Maybe you hate spring cleaning; maybe you love it.  I guess it all depends on what spring cleaning means for you.  It can be a truly daunting task depending on what’s been left undone over the winter.  Spring cleaning can provide you with great potential, especially if you suffer from seasonal allergies.

Spring.  The birds are singing their songs, the trees are budding, and the tulips are peeking through.  Oh, and the rain is pouring, the streets are flooding, and I swear it’s the dampest time of year.  And then there’s the annual ritual of spring cleaning.  It’s no wonder I have conflicting feelings about this tumultuous season. Spring is the time of year that represents new beginnings.

On a pleasant spring day we throw open the windows and get the urge to start tackling projects.  Maybe even put away that stray holiday decoration that was missed when packing everything away in January. Whatever the motivation, spring cleaning brings opportunities to reinvent and reimagine.

Spring is also the time of year that allergy sufferers rue.  And I don’t blame you.  I used to be in your camp.  I hate to think of it, but every spring I would be on antibiotics for sinus infections.  I’m very glad to say I haven’t had a sinus infection in years now.  I also no longer suffer from seasonal allergies.  I credit this to my stronger immune system, the removal of irritants from my environment, and the removal of foods from my diet that tend to aggravate the immune system.

Now, I know you may not be ready to make huge changes at the first sign of spring, so I will offer up some simple solutions for you to try out.  Who knows; they may peak your curiosity for more.

One way to help out your immune system is by reducing irritants.  If you read my posts about the toxins in humans, covering the EWG report, you are aware there are probably some chemicals around your house that may be contributing to your allergies.  The chemical fragrances alone can trigger sneezing, rashes, and other reactions.  Instead, make vinegar, baking soda, tea tree oil, and lemon essential oil your new bff’s for cleaning. The internet is full of DIY natural cleaning remedies that are sooooo much safer for your family and pets.

Ditch the tub and shower scrub for a mix of baking soda and tea tree oil.  You can add water or liquid castile soap to make a paste for stubborn stains.  Let it set while you move on to the next task…the toilet. Mix 10-20 drops of tea tree oil in 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda and pour it in your toilet.  For stubborn stains you can add a 1/4 cup of vinegar.  Scrub and flush.

You may already be familiar with the old vinegar and water trick for cleaning mirrors and glass.  Mix one part vinegar with 4 parts water in a spray bottle.  Add some grapefruit or other fruit essential oil (use dilution per directions), 20 drops for a quart spray bottle will suffice.  As with any product, protect any wood trim from overspray.

Ditch the heavily perfumed carpet deodorizer for, yep you guessed it, baking soda, a little tea tree oil and whatever essential oil you would like for scent. Mix, sprinkle and let it set while you do your other cleaning and finish with vacuuming.  Just test in an inconspicuous area first to be sure your carpet works with the oil chosen.

I could go on, but you get the idea.  A word of caution.  Do not mix vinegar and castile soap.  Vinegar is an acid and castile soap is a base.  Basically, they cancel out each other’s effectiveness.  If you use both in a cleaning situation, make sure whichever you use first is wiped away clean.

My one non-chemical tip for allergy sufferers is to avoid milk.  Milk produces phlegm and just adds to your misery.  If you’re married to the concept of milk, experiment with some non-dairy alternatives like almond or coconut.  My new favorite is pecan milk.  It’s a little pricey, but I don’t use much.  Maybe a splash in my morning chicory root drink.

Finally, and back to the whole renewal idea, spring is a good time to reinvent yourself.  What are you grateful for? What would you like to be in the world, rather than just see in the world.  Use spring cleaning as a way to start detoxing your life.  Clean out your closet for real!!!

I would love to hear about your DIY cleaning solutions.  Please leave them below for others to try.

Yours in Wellness,

Jackie