Spring cleaning is a great time to declutter your home and give it a deep clean. However, many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that are bad for human health and the environment.
The good news is there are plenty of sustainable ways to get your home sparkling clean without using toxic chemicals. Here are some of my favorite eco-friendly spring cleaning tips:
Use Natural Cleaning Products
One of the best things you can do is switch to natural, non-toxic cleaning products. Here are some of my favorite options:
- Baking soda – Cleans, deodorizes, scours, and polishes. Mix with water to make a paste.
- White vinegar – Cuts through grease and grime. Mix with water for an all-purpose cleaner.
- Lemon juice – Removes stains, cuts grease, and freshens. Squeeze juice into a spray bottle diluted with water.
- Castile soap – Biodegradable and versatile for cleaning floors, counters, windows, etc. Dilute with water.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Disinfects and whitens. Pour it straight onto surfaces as a cleaner.
- Essential oils like lemon, peppermint, and tea tree oil – Add a fresh scent naturally.
You can find recipes online to make your own natural cleaning products using these ingredients. It saves money and avoids plastic waste from store-bought cleaners.
Declutter First
Before you start cleaning, take time to declutter each room. Get rid of items you no longer need so you have less stuff to clean around. Here are some decluttering tips:
- Sort through cabinets and drawers and remove anything you don’t use regularly. Donate or recycle items in good condition.
- Go through closets and weed out clothes and shoes you haven’t worn in over a year.
- Purge old paperwork and files you no longer need. Shred documents with sensitive information.
- Remove clutter from surfaces like counters, shelves, and tabletops.
- Declutter toys the kids no longer play with and donate.
- Clean out the garage and basement. Get rid of things you’re holding onto but don’t really need.
Decluttering first makes the cleaning process easier. It also creates a calming environment in your newly tidied home.
Use Reusable Cleaning Tools
Swap out disposable cleaning wipes and paper towels for reusable rags, sponges, and mops. Here are some eco-friendly options:
- Microfiber cloths lift and trap dirt without chemicals.
- Old T-shirts make great rags. Cut them into squares.
- Flannel cloths are reusable and washable.
- Natural sponges are biodegradable.
- Cotton mops are machine washable and reusable.
This cuts down on waste and saves you money over time. Be sure to wash cleaning cloths, sponges, and mops regularly to kill germs.
Clean with Steam
A steam cleaner uses the power of hot vapor to sanitize and remove dirt. Benefits include:
- Chemical-free – Only uses water.
- Kills germs – Hot steam disinfects surfaces.
- Loosens stuck-on grime – Steam penetrates and lifts grease and dirt.
- No lint or streaks – Leaves surfaces clean and residue-free.
I love using my steam mop on floors and steamer on countertops, appliances, windows, and more. The hot steam cleaning power leaves everything sparkling without harsh cleaners.
Be Strategic
Focus your efforts on areas that really need it so you don’t waste time.
- Tackle high traffic spots like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms since these get the grimiest.
- Dust first so you’re not just cleaning around dust bunnies. Use a microfiber duster.
- Clean floors last after decluttering and dusting so they stay cleaner longer after you mop.
- Scrub the bathroom early so sinks and tubs can soak while you clean other areas.
By prioritizing the dirtiest areas and jobs first, you can work efficiently and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Enlist Help
Get other family members involved to make spring cleaning feel less daunting. Here are some ways to get help:
- Give each person 1-2 rooms to fully declutter and clean.
- Schedule a family cleaning day with fun music and a tasty lunch after.
- Alternate chores like vacuuming, scrubbing bathrooms, washing windows, etc.
- Offer incentives like a family outing or movie night after the big clean.
- Hire a cleaning service for heavy jobs like carpets or window washing if it’s in your budget.
Many hands make light work! Collaboration can make spring cleaning feel like a fun family project rather than a chore.
With these eco-friendly tips, you can give your home a fresh spring clean from top to bottom without exposing your family or the environment to harmful chemicals. What sustainable swaps will you try this spring?
