{"id":7421,"date":"2026-04-15T17:26:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T00:26:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/?p=7421"},"modified":"2026-04-08T17:31:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T00:31:22","slug":"3-simple-natural-cleaners-for-a-fresher-spring-and-summer-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/3-simple-natural-cleaners-for-a-fresher-spring-and-summer-home","title":{"rendered":"3 Simple, Natural Cleaners for a Fresher Spring and Summer Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Blog-Images-2026-04-08T154055.826.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Blog-Images-2026-04-08T154055.826.png\" alt=\"A little girl using a natural cleaner to wipe off the kitchen counter.\" class=\"wp-image-7422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Blog-Images-2026-04-08T154055.826.png 450w, https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Blog-Images-2026-04-08T154055.826-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>As the weather warms up, many of us want our homes to feel lighter, cleaner, and less cluttered\u2014not just on the shelves, but under the sink too. Swapping a few conventional products for simple, natural cleaners can reduce harsh smells, cut down on ingredients you don\u2019t recognize, and still leave your home sparkling for everyday living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p>Below are three easy DIY cleaners you can mix in minutes using common household items. Always test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first, especially on delicate surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. All-Purpose Citrus Surface Spray<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This light, fresh spray is perfect for everyday wipe-downs in kitchens and bathrooms. It\u2019s great for countertops (that are sealed and non-porous), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/deep-cleaning-kitchen-laundry-appliances\">appliance fronts<\/a>, and general touch points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You\u2019ll need:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>1 cup distilled white vinegar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 cup water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peel from 2\u20133 lemons or oranges (or a mix)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>10\u201315 drops of essential oil (optional: lemon, orange, or lavender)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean spray bottle (glass preferred)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to make it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol type=\"1\" start=\"1\">\n<li>Place the citrus peels in a jar and cover with the vinegar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let the mixture sit for 3\u20137 days, shaking occasionally to infuse the vinegar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strain out the peels, then mix equal parts citrus-infused vinegar and water in your spray bottle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add essential oil if desired, then label the bottle clearly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to use it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Spray on sealed countertops, sinks, and appliance exteriors, then wipe with a cloth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use on door handles, light switches, and other high-touch areas during spring and summer cold\/allergy season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid using vinegar-based cleaners on natural stone like marble, granite, or travertine, as the acidity can etch the surface.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a great \u201ceveryday reset\u201d cleaner for keeping a home ready for last-minute visits or showings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Gentle Scrub for Sinks, Tubs, and Tiles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This soft scrub works nicely in bathrooms and kitchens where soap scum and grime build up, but you want something less harsh than many commercial products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You\u2019ll need:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>1 cup baking soda<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2\u20133 tablespoons unscented <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drbronner.com\/pages\/what-is-castile-soap?srsltid=AfmBOoqKKe03P-T0qcw5PxlYzPAQ4eat0y3zgHw18ya-V67yGYjOClj1\">liquid castile soap<\/a> (or mild dish soap)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u20132 tablespoons water (as needed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>10\u201315 drops essential oil (optional: tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small jar or container with a lid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to make it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol type=\"1\" start=\"1\">\n<li>In a bowl, add the baking soda and liquid soap.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stir until it becomes a paste, adding a small amount of water if it\u2019s too thick.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add essential oil if desired and mix well.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transfer to a jar and label it; the paste will thicken slightly over time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to use it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Apply a small amount to sinks, tubs, tiles, or grout lines using a sponge or cloth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gently scrub in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For tougher spots, let the paste sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s ideal for freshening up bathrooms before hosting events, open houses, or taking photos, making surfaces look brighter without overwhelming chemical fragrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Fresh-Fabric and Room Deodorizing Spray<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As windows open and fans start turning, odors from pets, sports gear, and cooking can linger. This simple spray can help refresh fabrics and soft surfaces between deeper cleans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You\u2019ll need:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>1 cup distilled water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol or unscented witch hazel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>20\u201330 drops essential oil (try a blend like lavender + lemon, or eucalyptus + mint)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean spray bottle (fine mist if possible)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to make it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol type=\"1\" start=\"1\">\n<li>Add the rubbing alcohol or witch hazel to the spray bottle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add your chosen essential oils and swirl gently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pour in the distilled water, leaving a little space at the top.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Close and shake well, then label the bottle. Shake before each use.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to use it:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Lightly mist on curtains, fabric sofas, throw pillows, and rugs from a distance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use in closets, entryways, mudrooms, or pet areas to neutralize lingering odors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid oversaturating fabrics and always spot-test anything delicate or vintage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a subtle way to keep homes smelling clean and inviting for guests\u2014without relying on overpowering air fresheners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Safe Use and Simple Storage Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Natural doesn\u2019t always mean risk-free, so a few basic precautions keep things safe for kids, pets, and guests:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Clearly label all bottles and keep them out of reach of children and pets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Never mix natural cleaners with conventional products (especially anything containing bleach).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Store your homemade cleaners in a cool, dark place and refresh batches regularly so they stay effective and pleasant-smelling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you have allergies, sensitivities, or asthma in the home, go easy on essential oils or choose unscented versions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Cleaner, Lighter Home for the Season<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These three DIY cleaners are simple, affordable ways to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/spring-cleaning-time-savers\">freshen your home for spring<\/a> and summer while reducing the number of products crowding your cupboards. Whether you\u2019re preparing to entertain, getting ready to list, settling into a new place, or just wanting a healthier-feeling routine, minor changes like these can make your home feel calmer and more welcoming.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the weather warms up, many of us want our homes to feel lighter, cleaner, and less cluttered\u2014not just on the shelves, but under the sink too. Swapping a few conventional products for simple, natural cleaners can reduce harsh smells, cut down on ingredients you don\u2019t recognize, and still leave your home sparkling for everyday &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/3-simple-natural-cleaners-for-a-fresher-spring-and-summer-home\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">3 Simple, Natural Cleaners for a Fresher Spring and Summer Home<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[28,602,774,4530],"tags":[321,700,59],"yst_prominent_words":[6361,2859],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7421"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7421"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7421\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7424,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7421\/revisions\/7424"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7421"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7421"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7421"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=7421"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}