As spring approaches, many people take the opportunity to give their homes a thorough clean, myself included…at least I try. It’s time to open the windows for some natural air, shake out all the winter dust, and breathe in the fresh smell of…..toxic chemicals?
Traditional cleaning methods often involve wasteful practices and harmful chemicals, plastics, and other materials. Remember when we opened the windows, shook out all the dust, and inhaled the fresh smell of…bleach and ammonia.
You’ve got your bathroom fan running overtime so that your signifiant other can breathe without choking and getting watery eyes when he walks into your tiny bathroom.
You are finally cleaning the oven, super excited to degrease that front peek-a-boo window, only to get the worst headache ever.
You’re wiping down the walls and dusting your ceiling fans, wondering where this s$$t comes from. You’re looking at your overflowing closet, desk, and kitchen drawers, not knowing how you’ve accumulated all of these random items.
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Benefits of an Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Routine
Spring is a great way to refresh your home and get rid of clutter, but it can also majorly impact the environment. Many cleaning products contain chemicals that can harm the air, water, and soil. By choosing environmentally conscious methods, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet.
Spring cleaning is not just about tidying up your home, it also has several benefits for both your physical and mental health. Here are a few reasons why spring cleaning is important for both your physical and mental health, as well as the health of our planet:
Improve Air Quality
Over time, dust, dirt, pet dander, and other pollutants can accumulate in the indoor air of your home. Spring cleaning involves deep cleaning and dusting, which can improve the air quality in your home and reduce the risk of respiratory problems caused by the pollutants in the air.
We have an air purifier in our office, mainly because there used to be two kitty litter boxes in the closet next to my desk. When we go to change the filter every 6 months or so, we are always incredibly surprised by the amount of stuff on the filter. We’ve also noticed that our allergy prone kitties (two of the four) seem to sneeze and sniffle less when the air purifier is on. By thoroughly cleaning our home, we can remove these harmful particles and the whole household can breathe easier.
Reduce Your Exposure to Harsh Chemicals
Many cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to your health, potentially causing an array of problems from skin irritation, to respiratory issues, and (in the most extreme cases) cancer. By choosing more natural products you can reduce your exposure to these chemicals, eliminate any worry you have over the use of the product, and protect your family’s (yes, that includes your pets too!) health.
Some ingredients to avoid in cleaning products are: Ammonia, Chlorine Bleach, Phthalates, Triclosan, Formaldehyde, 2-Butoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide (lye), and Petroleum Distillates.
Reduce Stress
A cluttered and disorganized home can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, while a clean and tidy space can promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Ever lose your keys and can’t find them because there is just a mountain of random s$$t everywhere? Oh, I’m the only one?! I’m looking forward to spring cleaning to help us declutter and organize our home, which in turn can reduce stress levels and improve my mental health.
Spring cleaning is also a great way to get some exercise. Cleaning, decluttering, and organizing can all be physical activities that get your body moving. In fact, by running around your house cleaning, I bet your smart watch says you hit your calorie/move goal at the end of the day. By taking the time to declutter and organize your home, you can create a more peaceful environment that supports your overall health and well-being.
Boost Productivity
A clean and organized space can help you feel more focused and productive. Spring cleaning can help you clear out distractions and create a more productive environment. I’m not talking about knowing your “Tagine is in frickin’ 64B” level of organization where every cupboard is labelled with subsections, but I mean, a girl can dream!
A clean home can also create a sense of accomplishment. By completing a deep clean of your home, you have managed to make your home more homey and increased your satisfaction.
Additionally, having an organized home enables you to know/ where the guests towels and sheets are, without spending 20-minutes looking for them. How’s that for being productive?? We just got 20-minutes of our life back!
Save Money
DIY and/or store-bought natural cleaners are often less expensive than their chemical counterparts. They typically last longer and go further too, so you don’t have to buy or make your cleaning agents as often. You can save money while also protecting your health and the environment.
Additionally, you can simplify cleaning by repurposing old towels, t-shirts, and other linens into cleaning rags for dusting or scrubbing, instead of having to buy additional rags every year. And microfiber clothes are perfect re-usable options for cleaning your windows and mirrors. Without actively trying to be less wasteful, I’ve been doing this my entire adult life; who has extra money to buy expensive cleaning products when you’re a broke college student??
