Spring Cleaning Without the Chemicals

Spring cleaning does not require an arsenal of harsh chemicals. A few simple ingredients — vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, and essential oils — can handle nearly every job in your home. Here is our room-by-room approach.

The Kitchen

Start with the fridge. A paste of baking soda and water handles stuck-on spills. Wipe down shelves with a vinegar-water spray. For the oven, skip the self-clean cycle and use baking soda overnight instead.