Product Checklist: Green Fall Cleaning for the Kitchen

Fall cleaning is upon us, once again. While it may not be as popular as spring cleaning, I like to do a little extra deep scrubbing in the kitchen and other areas of the house in the fall before winter sets in.

There are many harsh chemical products available to use for fall cleaning in the kitchen. However, I would prefer to make my own cleaning products using safe, green alternatives. These include many ingredients you can find in your own cabinets or refrigerator. Check the following items off your fall cleaning list for the kitchen.

All-Purpose Spray

Mix together 2 cups of warm water and 1 tsp. Borax together in a spray bottle. Add to the mixture: ½ tsp natural liquid dish soap, 2 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar, 10 drops lavender essential oil and 5 drops rosemary oil. Shake the solution well. Spray onto hard surfaces and wipe clean.

Floor Cleaner

Combine ¼ cup distilled white vinegar with 15 drops lavender essential oil. Mix well and add two gallons warm water (or divide recipe in half and mix with one gallon each). Mop floors with the solution -- there is no need to rinse them.

Stove and Oven Cleaner

Combine 3 tsp. Borax with ¼ cup vinegar, â...› cup liquid dish soap and 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle. Spray the oven with the mixture and sprinkle baking soda on top. Spray the baking soda again with the mixture. Let sit overnight and wipe clean with warm, soapy water.

Dishwasher Detergent

Mix together ½ cup washing soda, ½ cup Borax, 4 packets lemonade Kool-Aid powder and ¼ cup kosher salt in a resealable container. Use 1 Tbsp. of the mixture per dish cycle. Use vinegar as a rinse aid for sparkly dishes.

Window Spray

Combine ¼ cup vinegar and ½ tsp. liquid dish soap with 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well each time you use it. Spray it onto windows and mirrors, then wipe it clean with a dry, lint-free cloth.

Air Freshener

Mix 1 tsp. vodka or rubbing alcohol with 25 drops each of your favorite essential oils in a mist spray bottle. Fill the bottle with water and shake well before each use. To use, spray a fine mist into the air, being careful to avoid furniture and clothing.

Once you have checked these items off your green fall cleaning product list, you are ready to get started with scrubbing down the kitchen.