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 the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher