Spring has sprung! It’s time to let the sunshine in after a long winter; but, when you do you might see a few areas that need some TLC. Before you start day dreaming about all the fun that lies ahead this season, open up all the windows, cabinets and closets and get down to the dirty business of spring cleaning!
When you’re thinking about what supplies to use, there’s one solution that’s not only safe for you and the environment (especially as Earth Day approaches on April 22) but also acts as a powerful cleaning agent: Vinegar! It’s a low-cost, all-purpose option that you probably have sitting in your kitchen cabinet right now.
Stonewall Jackson Inn, Harrisonburg, VA
Innkeepers at bed and breakfasts know a thing or two about cleaning and have a few spring cleaning tips and tricks when it comes to using vinegar. Wayne Engel at the Stonewall Jackson Inn, located in Harrisonburg, VA, uses it to clean everything from the coffee maker to the hardwood floors and kitchen tile. He even uses vinegar as a fabric softener and as an alternative to bleach. But he cautions against mixing. “Never use vinegar and chlorine bleach together,” said Wayne. “It can create harmful vapors.”
As a trained chef, Monika Sudakov knows her way around a kitchen. She’s the proprietor of the Chestnut Street Inn located in Sheffield, IL, and recommends using distilled vinegar in the dishwasher. It helps clean out buildup, and, if you use vinegar during a normal wash cycle, it can help remove the spots and streaks on dishes and glasses.
Freshening up your home is a great way to kick off the spring season. But, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on “green” cleaners to get the job done. Head to the kitchen and grab the vinegar for a simple and safe solution.
Check out our “Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips” board on Pinterest for more ideas.
Have any good eco-friendly cleaning tips you’d like to share? Let us know by commenting below!
