Spring is a time for renewal and refreshing our living spaces. As tempting as it is to use harsh chemicals for cleaning, there are many simple and effective ways to spring clean your home in an eco-friendly manner. Here are some of my tips for sustainable spring cleaning.
Use Natural Cleaning Products
The biggest way to make your spring cleaning greener is by using natural cleaning products instead of traditional chemical-laden ones. Here are some of the best natural cleaning solutions:
-
Baking soda – This versatile staple can be used for scrubbing surfaces, deodorizing, and cleaning drains when mixed with vinegar.
-
White vinegar – Mix with baking soda for an all-purpose cleaner or use straight for disinfecting and cutting grease. The acidic vinegar cuts through dirt.
-
Castile soap – Made from vegetable oils, this concentrated soap can be diluted in water and used to clean floors, counters, and most other surfaces.
-
Hydrogen peroxide – This mild bleach alternative naturally disinfects and whitens. I mix it with water to clean the bathroom.
-
Lemons – The acid in lemon juice cuts through grime. I squeeze lemons when scrubbing tubs and sinks.
Clean with What You Already Have
Before buying new cleaners, take inventory of what you already have at home that can clean effectively:
-
Salt – I sprinkle salt on spills to absorb liquid before wiping away. For heavier scrubbing, make a paste with salt, vinegar and water.
-
Coconut oil – The fat in coconut oil lifts dirt from wood furniture. I rub a small amount on with a soft cloth.
-
Baking soda – As mentioned, baking soda can be used all over the house. I even use it as a deodorizer in the litter box.
-
Toothpaste – That tube in your medicine cabinet can polish metal fixtures, rub out scuff marks and clean tile.
Use Reusable Cleaning Tools
Many single-use cleaning products create unnecessary waste. Here are some reusable options:
-
Cloth rags or sponges – I use these instead of paper towels for most cleaning tasks. Rags cut from old towels work great.
-
Microfiber cloths – The texture of microfiber cloths helps them pick up and cling to dust without chemicals. I use them for dusting.
-
Mop heads – While single-use mop pads are popular, reusable cotton mop heads clean just as effectively.
-
Vacuum bags – Rather than throwing away vacuum bags once full, I empty and reuse them 2-3 times before replacing.
Conserve Water
Spring cleaning uses a lot of water, so conserve where you can:
-
Sweep before mopping – I sweep floors first to pick up debris, resulting in less dirty mop water dumped.
-
Reuse washing water – When washing windows, mirrors or other surfaces, I fill a spray bottle with wash water and reuse it as I go.
-
Let dishes soak – Filling a basin and letting dishes soak for 10-15 minutes loosens food before scrubbing, saving water.
I’m able to refresh my home each spring using natural cleaning methods that reduce waste and environmental impact. With some repurposing, elbow grease and eco-friendly ingredients, I can feel good about my clean home. What sustainable swaps will you try this spring?
