A Fresh Start

Spring is upon us and you know what that means. Spring cleaning! Some of us get excited for this time of year, its a time to get down and dirty! Using harsh chemicals can contaminate your home with toxins, defeating the purpose of spring cleaning. Common household cleaners expose you to chemicals and have adverse effects on your family's health. Why clean your home with poison? Especially when there are so many natural alternative ways to clean and disinfect your home. Over the next 5 days I am going to share with you 5 common kitchen ingredients to help you with your spring cleaning in a natural way.

Lemons
Lemons are natural disinfectants because of their antibacterial properties. For many, the refreshing citrus smell exemplifies cleanliness.

Kitchen

Cut a lemon in half and use it to clean wooden chopping boards or to help remove stains from countertops. Let lemon juice sit for a while, then wipe clean. Avoid marble and granite surfaces because the acid can be corrosive. (try club soda instead)
Dip a cut lemon in coarse salt and scrub copper-bottomed pots and pans. Use the same preparation to help dissolve soap and hard water stains in sinks. Throw the used lemon into your compost pile for Eco-friendly waste disposal.
One of my personal favorites is placing a lemon into your garbage disposal and turning it on for a quick, easy way to clean this hard to reach area. It kills bacteria and leaves a nice fresh scent.

Laundry

Lemons are natural bleaching agents that can help brighten white linens and clothing. Add 1/2 cup of lemon juice to the rinse cycle to brighten whites and give them a fresh citrus smell.