With spring in the air, so is pollen, dust, and grime newly brought to light by the sun’s warming rays. As fresh breezes filter through your open windows and previously unnoticed layers of dirt grab your attention, I’m here to offer you some easy spring cleaning recipes to up the fresh factor within your home. It’s only fitting for the inside of our living space to reflect the crisp newness of the season outdoors. Here is the first blog post in a series of upcoming tips and recipes to help you find a non-toxic approach to spring cleaning.

First off is a recipe to make those floors sparkle and shine for the bare feet (and paws) that frolic across them. To make Handy Hardwood Floor Cleaner, you’ll need:

• 1 gallon warm water

• 1/2 cup distilled vinegar

• 5 drops Lemon, Wild Orange or Arborvitae oil (or any combo).

Mix water, vinegar, and oil in a large bucket or container. Mop with a wet mop, or by hand with microfiber cloths for more targeted spot cleaning. Change solution as needed. Easy as 1-2-3.

TIP: I like to put my solution in the reservoir of a spray mop. These mops are usually filled with not-so-healthy liquid cleaners but you can put whatever solution you want in them. Just adjust the recipe for your container size.

Now, let me share some other simple spring cleaning solutions. Have you heard about dōTERRA On Guard® Cleaner Concentrate? This product could be your long-awaited secret weapon to help you achieve a clean house, save some money, and reduce your carbon footprint. Simply add the cleaner concentrate to water, two tablespoons per 24 ounces water, for a multipurpose cleanser. Use a spray bottle for easy application on surfaces around the home, including those in the kitchen and bathroom. Just don’t use it on hardwood flooring (see above recipe, instead).

On Guard Cleaner Concentrate is also effective for cleaning dishes and cookware. For particularly tough and stubbornly sticky jobs, apply a small amount of concentrate directly to the affected area and let soak. Let’s back up really quick for those who are yet unfamiliar with the On Guard Protective Blend: this is a fan favorite blend of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils. It’s known and appreciated for providing natural protection against a variety of environmental threats. On Guard Cleaner Concentrate combines this oil blend with plant-based surfactants, making for a super easy, safe, and cost effective spring cleaning spree! You can even use your On Guard Cleaner Concentrate to sanitize the kids’ toys, or drop a small amount into the kiddie pool this summer to repel pests and keep things clean. You can make approximately 12 bottles of multipurpose cleanser with one bottle of concentrate.

Winter has melted into spring, and stubborn buildup must surrender. Tackle dirty jobs with a spring in your step using essential oils, and you'll find yourself with the best-smelling house on the block.