Spring cleaning, the green way

Are you ready to get rid of the dust bunnies that have been building up here and there all winter long? Yep, it’s just about time for spring cleaning. But before you go out to buy chemical products, consider using the nontoxic ingredients you probably have lying around, such as distilled white vinegar and baking soda.

Here are a few easy-to-make cleaning concoctions:

• Clean windows and other glass surfaces by mixing 1/4 cup vinegar and one quart water. Instead of paper towels, use newspapers or old cloth rags.

• Add 4 cups of vinegar to a gallon of hot water for a good floor- cleaning solution. Mix in a few drops of lemon oil for a nice scent.

• Clean wood furniture with a mixture of equal parts olive oil and the juice of a fresh lemon (minus the pulp).