Introduction
Spring is here and it’s time for that annual deep clean to freshen up your home. As satisfying as it is to thoroughly clean your house, traditional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that are bad for your health and the environment.
This year, I’m determined to make my spring cleaning more eco-friendly and sustainable. Here is my room-by-room guide for a green spring clean that is gentle on the planet and my family’s health.
Kitchen
The kitchen sees a lot of activity, so it tends to get grimy quickly. Here’s how I plan to make cleaning it more sustainable:
Use Natural Cleaning Products
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Baking soda – Cleans, deodorizes and scours without harsh chemicals. I’ll use it to clean the sink, countertops and fridge.
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Vinegar – Cuts through grease and grime. I’ll use it to clean windows, appliances and floors.
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Lemon – A natural antibacterial. I’ll use lemon juice to disinfect and clean cutting boards.
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Essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil also have antimicrobial properties. I’ll add a few drops to an all-purpose cleaner.
Clean Efficiently
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I’ll give shelves and surfaces a quick wipe down daily so grime doesn’t build up.
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For deeper cleaning, I’ll work from top to bottom – starting with high shelves and working down to the floor. This stops dust and grime from re-settling on already cleaned surfaces.
Use Reusable Products
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Microfiber cloths are reusable and don’t leave lint like paper towels. I’ll use them for dusting and cleaning.
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Reusable glass spray bottles allow me to make DIY cleaning sprays instead of buying disposable plastic ones.
Living Room
The living room tends to collect a lot of dust. Here is how I plan to clean it sustainably:
Dust Effectively
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I’ll vacuum upholstered furniture first to remove loose dust and debris.
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For a chemical-free way to dust, I’ll fill old socks with rice and use them as reusable lint-free dusters. The rice absorbs dust easily.
Clean Green
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Wood polish made from olive oil and lemon helps condition and clean wooden furniture.
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For glass coffee tables, natural vinegar and water works great as a streak-free cleaner.
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Spot clean stains on rugs and carpets using a mix of water and lemon juice or vinegar.
Purify Air
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Houseplants like spider plants and aloe vera improve indoor air quality by absorbing toxins. I’ll add a few around the living room.
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Opening windows regularly to ventilate the room also refreshes indoor air.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms tend to collect a lot of clutter and dust. Here is how I plan to clean them sustainably:
Declutter First
- I’ll begin by sorting through and donating any unused clothes and items. Decluttering frees up space and makes cleaning easier.
Clean Floors Thoroughly
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Sweeping floors first before vacuuming removes large debris and reduces dust.
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For chemical-free floor cleaning, I’ll mop using a mix of water and castile soap.
Freshen Up Mattresses
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I’ll sprinkle baking soda on mattresses and leave it for a few hours before vacuuming to absorb odors and moisture.
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Placing bowls of activated charcoal in the room helps absorb odors.
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Spot clean mattresses as needed with distilled white vinegar.
Dust Properly
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I’ll vacuum curtains, blinds and bed linens before wiping surfaces down to avoid kicking up dust.
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To remove dust from hard to reach places, I’ll use a microfiber duster on an extendable pole.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms harbor a lot of germs so require disinfecting. Here is how I plan to clean them sustainably:
Disinfect With Care
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For natural disinfecting, I’ll use tea tree, lavender or peppermint oil as they have antibacterial properties.
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Hydrogen peroxide also works well to disinfect surfaces.
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UV sterilizer wands use UV light to kill germs without chemicals. I’ll use one to disinfect toothbrushes and other items.
Scrub Sustainably
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Baking soda makes a great scrub for tiles, sinks and tubs. For toilets, vinegar will help descale and disinfect them.
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Reusable microfiber cloths and brushes are better than continually using disposable scrub pads and sponges.
Manage Moisture and Mold
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To prevent mold, I’ll wipe down wet surfaces after showering and ensure ventilation.
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For existing mold, scrubbing with hydrogen peroxide or clove oil removes it without toxic chemicals.
Conclusion
With a few sustainable swaps and green cleaning recipes, I’m able to get my whole house sparkling clean for spring without exposing my family to harmful toxins. This eco-friendly deep clean feels even more refreshing knowing I protected our health and the environment.
