Spring time is here which means spring cleaning! While the actual cleaning part is fairly routine, here are three things to think about before you begin!

1. Don't just donate to Goodwill, who will make a profit on your goods. Find a local charity that could really put good use to your stuff. If you are in the Ventura County area, my favorite is James Storehouse. They provide goods and resources to foster children and the families fostering them. They are always in need of good clothing, beds, and other home goods.

2. Deep clean the deep clean. The dirtiest places are the places we expect to be clean...the dishwasher, the sink, and the laundry machine. After cleaning the rest of the house, be sure to hit these secret spots.

3. Instead of using chemicals to clean, use lemon essential oil. It's all natural and leaves your home smelling citrusy fresh. Fill a spray bottle with water and 15-20 drops of lemon essential oil. It will disinfect, remove grease, and kill bacteria.

4. Aside from using essential oils to clean, check out Grove Collaborative! Grove Collaborative sells many natural home cleaning products, such as Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation, and Method. It is set up on an auto fill so that you never run out of cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and toiletries. I love not having to go to the store because I get overwhelmed with the mass quantity of products and am unsure which are safe to use and which are not. Getting Grove has helped our apartment stay clean in a safe way! Get $10 off when you purchase here!