With longer lasting cleaning products and supplies, your wallet will reap the benefits of eco-friendly cleaning, even more than you do!
Protect the Environment
Harsh chemicals in cleaning products can harm the environment by polluting the air, water, and soil. In the air, the chemicals can contribute to various health conditions and add to the greenhouse gases slowly warming up our planet. In the water, ecosystems can be disrupted with the introduction of chemicals. Fish, crabs, turtles, whales, toads, algae…they all get effected. And some of those animals are utilized as a source of food for many of us. In the soil, the plants are directly affected; the soil web can be interrupted and plants may die or no longer thrive. These plants feed us, as well as the various animals that are consumed as food sources.
By choosing more natural products, you can help protect yourself, your {future} food, and the planet, all while reducing your carbon footprint.
Overall, spring cleaning can have many positive effects on your physical and mental health, as well as your wallet. By taking the time to declutter, organize, and deep clean your home, you can create a more comfortable and healthy living space for yourself and your family.
Get Started with Sustainable Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a great way to freshen up your home and get rid of clutter. Here are some ways to start spring cleaning your home:
- Make a plan: First, make a plan of what you want to accomplish. This will help you stay organized and focused.
- Declutter: Before you start cleaning, declutter your home by getting rid of anything you no longer need or use. This will make cleaning easier and more efficient.
- Start with the big stuff: Begin by tackling the big items in each room, such as furniture and appliances. This will make it easier to clean the smaller items later.
- Use the right tools: Make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies and tools before you start. This includes things like a vacuum cleaner, reusable mop, and your natural cleaning agents.
- Clean from top to bottom: Start cleaning at the top of each room and work your way down. This will prevent dust and dirt from falling on areas you have already cleaned.
By following these steps, you can make your spring cleaning more efficient and effective. Remember to take breaks as needed and don’t try to tackle everything at once. With a little planning and effort, your home will be clean and fresh for the spring season.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
When it comes to cleaning, at any time of the year, choosing the right products can make a big difference in reducing your environmental impact. Many conventional cleaners contain toxic chemicals, are made in manufacturing plants that consume a large portion of our energy usage, and are provided in plastic containers, some that can’t even be recycled once.
Within every step of it’s lifecycle, traditional cleaning supplies can be harmful to both the environment and your health. Fortunately, there are plenty of products available that are just as effective and safe to use.
Making your Own Cleaning Products
Want to eliminate plastic waste, and know exactly what is being used on every surface of your home?
One option is to make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These ingredients are non-toxic and biodegradable/compostable, making them a great choice for those who want to reduce their waste and overall environmental footprint.
You can find plenty of recipes online for making your own cleaning solutions, or you can purchase pre-made natural products for cleaning from a variety of retailers.
Essential oils are another great ingredient to add to your DIY cleaning solutions. Not only do they add a pleasant scent, but many oils like tea tree and eucalyptus are naturally antimicrobial. You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your vinegar and water spray or use the essential oils in a homemade air freshener.
I have made an all purpose cleaner with vinegar and orange peels before; it smells absolutely incredible. I wonder why I got away from making my own cleaners? But by making your own cleaning agents, you’ll save money and reduce your impact on the environment. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re not exposing your family or pets to harmful chemicals.
Purchasing Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
If you prefer to purchase your products, look for products that are labeled as eco-friendly or green. These products are typically made with natural ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals. When choosing cleaning products, it’s important to read the labels carefully to ensure that they are truly better for the environment.
Look for products that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, and free from synthetic fragrances and dyes. Bonus points if the cleaner is concentrated and no selling or shipping you additional water! Additionally, try to choose products that come in recyclable or compostable packaging to further reduce your environmental impact. My favorite store-bought cleaner at the moment is Blueland; I’ve been using them for about 3 years now and feel really good about their packaging, shipping practices, and how effectively their products clean. I’m not 100% sold on the ingredients utilized in their cleaning sprays (that will be another post, one day!), but for now they check most of my boxes, work effectively, and fit into my busy, millennial life.
