By Samantha Davis
After a long, cold, stuffy winter in your dorm, it’s now time to “spring” your windows open. Grab a broom and sweep those cobwebs away.
A lot of cleaning supplies have quit a bit of chemicals in them that can be more hazardous than the dirt you planned to clean.
But, gratefully, there are many alternatives available that can help you make your home squeaky clean and green.
William Peace University sophomore Jennifer Moran says, “Spring cleaning is my favorite time of the year to clean. Like once all of the cleaning is done I feel refreshed and so does the clean air around me.”
Environmentally-sensitive household cleaning products can be found in any store. These green products work just as well as the chemically based ones most people are used to using. And though some environmentally friendly cleaning products can be a little bit expensive but, not all are.
Here are a few basic “recipes” and techniques to get you started:
Floors: Mix 4 cups of white distilled vinegar with about a gallon of hot water. If desired, add a few drops of pure peppermint or lemon oil for a pleasant scent. After damp mopping the floors, the smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, leaving behind only the scent of the oil.
Wood furniture: Mix equal parts of lemon juice and olive and oil. Apply a small amount to a cloth, and rub onto the furniture in long, even strokes.
Toilet bowl cleaner: Sprinkle a toilet brush with baking soda and scrub away! Occasionally disinfect your toilet by scrubbing with borax instead. Wipe the outside of the toilet clean with straight vinegar.
Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar, 3 cups hot water, and 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use a spray bottle. Wipe clean.
Mold and mildew: Wipe with straight vinegar.