As spring comes around again, it is important to think about what you’re using to clean your home. Many people do not know how dangerous and toxic some of their household cleaners can be. It’s a good idea to eliminate the use of chemicals.
Here are 10 ways that you can make spring cleaning eco-friendly.
Toss the Toxins
One of the biggest ways to make an impact is stopping the use of harmful products. Many cleaning agents are full of chemicals that are harmful to the environment and human health. Many people are switching to green cleaning routines as a result.
Skip the Paper Towels
A great way to reduce your waste when cleaning is to switch to reusable towels or wipes. Paper towels are quick and easy to use, but they generate a lot of trash. Synthetic towels ensure a great clean and are eco-friendly.
Air Out Home Naturally
Spring brings fresh air and warm sunshine. When you are cleaning the house, open up doors and windows to air out your space and enjoy the cool breezes.
Donate Old Items
What can you do with all your unwanted items? Many household products and clothes are in great condition to be given away and reused. Many other things can be donated as well. This is a great way to get stuff out of landfills and into the hands of someone that can use it.
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Create a green cleaner to use with ingredients you likely have at home. Vinegar is a household item that can replace many of the cleaners used today. When mixed with water, it can be used to mop floors, clear dust, and shine wooden furniture or trim.
Grab the Broom Instead
When looking at a mess on the floor, the most common thing to do is to go for the vacuum cleaner. However, this is not the most environmentally friendly choice. Use a broom instead. Natural bristles are more successful at picking up hard-to-reach dirt that a vacuum might miss.
Reduce and Reuse Water
Another way to make your spring cleaning eco-friendly is to reduce your water usage:
- Use a bucket to clean an entire room or wash your windows — when finished, water plants with any excess
- Purchase dirt-trapping mats to cut down on mopping the floors as often
- Use green cleaners — just spray and rub in
Remember that even the smallest steps to use less water or reuse it can make a huge difference for our planet.
Use Natural Furniture Polish
Many commercial furniture polishes can cause skin irritation and even nerve damage. They might also contain solvents that can eat away at varnish and damage your furniture. Beeswax is a great natural alternative that delivers impressive results.
Use Natural Scents
Many air fresheners contain synthetic chemicals that are harmful to you and your home’s air quality. Organic essential oils are a great alternative. Add a few drops to a reed diffuser to spread the aromas throughout your house.
Ensure Appliances Are Running Efficiently
It might be beneficial to see if your home appliances are running as efficiently as they can:
- Unplug machines when not in use to save energy that could be wasted
- Plug multiple cords into a power strip so they can all be turned off easily when not in use
- Clean refrigerator coils to increase efficiency
- Replace CFL lightbulbs with LEDs
Clean and Green
There are many ways to spring clean your home, but it is important to understand how some products can harm your health. Switching to eco-friendly products and methods is a great way to help the environment and yourself.
Written by Jane Marsh
About the Author
Jane is an environmental writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she covers sustainability and eco-friendly living.
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