Finally, remember that sometimes the best cleaning product is simply water. For many cleaning tasks, such as wiping down surfaces or cleaning floors, plain water, or water in the form of steam, can be just as effective as any common cleaning solution. By using water and a reusable cloth or mop, you can reduce your use of disposable cleaning products and further reduce your environmental impact.
The 7 Most-Important Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Tips
Spring cleaning is a yearly tradition for many households, and for some of us, we continue to aspire to that whole home clean feeling, but we are working on it. One step at a time. However, it can be a wasteful process if not done sustainably. Here are some cleaning tips that will help you reduce waste and protect the environment:
1. Use (or Make) Natural Cleaning Supplies
Instead of harsh chemicals found in typical cleaners, you can use natural and non-toxic alternatives such as white vinegar, baking soda, lemons, and essential oils. These products are not only cheaper, but also eco-friendly and harmless to your health. You can create an all-purpose cleaner by mixing one part vinegar with one part water and adding a few drops of your preferred essential oil to provide a pleasant smell. If you do need to buy cleaning products, choose ones that are good for the planet and non-toxic. Look for products that are certified by third-party organizations like Green Seal or EPA Safer Choice. These products are safer for the environment and your family.
2. Reuse or Repurpose Old Materials
Before you go out to buy new cleaning tools, check if you have any old items that can be reused or repurposed for cleaning. For instance, old t-shirts can be cut into rags for dusting furniture or mopping floors. Old toothbrushes can be used to scrub grout and hard-to-reach areas. By giving old materials a new use, you can reduce your waste production.
3. Use Reusable Cleaning Tools
Instead of using disposable cleaning tools like paper towels and wipes, opt for reusable ones like microfiber cloths and mop pads. These can be washed and used repeatedly, reducing waste and saving money in the long run. Instead of using a sponge, consider using a homegrown loofah (my favorite sponges ever!)
4. Donate or Sell Unwanted Items
Spring is a great time to declutter your home. Instead of throwing away unwanted items, consider donating them to a local charity/thrift store, friend who might need them, or selling them online. This will prevent them from ending up in a landfill and give them a new life. Clothes, books, toys, and kitchen utensils are some of the items that can be donated. This way, you not only reduce your waste but also help others in need.
5. Recycle Properly
When you’re done cleaning, make sure to recycle any materials that can be recycled. Check with your local recycling program to see what materials they accept and how to properly prepare them for recycling.
6. Reduce Water Usage
Water is a precious resource, and using too much of it during cleaning can be wasteful. If buying pre-made cleaning products, opt for concentrated products that don’t utilize and ship water to you. Try not to leave the water running while you clean, instead fill a bucket or sink with water and use that to rinse your cleaning equipment. You can also reuse water from washing vegetables or boiling pasta to water your plants.
7. Compost Food Waste
If you have a garden, consider composting your food waste instead of throwing it in the garbage. Composting is an easy and inexpensive way to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your plants. You can create a compost bin in your backyard or purchase a small indoor compost bin if you live in an apartment.
Zero waste spring cleaning can be achieved by using natural cleaning supplies, reusing or repurposing old materials, donating unwanted items, composting food waste, and reducing water usage during cleaning. Adopting these practices not only benefits the environment but also saves you money and improves your health. By following these sustainable cleaning practices, you can reduce waste, protect the environment, and create a cleaner, healthier home.
Start Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to declutter, organize, and refresh your living space. By incorporating these easy and sustainable practices into your routine, you can do your part in protecting the environment and promoting a healthier home.
From ditching single-use cleaning tools to using non-toxic cleaning products, there are many simple and effective ways to make your spring cleaning routine more eco-friendly. You can also reduce waste by donating unwanted items to charity or repurposing them for other uses.
Remember, small changes can make a big impact. That goes for cleaning your home this spring, and the environment. Take it one room, or feature, at a time. Last week on one of the BEAUTIFUL March Pennsylvania days, I was able to clean the inside and outside of ALL the windows in our house. Check that one off the list for the year!
By making conscious choices and adopting sustainable habits, you can create a cleaner, greener, and healthier living space for you and your family.