Spring weather has a tendency to motivate us to straighten our yards or do a major cleaning in the house. Not only are cobwebs noticeable in the corners but every speck of dirt in your home is visible In fact, now is the time to open the doors and windows, let the house air out and do some major spring cleaning.

If you are reluctant to bring out the harsh and toxic chemicals, there are more Eco friendly options. In addition, many of the green solutions actually do a great job disinfecting and cleaning. For instance, one of the best natural cleaners is vinegar. In truth, it is almost the only cleaner you really need. Vinegar is a multi-purpose product that can be used for laundry, getting rid of bugs, as a disinfectant, an antibacterial and as a cleaner.

As a Disinfectant

Most disinfectants are quite toxic such as bleach (chlorine), ammonia and hydrochloric acid. In truth, these cleaning agents are not the best to have around, especially if you have children.

Thankfully, vinegar is an excellent alternative as a disinfectant. Not only is it a safer but it is also much cheaper. Plus if the smell of vinegar bothers you, just add a little bit of your favorite essential oil to the mix. The ideal solution for a disinfectant is half water and half vinegar. Just remember, the more you dilute the solution the weaker disinfectant you will have. Add the mixture to a spray bottle to make cleaning easier.

For Cleaning Windows

Vinegar and water is one of best solutions for cleaning windows. Not only does the vinegar cut through dirt and grime but it leaves your glass shiny. A basic solution would be one part water and one part vinegar. The mixture can also be made ahead of time. If your windows are brand new, like those from Gilkey Windows, then it’s important to make sure that you clean your windows regularly to keep them looking new.

An All-Purpose Cleaner

The recipe for an all-purpose cleaner is similar to the disinfectant except it is diluted. Add 1 ½ cups water, ½ cup vinegar, 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 3-5 drop of essential oils such as orange or lemon to a spray bottle. Use for cleaning around the house like the walls, counter-tops, blinds, door knobs and other surfaces.

Floor Cleaner

Vinegar is one of the best floor cleaners around. It disinfects, cleans and cuts through grime. In addition, vinegar leaves a nice shine to your floor without being slippery like some floor cleaners. In a large bucket, add ½ gallon of warm water and 1/3 to ½ cup of vinegar. Soak a sponge or mop with the solution making sure to wring out any excess water. Clean the floor and rinse the mop when needed. Allow to dry.

Vinegar has numerous other uses for the household like getting rid of stubborn odors in a room, , cleaning the toilet, removing stickers from the wall and for cleaning various metals such as copper, brass, silver and pewter.