As spring arrives and I open the windows to let in the fresh air, I’m reminded of the importance of having a clean, healthy home environment. With allergy season approaching, now is the perfect time to consider eco-friendly ways to freshen up my home. Here are some ideas I plan to implement this season.
Use Natural Cleaning Products
Harsh chemical cleaners can pollute indoor air. This spring, I’m switching to natural cleaning products made from simple, plant-based ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Not only are they better for indoor air quality, they’re also safer for kids and pets. A few of my favorite natural cleaning staples include:
- White vinegar – cuts grease, removes mold, and neutralizes odors
- Baking soda – scours and deodorizes
- Castile soap – lifts dirt without harsh chemicals
- Essential oils like lemon, lavender, and tea tree – add natural fragrance
Making my own natural cleaning products is inexpensive, simple, and reduces plastic waste from store-bought cleaners.
Open the Windows
Nothing freshens a home like letting in fresh outdoor air. During spring’s mild days, I plan to open my windows often to circulate fresh air inside.
I’ll also use this time to clean my window screens and window sills. Dust and dirt can accumulate over the winter, so a good scrubbing will allow airflow to move freely.
To save energy, I’ll shut windows at night and on cold days. But during temperate spring days, my windows will be open wide to refresh my home with clean air.
Purify the Air
While open windows bring in fresh air, indoor air purifiers help clean the air already inside my home. High-quality HEPA air purifiers remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles like dust, dander, and pollen. This spring, I plan to research top-rated HEPA purifiers to find the right one for my home.
Purifiers with activated carbon filters also help absorb odors, gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This dual filtration helps create cleaner, healthier indoor air. I’ll be sure to change filters regularly as recommended.
Add Houseplants
Houseplants don’t just add natural beauty to a home – they can also purify the air! Indoor plants like peace lilies, English ivy, and snake plants naturally filter out air pollutants.
This spring, I plan to decorate with these air-purifying plants in every room. Caring for houseplants also adds a nice ritual to my daily routine. I’ll be sure to place them in bright, sunny spots and water them regularly. A few new plants is an easy way to green up my home and freshen the air.
Use Eco-Friendly Scent Diffusers
I love using scented candles or plugins to make my home smell fresh. But many contain synthetic fragrances, VOCs, and chemicals that pollute the air. This spring, I’ll be switching to natural scent diffusers like:
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Essential oil diffusers – these disperse pure essential oils like lemon, lavender, and eucalyptus for sweet, natural scents.
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Simmer pots – add citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, herbs or wood to simmering water on the stove for wonderful aroma.
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Sachets – small bags filled with fragrant materials like lavender or cloves can be placed in closets, drawers, or rooms.
These options add wonderful fragrance without harming indoor air quality.
Deep Clean Carpets and Furniture
Carpets, sofas, and other upholstered furniture trap dust, dirt, and odors over time. This spring, I’ll do a deep clean by vacuuming thoroughly and using an organic carpet cleaning solution.
For furniture, I’ll use a non-toxic, plant-based upholstery cleaner formulated without harsh chemicals. And I’ll be sure to open windows and turn on fans to circulate fresh air after cleaning. Thoroughly cleaning soft surfaces will help eliminate musty smells.
Change HVAC Filters
Dirty air filters cause indoor air pollution by allowing dust, dirt, pollen, and other particles to recirculate. Experts recommend changing HVAC filters every 1-3 months. So this spring, changing air filters will be at the top of my to-do list. High quality pleated filters trap more particles for cleaner indoor air.
I’ll also have my HVAC system professionally inspected before summer to ensure it’s operating efficiently. Proper maintenance keeps my system running cleanly.
Conclusion
This spring is the perfect season to refresh my home in eco-friendly ways. Small steps like using natural cleaners, letting in fresh air, and purifying the air will make a big difference in improving my indoor air quality. I’m excited to green up my home so it’s a clean, healthy environment for my family to enjoy all spring and summer long. Implementing these ideas will help clear the air while also being kind to the planet.
