As spring arrives, many of us feel motivated to do some spring cleaning and get our homes sparkling fresh. However, conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can be bad for our health and the environment. The good news is there are plenty of eco-friendly options available for green spring cleaning.
Why Go Green?
Here are some of the main reasons I choose to use eco-friendly cleaning products:
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Toxic chemicals: Many conventional cleaners contain ingredients like ammonia, bleach, and formaldehyde that can irritate lungs and skin. Going green avoids exposing myself and my family to these toxins.
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Pollution: Harsh chemicals get washed down our drains and end up polluting waterways. Eco-friendly cleaners are biodegradable and safer for the environment.
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Cost savings: Many green cleaners are affordable and can be made at home for pennies with simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and lemon. This saves money compared to buying conventional cleaners.
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Sustainability: Choosing products with eco-friendly packaging like glass bottles instead of plastic helps reduce waste. Many green cleaners also come in concentrated formulas that require less packaging overall.
Eco-Friendly Products
Here are some of my favorite green cleaning products to use for spring cleaning:
All-Purpose Cleaners
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Vinegar – Cuts grease, removes odors, disinfects. Mix with water in a spray bottle.
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Baking soda – Deodorizes and scours without scratching. Sprinkle on surfaces before cleaning.
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Castile soap – Made from plant oils, can be diluted in water to clean floors, counters, windows etc.
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Hydrogen peroxide – Disinfects and whitens without chlorine. Use on its own or mix with vinegar.
Floor Cleaners
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Baby shampoo – Gentle and eliminates odors. Shake a few drops into water and mop floors.
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Essential oils – Give homemade cleaners a fresh natural scent. Lemon, lavender and tea tree oil have cleansing properties.
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Olive oil soap – Contains no harsh detergents, safe for wood floors. Dampen a cloth with a dilute soap solution to clean.
Green Disinfectants
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Thyme oil – Has antioxidants and antibacterial benefits. Add several drops to a spray bottle filled with white vinegar or vodka.
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Borax – Naturally occurring mineral salt that kills mold and mildew. Mix with equal parts vinegar and spray on problem areas before scrubbing clean.
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Hydrogen peroxide – Breaks down into just oxygen and water but still disinfects. Wipe 3% solution onto surfaces and let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips
Here are some of my top tips for green spring cleaning:
Use Microfiber Cloths and Mops
Microfiber cleaning tools are reusable, eliminate the need for paper towels, and capture dirt and grease much better than conventional materials. Dampen cloths with water or a natural cleaner solution to wipe down surfaces.
Open Windows for Fresh Air
Air out rooms on sunny spring days rather than relying heavily on air fresheners or scented candles. Let the fresh outdoor breeze circulate through your home to rejuvenate stale indoor air.
Spot Clean Carpets
Spot clean high traffic areas on carpets with a small amount of mild eco-friendly carpet shampoo instead of a full deep carpet cleaning. This saves time, money and is gentler on carpets.
Use Greener Laundry Detergent
Look for plant-based, phosphate-free laundry soap. Vinegar and baking soda also naturally boost cleaning power. Hang clothes to dry outside when possible to avoid dryer energy use.
Polish Wood Furniture with Olive Oil
Moisturize and restore shine to wood furniture by rubbing in a small amount of olive oil with a soft cloth. Buff to a natural glow without any chemical polishes or sprays.
The Results
Going green with my spring cleaning has been very rewarding. My home sparkles using natural cleaners that leave behind no chemical residue or fumes. I have peace of mind knowing I’m not polluting waterways or exposing my family to toxins. And concocting DIY cleaners has saved me money. My home feels refreshed for spring the eco-friendly way!
