Even though the common practice is spring cleaning, starting fall with a fresh and clean house is also a good idea. And not only is it smart to do a deep cleaning that second time a year, but proper sanitation protocols and habits are important to keep up as well.
Task cleaning also allows you to carry around the same tool between rooms, instead of having to haul all of your supplies—gloves, bucket, various sprays, paper towels, sponges, etc.
For a more deep cleaning, this method words as well, but you’ll be hitting areas with higher traffic and touches more often. These include bathrooms, the kitchen, tables and countertops, doorknobs and handles, and light switches. Here’s how to get started on your deep, sanitizing clean:
- Gather your materials: gloves, soap and water, disinfectant solution (at least 60-percent alcohol), and something to wipe surfaces down with (or disinfectant wipes)
- Clean: Don your gloves and first use soap and water on surfaces to get away the dirt and grime
- Sanitize: Spray or wipe down surfaces with disinfectant solution. Let it air dry so the chemical has time to do its work
- Wash your hands with soap and water. Many disinfectant solutions start to sting or irritate your skin with too much contact. Even with gloves on, contact can happen.
Always read the instructions before using certain chemicals and never mix cleaning chemical together. Store out of reach of kids and pets.
These recipes can help you in the cleaning process:
Organic Fab-Breeze Refreshing Linen Spray
This organic linen spray is fabulous when sprayed on mattresses, pillows, bed linens, couches, and fabric chairs.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces organic lavandin hydrosol
- 3 ounces vodka
- 15 drops organic lavender essential oil
- 15 drops organic ylang-ylang essential oil
- 15 drops organic sweet orange essential oil
- 16-ounce spray bottle
Directions
Mix all ingredients together in the spray bottle and shake well to blend before each use.
Citrus Zinger Deodorizing Carpet Shake
Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda
- 15 drops organic sweet orange essential oil
- 15 drops organic fresh ginger essential oil
Directions
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and use a funnel to transfer the mixture to a powder shaker or glass jar. Sprinkle the aromatic blend onto your carpet and allow to sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum as normal.
Sweet Citrus Fizzy Toilet Fresheners
These fizzies are a fun way to freshen your toilet and an unconventional way to bring aromatherapy into your bathroom.
Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/8 cup borax, optional
- 20 drops organic lemon essential oil
- 20 drops organic juniper berry essential oil
- 20 drops organic sweet orange essential oil
- Organic lemon thyme hydrosol
Directions
Note: Wear gloves and mix in a well-ventilated room.
Mix baking soda, citric acid, and borax in a non-reactive bowl, add 20 drops of lemon essential oil and stir well. Repeat with the juniper berry and sweet orange essential oils, adding 20 drops and stirring well after each addition. Next, add five spritzes of hydrosol into the mix and stir well. Continue to add five spritzes of hydrosol at a time, stirring until the mixture is just damp enough to hold its shape when squeezed together.
Pack mixture into a soap mold or ice cube tray, or use a scoop to form small balls. The mixture will continue to puff up once it’s in the mold, so be sure to leave some room for this. Let the mixture dry overnight. Store your fizzies in an airtight container away from children and pets.
When you’re ready to use them, toss one or two in the toilet, let it fully dissolve, swish with toilet brush, and flush.
Giving your home a deep clean and regularly cleaning high touch surfaces can keep you and everyone in your household healthy and your home smelling fresh!
All ingredients are available at:
152 W 5th Ave. | 541/868-8420 | mountainroseherbs.com
