Each week we're focusing on various different aspects of spring cleaning and including some great tips to ensure you're as green as possible whatever you do! This week we're looking at natural cleaning.

Spring and summer are a great time to give you house a full clean from top to bottom, but many cleaning products purchased in the supermarket are full of chemicals and are not eco-friendly at all. There are natural products you can use - many from within your own home - that are both eco-friendly and more cost effective. Check out some of our top favourites.

Essential Oils

Many essential oils - such as lavender, tee tree and eucalyptus - are soft and gentle as well as having anti-fungal, anti-viral and antiseptic properties too. They are used in many household cleaners, but are alongside many of the nasty chemicals. For a much smaller cost, you can create your own cleaners that are an alternative and eco-friendlier product. Eucalyptus, for example, can be used as a disinfectant. Add 1 cup of water to 1/4 teaspoon of lemon oil, 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon of eucalyptus. Put them all in a spray bottle and they can be used on sinks, tops and floors. Find more examples here.

Baking Soda

Baking soda breaks down grease on surfaces and can be added to lemon juice or vinegar too. It can also be used in fridges and dishwashers as well as used to soften water. Add 4 tablespoons of baking soda to a quarter cup of warm water, and use to clean counters, worktops and inside the fridge with a clean sponge or wipe. Adding a small bowl of baking soda to the fridge with keep away any nasty smells, and to avoid clogged drains, pour 1/4 cup baking soda down them weekly and rinse with hot water. Find more ideas here.

Olive Oil

Olive oil isn't just for cooking; it is a great natural cleaner! Once it has been opened, it is best to use it for cooking within 60 to 90 days, but if it has turned flat, use it for cleaning. It can be rubbed into leather to remove scratches, by adding salt you can use it to scrub pots and pans. It can be used a furniture polisher too; combine 2 parts of olive oil and 1 part lemon juice (or white vinegar) in a spray bottle. Apply a thin layer to a wood surface and after five minutes use a clean soft cloth to buff to a deep shine. Find more ideas for Olive Oil here.

Vinegar

White vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner. It is great for cleaning windows alongside water, as well as a cleaning for your bathroom and kitchen. Instead of softener in your washing machine, an egg-cup full in your washing machine can be used. To clean glass, use 1/2 cup vinegar alongside 1/2 cup of filtered water and spray and wipe with a cloth. Get more ideas using vinegar here.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is full of natural acid and can be used as a cleaning agent all over your home. Get rid of mould by making a paste using equal parts lemon and salt. Clean your drains with a mix of baking soda and lemon juice. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to your washing to give your clothes a sweet scent. Get more ideas for using lemon here.

How do you use natural products to keep your home clean? Tell us below!