3 Refreshing Cleaning Recipes to Keep Your Home Sparkling This Summer

Summer is here, and with it comes more time spent outdoors, barbecuing, and enjoying the sunshine. But don’t let the fun stop at the doorstep! Keep your home fresh and clean with these three exciting new cleaning recipes that are perfect for the season. Made with natural ingredients, they’re safe for your family and the environment, making them ideal for homeowners in the Durham region who value a clean and healthy living space.

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

This versatile cleaner is a must-have for summer. Use it on countertops, tables, appliances, and more. The addition of essential oils gives it a fresh, summery scent that will make your home smell as good as it looks.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar

• 1/4 cup baking soda

• 1 tbsp liquid castile soap or dish soap

• 2 cups water

• Optional: 10-20 drops of essential oil (lavender or lemon for a summery scent)

Instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, combine the vinegar and baking soda. Let it fizz and settle.

2. Add the dish soap and water, then shake well.

3. Add essential oils if desired.

4. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth.

2. Window Cleaner

With the sun shining brightly, you’ll want your windows to be crystal clear to let in all that natural light. This Window Cleaner recipe will leave your windows streak-free and sparkling.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol

• 1/4 cup white vinegar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 cups warm water

Instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, mix all ingredients together.

2. Shake well to ensure the cornstarch is dissolved.

3. Spray on windows and wipe with a microfiber cloth for streak-free results.

3. Grill Cleaner

For all you grill masters out there, this Grill Cleaner recipe will have your grill looking like new in no time. Perfect for tackling those tough, stuck-on food residues after a summer barbecue.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda

• 1/3 cup water

• 1 tbsp dish soap

Instructions:

1. Mix the baking soda, water, and dish soap into a paste.

2. Apply the paste to the grill grates.

3. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes.

4. Scrub with a grill brush and rinse thoroughly.

Tip: For an extra clean, rub a sliced onion or lemon over the warm grill grates to loosen stuck-on food.

A Word of Caution: Surfaces to Avoid

While these DIY cleaners are fantastic for many surfaces, it’s important to know where not to use them to prevent damage:

• All-Purpose Cleaner: Skip this on natural stone countertops (granite, marble, limestone), unsealed grout, painted walls, rubber seals, aluminum, and cast iron. Vinegar can harm these materials, and baking soda is abrasive.

• Window Cleaner: Don’t use on wood, painted surfaces, stone, electronics, delicate fabrics, leather, or certain plastics. Rubbing alcohol can be too harsh for these.

• Grill Cleaner: Perfect for metal grill grates, but not for glass, wood, or other non-metal surfaces. Baking soda can scratch softer materials.

Always test a small area first to ensure no damage occurs. For sensitive surfaces, use mild dish soap and water or consult manufacturer guidelines.

Wrap-Up

These DIY cleaning solutions are perfect for summer and will help you maintain a clean and fresh home. They’re not only effective but also cost-effective and eco-friendly. Give them a try and see how easy it is to keep your home sparkling this season.