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Long associated with rebirth,renewal and regrowth, spring is theperfect time to clear the cobwebs

and start fresh. When the days lengthenand the trees start budding, many on theFirst Coast open the windows, put onsome good music and get busy mopping,scrubbing and dusting away the winterblahs.

Although cleaning products areessential to effective spring cleaning,according to the EnvironmentalProtection Agency, some everydaycleaning supplies contain chemicalsassociated with eye, skin and respiratoryirritation, in addition to other healthproblems, for humans and animals. Sincehazardous chemicals included in cleaningsupplies are washed down the drain andout into natural water supplies, they canhave a toxic effect on aquatic animals andother wildlife species.

Although there are many “green”cleaning products in stores today, why notuse the household items your grandmaused? ey’re safe, natural andinexpensive.

Here are three household items thatcan turn your spring cleaning into greencleaning:

VinegarMade from fermented corn, white

distilled vinegar effectively kills mostmold, bacteria and germs. Useundiluted to clean grime off

refrigerators, fireplaces and glass ovendoors; to remove mineral deposits fromcoffee makers; and to remove calcium

deposits on faucets. Mix with baking sodato clean and deodorize a drain, to cleanwoodwork and walls, or to remove stainsfrom plastic, fiberglass and aluminumsports equipment. Combine with water toclean the microwave, refrigerator shelvesand aluminum pots.Bonus: To polish brass and copper, mix 2tablespoons of ketchup with 1 tablespoonof white distilled vinegar. Rub on with aclean cloth until dry and shiny.Lemons

Highly acidic, lemons are a strongcleaning and deodorizing agent withmultiple uses. For an air freshener, grounda slice of lemon up in the garbage disposal.To disinfect, rub a slice of lemon across achopping block, or for stain removal, leavelemon juice on a stained chopping blockfor 10 minutes. To eliminate mold andmildew from any surface, apply full-strength lemon juice to a sponge and wipethe area. To clean and polish unvarnishedwood, mix 2 teaspoons each of vegetableoil and lemon juice, run along the surfacewith a clean, dry cloth. To remove rust,sprinkle table salt liberally over the ruststain and squeeze lemon juice over it; letsit for several hours to draw the stain out.To clean stains off Formica counter tops,squeeze lemon juice on the stain and letsoak for 30 minutes, sprinkle baking sodaon top and scrub with a soft washcloth.Baking Soda

Non-toxic, cheap and readily available,baking soda can be used to clean in almostevery room of the house. Place baking

soda on a wet sponge to use as a gentlenon-abrasive cleanser for kitchen countertops, sinks, bathtubs, ovens and fiberglass.Add baking soda to a load of laundry toeliminate odors, or pre-treat laundry stainswith a paste made with baking soda andwater. Mild and effective, baking soda canbe used to safely clean hair brushes,children’s toys and lawn furniture.

For every dusting, mopping, polishingand scrubbing project in your springcleaning ritual, there’s a natural productalready in your kitchen to handle the job.Use these household remedies to cleanaway the old and welcome a fresh newseason.

Spring CleaningGoes Green

By Laura Hampton

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