If you’re trying to go green or save a little green at the supermarket, turn to your kitchen pantry for some cleaning inspiration. Did you know several basic cooking items can be used to disinfect the bathroom, polish the furniture, and wipe away stubborn stains? Just add a little elbow grease and you’re on your way to spring cleaning with homemade cleaning products!

Citrus Vinegar All-Purpose Cleanser

Lemons, limes, and oranges not only sanitize your home, they also leave behind an invigorating, fresh aroma. Start by making a basic cleaner using citrus fruit peels combined with a natural disinfectant — white vinegar.

One Good Thing By Jillee suggests placing chopped citrus peels in a glass jar, then topping them off with white vinegar. Place the lid on the jar, give it a good shake, then let it sit for a few weeks so the citrus oils can mix with the vinegar. When it’s time to do some cleaning, strain the mixture and place it in a spray bottle.

This natural cleanser can be used on mirrors, glass, countertops, stovetops, and floors.

Homemade Furniture Polish

If you have hardwood floors or wood furniture, it’s easy to give them an ultra hydrating and shiny makeover too. Simply clean them by wiping or mopping with warm soapy water followed by a clear water rinse.

Then, use this simple furniture polish recipe from Popsugar to add long-lasting shine and a dust-repelling layer to the wood.

Use a small funnel to pour the following ingredients into a spray bottle:

• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Replace the bottle top, shake, and spray. Use a soft cloth to rub the polish into furniture or a cloth mop to treat floors. If you want to make a big batch to cover more than an entryway-size area of floor, use 3 cups of olive oil, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 3 teaspoons of lemon juice. Feel free to double or triple the quantities to cleanse and polish several pieces of furniture or rooms with hardwood floors.

DIY Grout and Tile Cleanser

This spring give the bathroom a deep cleaning. Plan to scrub the grout lines between tile on floors, walls, and shower stalls to whisk away a build-up of dirt, hard water deposits, and mold. Start by spraying down the surfaces with the homemade citrus vinegar all-purpose cleanser (listed above) to kill bacteria. Then grab a scrub brush and use this mixture from Wellness Mama to brighten grout and tile.

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 2 tablespoons Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
• 2 tablespoons Borax
• 3 tablespoons liquid dish soap or castile soap

Scrub this mixture into the grout and stained areas of tile using a stiff-bristle brush. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Freshen Carpets and Rugs

Don’t forget the throw rugs, area rugs, and carpeted rooms. They could use a little DIY cleaning too. If you love the cleaning power of store-bought carpet powders, but don’t care for the long list of ingredients or price, whip up one of these homemade cleaning products from DIY&Crafts and Good Karma Mommie.

Natural Homemade Deodorizing Carpet Powder (Kills Fleas)

• 1 cup baking soda
• 2 tablespoons Borax
• 5-6 drops essential oil (orange or tea tree oil works great)

Mix the ingredients in a bowl, then put it in an old parmesan cheese shaker or Mason jar with holes poked in the lid. Sprinkle the powder over the carpet, let it sit for a 15 minutes, then vacuum away dirt and odors. If you don’t have pets, feel free to omit the Borax.

Anti-Allergen Carpet Powder

• 1 cup baking soda
• dash of ground spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg

Mix the ingredients in a bowl then transfer to a jar or shaker. Dust the carpet with the mixture, then vacuum as usual to freshen the floor. This recipe adds a great scent to the room without the worry of using harsh chemicals that may trigger an allergic response.

Looking for more ways to clean your home with everyday products? Browse the Household Helpers for creative ways to save space and organize your home.