Spring cleaning is a seasonal tradition for many households. It’s a time to declutter, organize, and give your home a deep clean. However, conventional cleaning products and methods can have negative impacts on the environment and your health. The good news is there are many simple, eco-friendly ways to spring clean while avoiding harsh chemicals. Here are my tips for sustainable spring cleaning, room by room.
Kitchen
The kitchen sees a lot of activity, so giving it an eco-friendly deep clean is key. Here’s how I tackle the most used areas and appliances:
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Countertops – For granite, marble, and other natural stone counters, I mix together some vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This helps cut through grease and leaves a streak-free shine. I use the same solution for laminate counters. For butcher block, I apply food-grade mineral oil to condition and protect the wood.
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Cabinets – I remove everything from the cabinets and wipe down the insides with a microfiber cloth dampened with diluted castile soap and water. For wood cabinets, I use a mix of olive oil and lemon juice to polish and disinfect.
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Sink – For stainless steel sinks, I make a paste of baking soda and water then scrub to remove stains and buildup. I rinse with a vinegar and water solution for extra shine. For porcelain sinks, bar keeper’s friend cleaner does the job without harsh fumes.
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Oven – I place a bowl of ammonia inside the oven overnight (with the oven off and the door closed). The ammonia fumes help loosen baked-on grease and food. In the morning, I remove the ammonia and wipe down the inside with a baking soda and water paste.
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Refrigerator – I take out all the shelves, bins, and drawers and wash them with baking soda. For the interior, I mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle and wipe everything down.
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Dishwasher – I put vinegar in the detergent cup and run an empty cycle on the hottest setting. This disinfects the interior. I also scrub the filter and door gaskets manually.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms prone to mold and mildew need non-toxic disinfecting. Here are the products and methods I rely on:
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Toilet – For scrubbing the bowl, I sprinkle baking soda then spray vinegar around the sides. While that bubbles, I scrub the tank and seat with a natural tea tree oil cleaner.
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Sink – For hard water stains, I use lemon juice mixed with cream of tartar. For general cleaning, castile soap works well on porcelain, enamel, stainless steel, and ceramic sinks.
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Shower/tub – To remove soap scum and mineral deposits without harsh fumes, I spray surfaces with white vinegar and let sit for 15 minutes. After scrubbing and rinsing, I squeeze lemon over surfaces to disinfect and deodorize.
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Grout – For mildew-prone grout, I apply a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Let it bubble for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
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Windows/mirrors – I mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle for an effective streak-free clean. For extra sparkle, I wipe surfaces with newspaper instead of paper towels.
Floors
Deep cleaning floors takes a bit more muscle but using safe products is better for indoor air quality. My floor cleaning tips:
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Hardwood – I vacuum then mop using a mix of white vinegar and water. Once a month I apply coconut oil to moisturize and protect the wood.
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Tile – For grout, I apply a baking soda paste and scrub before rinsing. For general cleaning, I sweep then mop using castile soap diluted in hot water.
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Vinyl – I sweep then mop using a mix of vinegar and hot water. For scuffs, baking soda gently lifts stains when rubbed in a circular motion.
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Carpets – I sprinkle baking soda everywhere and let sit overnight before vacuuming up the next day. It naturally deodorizes and absorbs odors from carpet fibers. Twice a year I rent a steam cleaner and use a natural carpet cleaning solution.
Furniture
Dusting and polishing wood furniture helps maintain its beauty. Upholstered pieces need regular cleaning too:
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Wood surfaces – I remove dust with a microfiber cloth then gently rub olive oil into wood pieces to hydrate and protect them. For a deeper clean, I mix vinegar and water and wash surfaces.
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Leather – I use a castile soap and water solution on a soft cloth to clean leather. Then I apply coconut oil to condition and moisturize.
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Fabric upholstery – I lightly sprinkle baking soda over entire surfaces and let sit for an hour before vacuuming up. The baking soda absorbs odors, dirt, and grease. For stains, I use a small amount of castile soap applied with a damp sponge.
Laundry
For fresh smelling, eco-friendly laundry:
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I wash most loads in cold water using a plant-based detergent free of dyes, fragrances, and fillers.
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For whites, I add borax and/or washing soda for natural bleaching.
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In place of fabric softener, I add white vinegar to the rinse cycle to naturally soften fabrics.
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I spot treat stains with hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, or a sea salt and water paste before washing.
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For extra hygienic laundry, I add tea tree or lavender essential oil to kill germs and bacteria naturally.
With these simple room-by-room tips, I’m able to deep clean my entire home using natural, non-toxic products that are better for my health and the environment. A sustainable spring cleaning leaves everything fresh, sanitized, and chemical-free.
