3 Cleaning and Repurposing Ideas for Any Time of the Year

  Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-using-mop-on-floor-1321730/   Spring cleaning is a tradition for many of us, but this all over deep-cleaning process doesn’t have to be relegated to a single season — or a single area of your home. “Spring” cleaning provides you with opportunities for creativity: By finding ways to repurpose unused items instead of discarding them, you can decorate your garden or beautify your home. Here are three creative and environmentally friendly additions to your deep-cleaning ritual.

Make the Switch to Naturally Derived Cleaners

When it comes to switching out your toxic cleaning products for natural versions, you may be unsure where to start. The good news is that you may not even need to leave the house. Many eco-friendly cleaning products can be found in an unlikely place — your kitchen. Mixing up your own homemade cleaning products is a fun way to kick off your spring cleaning project.   First, reach for the baking soda. A common kitchen staple, baking soda is an especially versatile cleaning agent. When combined with hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice, baking soda is a safer, non-toxic alternative to bleach.   Baking soda can also be used in place of traditional air fresheners, which are full of non-environmentally friendly chemicals and only mask odors, rather than eliminating them. Sprinkle baking soda, mixed with a few drops of essential oils for added fragrance, onto your carpet and upholstered furniture. Let it sit for about an hour, and then vacuum up the baking soda and experience the fresh scent.   Another natural cleaning agent found in your kitchen is vinegar. Blend vinegar and olive or coconut oil and use it as a dusting spray. You can also combine baking soda and vinegar in order to unclog drains, rather than using harsh chemicals.

Repurpose that Old Clunker

After getting creative in the kitchen with your natural cleaning concoctions, it’s time to move to the garage. It may seem an unlikely notion, but that old clunker that’s been collecting dust for years can actually be repurposed into something beautiful!   Amazing artists all over the world have made awe-inspiring art using old car parts, from retro-inspired furniture to interesting jewelry pieces. But you don’t have to be a professional artist to get in on the action. If you’re looking to start small, old hubcaps and rims are a great jumping off point. Sharon Zigrossi, an artist based in Dallas, Texas, turns hubcaps into vibrant home and garden decor pieces, and you can easily emulate her style.   After removing the hubcaps and/or rims, give them a good cleaning so that you have an empty canvas to work with. From there, the possibilities are endless. Paint the hubcaps in your favorite colors, and add embellishments such as mirrored glass or rhinestones. Place the finished product in your garden, kitchen, or bathroom, and get ready for praise of your unique design style from your envious neighbors and friends.

Improve Your Health by Reducing Allergens

Stirring up dust and other allergens is an unfortunate reality that accompanies deep-cleaning, but there are several steps you can take to reduce those allergens in your home. Install HEPA filters in your vacuum cleaner as well as air conditioning and heating units to reduce dust and similar particles in the air. And be sure to use your homemade natural dusting spray on household surfaces on at least a weekly basis to keep dust under control.   Reducing allergens can have a direct effect on your eye health. According to eyecare experts, about 75% of allergy symptoms directly affect the eyes. Symptoms can include itching, redness, and irritation, especially if you wear contact lenses. By eliminating as many allergens as possible from your home, you can enjoy improved eye health over the long term.

Final Thoughts

Successful deep-cleaning requires a combination of hard work and creative thinking. Mixing up your own natural cleaning products and figuring out how to repurpose unused items, even junk cars, can make spring cleaning even more enjoyable. Your deep-cleaning efforts can result in improved health, a home free of toxic chemicals, and even gorgeous conversation starters you created yourself.   Article Submitted by: Ainsley Lawrence