The arrival of spring is a perfect time to do a deep clean of your home and get organized for the warmer months ahead. This year, consider taking a more sustainable approach to your spring cleaning routine. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can freshen up your home while also reducing your environmental impact.
Start with Decluttering
Before I break out the cleaning supplies, I like to begin my deep clean by decluttering. This allows me to get rid of items I no longer need or want, freeing up space and making surfaces easier to clean. Here are some of my favorite decluttering tips:
- Go room by room and be ruthless. If I haven’t used it in over a year, I donate or trash it.
- Try the “one in, one out” rule – for any new item I bring home, I get rid of one item to maintain clutter-free spaces.
- Store off-season items like winter coats in underbed containers to maximize closet space.
- Donate gently used items so they can have a second life with someone else. Look for local donation centers that accept clothing, furniture, electronics, and household goods.
Decluttering is an eco-friendly habit that reduces my environmental footprint by getting maximum use out of belongings before disposing of them responsibly.
Use Green Cleaning Supplies
Check product labels
When restocking my cleaning kit, I look for products that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and not tested on animals. I avoid supplies with harsh fumes or a lot of excess packaging.
Make your own green cleaners
Many household cleaning staples can be DIYed with simple, natural ingredients:
- All-purpose cleaner: Mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle. For tough jobs, add a squirt of castile soap.
- Glass/window cleaner: Mix 2 parts water, 1 part vinegar, and a drop or two of essential oil like lemon or eucalyptus in a spray bottle.
- Toilet bowl cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing and flushing.
Making my own cleaners reduces plastic waste from store-bought bottles. Plus, I know exactly what’s going into my homemade supplies.
Save Energy and Water
Wash full loads of laundry
I avoid the temptation to wash only a few items at a time. Waiting until I have a full load cuts down on the water and energy used per garment. Bonus tip – hang drying my clothes saves even more electricity otherwise spent running the dryer.
Wash dishes efficiently
I fill wash and rinse sinks instead of letting water run continuously. I also limit use of the dishwasher to full loads. Letting dishes air dry also conserves electricity.
Install water-saving fixtures
Updating old, inefficient faucets, shower heads, and toilets with WaterSense-labeled models can significantly curtail home water use. I also regularly check pipes and faucets for leaks and fix them promptly to prevent wasted water.
A few mindful adjustments to my daily cleaning and laundry habits make a huge collective difference for conservation.
Go Green Outdoors
Maintain my vehicle
Not only does a well-maintained car operate more efficiently, but I also save money on gas and avoid costly repairs down the road. I follow the manufacturer’s schedule for oil changes and tune-ups. I also make sure tire pressure is at the recommended PSI for maximum fuel economy.
Use electric-powered yard tools
My old gas-powered lawnmower and leaf blower have been replaced by rechargeable electric alternatives. Not only are these options quieter and easier to operate, but they also eliminate emissions and don’t require fuel. I simply charge the battery pack between uses.
Compost yard waste
In lieu of bagging grass clippings, pruned branches, and fall leaves for the landfill, I pile them into a compost bin in my backyard. Over time, the waste decomposes into nutrient-rich soil that I can amend my garden beds with. Composting completes the cycle and returns organic matter to the earth.
With a few sustainable practices, I can keep my home clean, my lawn maintained, and my car running smoothly while also caring for the planet this spring. Focusing on decluttering, green supplies, conservation habits, and eco-friendly upgrades allows me to deep clean with a conscience. What are your favorite sustainable spring cleaning tips? I’d love to hear how you keep your home fresh while also minimizing environmental impact.
