep you indoors when the days get sunnier and warmer.

There’s no reason to spend a lot of money on cleaning solutions when it’s so easy to make your own out of inexpensive and readily available ingredients. This graphic lists my favorite recipes for DIY cleaners.  

Buy the largest bottle of white vinegar you can find, a box of Borax from the supermarket detergent aisle, and a bottle of your favorite dish soap or Dr. Bronner’s. The only pricey item is the scented oil used in three of the four recipes, but at just a few drops per batch, a tiny bottle of oil will go a long way. Your whole house will smell fresh and clean for hours. Choose your favorite fragrance (or two). You can vary the cleaner according to the season or your mood.

Try these recipes out by mixing up a batch in a heavy-duty spray bottle. Simply spray the dirty surface and wipe it down. I keep a bucket of water nearby for rinsing the cloth or mop when it gets too dirty. I keep several spray bottles handy for spills or life’s other little emergencies.

Here’s another tip. When cleaning glass, try using newspapers instead of paper towels.

Isn’t it nice when you can be Green and save some green at the same time?

Don’t work too hard.

Have a nice rest of the weekend.

Why Saturday Short Subjects? Some readers may recall  being dropped at the movie theater for the Saturday matinee — two action-packed feature films with a series of short subjects (cartoons or short movies, sometimes a serial cliffhanger) sandwiched in between. Often the short subjects were the most memorable, and enjoyable, part of the morning. That explains the name. The reason behind these particular posts is that we are all short on time. My Short Subject posts should not take me as long to write or you as long to read (or try).