Spring is here and that means one thing: Time to clean the ish out of your house.

Want to truly make the switch to green cleaning? You don’t have to buy pricey ‘eco-brands’ for a green clean. Instead, stock up on pure, safe basics.

Here’s a short list of what to put in your cleaning cabinet:

• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Borax
• Liquid Castile Soap
• Olive Oil
• Lemons
• Essential Oil (ex: tea tree)

I’ve cleaned my kitchen, dishes, greased 13×9 pans, bathroom & floors with the above ingredients. From safe alternatives to drano to scrubbers, you can easily find formulas online (or on GPB!)

With bridal season (and bridal showers) coming up, try to give the gift of ‘green kits’ as well. Throw in a microfiber towel to match the bride-to-be’s wedding colors.

Photo: I’m Organic

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher