Spring has finally sprung and that means digging out the supplies and dusting away the cobwebs. It's that time of year again; time for spring cleaning.

This year, instead of using toxic cleaners that release potentially harmful fumes why not be resourceful and green? You don't need to buy expensive non-toxic cleaning products because you probably already have what you need at home. For example, did you know that baking soda, vinegar, borax, salt, citrus and even ketchup can be effective non-toxic cleaners? Here are some tips for how to make this years spring cleaning a non-toxic one.

The Beauty of Baking Soda

-For counter tops and sinks use baking soda and water. Sprinkle some baking soda on the counter top or sink and scrub with a sponge or damp towel. For stains you can knead some water into the baking soda and let it sit on the stain for a while before you remove it. This method also works well for stainless steel sinks, cupboards, cutting boards, containers, refrigerators, and more.

-If you need a more abrasive product, use Kosher salt and water on stove tops, sinks or cast iron pans. Just sprinkle a bit of salt on the item and scrub with a wet sponge.

-To make a natural disinfectant mix 2 cups of water, 3 table spoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil.

-To have a spotless oven, coat the inside of your filthy appliance with water and baking soda and leave over night. Scour off that grime in the morning and make spotless with a clean towel.

-If you're worried about pesticides and dirty fingers on your fruits and vegetables, just sprinkle on a bit of baking soda and rinse with water.

Shining Bathrooms

-To keep bathroom surfaces clean and odour free, dust with baking soda and Kosher salt and scrub with a wet sponge. Lemon juice and vinegar can be used to attack stains, grease and mildew by spraying the mixture on the surface and letting it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.

-Instead of using bleach make your own bathroom disinfectant by combining 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil.

-In order to get clean mirrors, mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water and put it into a used spray bottle. Wipe the mirrors with newspaper not paper towels so you don't end up with streaks.

If your drains are plugged, all you need is baking soda and boiling water. Pour half a cup of baking soda into the plugged drain followed by 2 cups of boiling water. If it still seems stuck, pour ½ a cup of vinegar in and wait for the fizzing. Follow that by a gallon of boiling water.

Gorgeous Floors

-It's true that wood floors are more hygienic than carpet, but how do you keep them shining all year round? Just mix equal parts oil and white vinegar and apply in a thin coat. Rub it in well to get that extra shine.