The cold, bleak days of winter are finally over. Sunshine spills through the windows to warm every room, giving your home new cheerfulness and filling your mind with plans for the spring season. It also brings to mind something else – spring cleaning.
But before you reach below the sink for an armful of heavy-duty chemical cleansers, think earth. Think friendly. And consider this: you can whip up your own cleansers from earth- and health-friendly ingredients. Save the earth, and save money, too.

Easy formulas for household cleaning

All-purpose cleanser. Mix one teaspoon of liquid soap or borax with one gallon of hot water. Lemon juice or white vinegar added to the mix will cut grease and leave a fresh scent. Use to mop tile or linoleum floors.

Spray cleanser. Mix one cup white vinegar, 2 teaspoons borax, 32 ounces hot water, 20 drops of essential oil (optional), one-quarter cup liquid dish soap (add last) in a spray bottle. Use on kitchen and bathroom countertops, appliances, and wherever you need a sanitizing degreaser.

Carpet deodorizer. Sprinkle generous amounts of baking soda over carpet and let sit for a few minutes. Vacuum. Pet and smoke odors disappear.

Oven cleaner. Sprinkle or spray the inside of your oven with warm water. Sprinkle with baking soda. Let sit overnight. Wipe down with a plastic scrub pad. Rinse with warm water and white vinegar solution.

Upholstery cleaner. Clean silk and leather upholstery by spraying full-strength white vinegar onto fabric and wiping clean with a soft cotton cloth. (Test a small, discreet sample area first.)

Indoor plants. Plants are a great way to help counteract air toxins that can be harmful to humans and pets. The ten most effective plants: Areca Palm (Butterfly Palm), Reed Palm, Dwarf Date Palm, Boston Fern, Janet Craig Dracaena, English Ivy, Australian Sword Fern, Peace Lily, Rubber Plant, and Weeping Fig.

Susan M. Botich is a Minden-based freelance writer.