Spring has sprung and we often think about Spring Cleaning! I know growing up, Spring meant washing the windows, putting in a garden, mowing lawn and cleaning out closets. What does Spring cleaning mean to you and how can you get the job done without spending a fortune?

When spring cleaning, sometimes it can be overwhelming so it helps to bring it down room by room and do a project every day. In preparing, a lot of people are very conscious of the environment and if you have children, you too wish to pare down their exposure to chemicals. Did you know that it only takes a few ingredients to make your own cleaning arsenal?

For wood furniture, mix 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil with 1/4 cup white vinegar. Dab with a cloth and polish. Add Baking Soda. Sprinkle a half-cup of baking soda around the toilet bowl and scrub with a toilet brush. Windows: I clean windows with a spray bottle full of vinegar diluted half and half with water. All Purpose cleaner: Most things can be cleaned with a bucket full of warm water with either a squirt of a good, safe, non-toxic dish soap or a splash of vinegar. Instead of paper towels, I use newspaper with my solution to clean windows for a streak-free effort. Or old towels, t-shirts are also an alternative.

Stay tuned for additional ideas of doing day-to-day activities in maintaining your home!