Happy Spring Cleaning! By no means do we neaten up our homes only once a year, but 'tis the season to start fresh. I'm trying to live a greener lifestyle and, as an former English major, I can't even pronounce half the chemicals in several household cleansers. I've done a little research and found that many items I already have at home can do double duty as a pet safe cleaner!

• Lemon Juice Lemons are sour, acidic, and generally unappealing to pets. Using a dilution, this can be added to things you don't want pets to chew (electronic cords or plants) as well as actually cleaning many surfaces on its own. The acid in lemons can neutralize hard water stains, eat away at gummy buildup and tarnish, and even remove dirt from wood floors.
• White Vinegar You'll remember I suggested vinegar as a deterrent for those countertop-loving cats but d'ya know that it also works well as a cleaner by itself? If a pet has an accident on the floor, it not just controls the smell but also discourages a pup from revisiting his old marking grounds. Plus, you can use it to clean out a kitty's litter pan. Just be certain to rinse it out well afterwards and add a layer of one of our other DIY safe cleaners. What is it?

Find out when you read more.

• Baking Soda Known for its odor absorption, this has to be one of my favorite kitchen items. The unsung hero of many a home . . . and many a household product – not only do I use it to bake up a treat, but it's in my deodorant, toothpaste, detergent, and even in a box in my fridge! Thinking a bit more carefully about it, why should I be surprised that (when added with water), it eliminates perspiration odors, will whiten and clean my teeth, and can be added straight to my laundry?! Sprinkled on a damp sponge, it becomes a gentle non-abrasive cleanser for kitchen counter tops, sinks, bathtubs, ovens, linoleum floors, tile, and fiberglass items – I'd rather use this to clean out my tub in case my pet decides to take a dip!

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