1. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
When it comes to cleaning products, going green is one of the easiest ways to make your home more environmentally friendly. Conventional cleaners often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and formaldehyde that can be harmful to your health and the environment.
Eco-friendly cleaners use plant-based ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils to get the job done without the toxic chemicals. You can even make your own using simple ingredients from your pantry. Not only are green cleaners better for the planet, they are safer for your family and pets as well.
I switched all my cleaners to eco-friendly options last year and have been so happy with the results. My favorite green cleaner is Method’s all-purpose spray – it cuts through grease and grime without any harsh fumes or residue.
2. Use Microfiber Cloths and Mops
Microfiber cleaning tools like cloths, mops, and dusters are a must-have for green cleaning. The ultra-fine microfiber material is designed to trap and lock in dirt, grease, and dust through static attraction and absorption. This allows you to clean using just water, eliminating the need for chemical cleaners.
I invested in a good set of microfiber cloths and a microfiber mop for my floors. Compared to traditional string mops and paper towels, they clean better using less product and resources. Microfiber can be washed and reused over and over, cutting down on waste. Just be sure to wash them separately from other fabrics to avoid lint sticking to them.
Microfiber works so well, I was able to ditch my Swiffer and traditional mop completely. My floors have never been cleaner!
3. Open Windows to Let Fresh Air In
One of the simplest ways to freshen your home naturally is to open up the windows regularly. Allowing fresh outdoor air to circulate cleans the air throughout your home and creates a healthier indoor environment.
I like to open all the windows in my house for 10-15 minutes each day. This exchanges stale, polluted indoor air for fresh, clean outdoor air. It’s an easy green cleaning habit that costs nothing but pays dividends for your air quality.
During spring and fall when the weather is nice, I also keep the windows open as much as possible. The fresh air makes my home feel clean and breezy without lifting a finger.
4. Use Plants to Purify Indoor Air
In addition to letting fresh air in, using plants is another great way to purify and freshen the air in your home. Many houseplants act as natural air filters, removing pollutants and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis.
Some of the best air purifying plants are:
- Snake plants – Removes formaldehyde
- Areca palms – Removes xylene and toluene
- English ivy – Removes airborne mold
- Peace lilies – Removes ammonia, benzene, and trichloroethylene
I have snake plants and peace lilies in nearly every room of my house. Caring for houseplants has the added benefit of bringing nature inside.
5. Sweep Instead of Vacuuming
Vacuums use electricity and can stir up allergens and dust in your home. For quick clean ups, opt for a broom or dustpan instead to make your cleaning routine greener.
I like to use my coir broom for small messes like crumbs or dirt in high traffic areas. The natural bristles are soft and flexible, capturing dust and debris without kicking up clouds of dust. For bigger jobs, my rubber broom does the trick to sweep up dirt, pet hair, and dust with no motors required.
Sweeping takes a little more elbow grease than vacuuming but the environmental benefits are worth it. I still use my vacuum for deeper cleans but sweeping is my go-to for maintenance cleaning.
6. Use Bamboo Paper Towels and Napkins
Paper towels are a kitchen staple, but they are also environmentally destructive. Conventional paper towels generate tons of waste and rely on trees for manufacturing. A greener option is to switch to bamboo paper towels instead.
Bamboo is a highly renewable grass that grows rapidly without chemicals. Bamboo paper towels are just as absorbent as traditional paper towels, but they are biodegradable and compostable at the end of their life.
In addition to paper towels, I’ve also swapped my napkins and paper plates to bamboo. It’s an easy change that reduces your environmental impact.
7. Let the Sunshine In
Harnessing natural sunlight is an energizing way to freshen up your home without using chemicals. On sunny days, open all your blinds, shades, and curtains to let the sunshine stream in.
Sunlight naturally sanitizes, deodorizes, and brightens any room. I like to strip the beds and fluff the pillows to really let the sun soak into all the linens. It makes the whole bedroom smell clean and fresh in minutes.
For an even deeper clean, try putting stained clothes, towels, and linens in direct sunlight. The UV rays in sunlight act as a natural bleaching agent to lift stains and odors without harsh chemicals.
Letting sunshine in is a simple, green way to freshen up your whole home. Plus, nothing beats that clean, sunshine smell.
