cleaning

10 Green Tips for Spring Cleaning

Jane Marsh - November 4, 2022

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Spring is the perfect time to do some light cleaning. That way you enjoy time with family and friends. While getting your house in order, consider using eco-friendly methods. Here are ten green tips for spring cleaning. 

1. Provide Proper Ventilation 

Cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds that pollute your indoor air quality. So can dust from your furniture and cooking gases. Poor air quality leads to dizziness and headaches. It can also irritate those with allergies. So to keep your family healthy, open the windows. 

In addition, scent your home with essential oils to balance out chemical odors. Place a bowl of baking soda and fragrance on your counter as well.

2. Use Less Toxic Cleaners

This is one of the green tips for spring cleaning that can save you money. You can complete many tasks with a solution of water and vinegar. Use this mix to wash your floors and other surfaces. 

For a pleasant smell add in some essential oils. If you need to do some scrubbing, use Castile soap and baking soda. You can find tons of resources for natural cleaning solutions online. For an all-purpose cleaner use white vinegar, water, lemon rind, and rosemary spring. 

The best part is you can find these ingredients at home and save yourself a trip to the store. If you don’t have time to make a cleaner, buy non-toxic products, such as plant-based ones. Other products, such as KitchenStone and Citrasolv are other good choices. 

3. Purchase Reusable Cloths 

Many people use paper towels to clean. However, they end up in landfills and produce methane gas. In fact, paper makes up the largest portion of municipal waste. Instead, create rags from old t-shirts. This also helps to recycle unused clothing. Another idea is to use a mop with a washable pad. When scrubbing dishes, apply a reusable, biodegradable cloth instead of a sponge. These are just as durable but can be composted. 

4. Keep Away Pests with Eco-Friendly Measures 

When the weather gets warm, critters can sneak in through small cracks. Many homeowners use pest control products with chemicals, such as insecticides. These can lower your indoor air quality. If you spray it outside the chemicals can contaminate the water or soil. 

Instead of using this approach try alternative methods. Use diatomaceous earth to keep away bugs. It’s a white powder made from the sediment of fossilized algae. The material is non-toxic and safe for kids and pets. You can also use a venus flytrap or electric flea trap to deter flies. In addition, cedar, lavender, or dried lemon peels can prevent moths. 

Here are some other eco-friendly methods to try: 

  • Microbial insecticides
  • Insecticidal soaps
  • Insecticidal oils
  • Neem oil
  • Botanical insecticides 

5. Hang Your Laundry to Dry 

Hanging your clothes to try can save electricity. The average homeowner uses about 893 kWh of electricity per month. So, why not take advantage of the warm weather? Besides wasting electricity, it also reduces your carbon footprint. Consider investing in a drying rack to keep clothes organized. You can also hang a close line outside. 

6. Go Digital 

One of the helpful green tips for spring cleaning is to reduce paper clutter. Large piles of paper can take up space on your surfaces. Therefore, try to use electric solutions. For example, write reminders and notes on your phone. In addition, scan important documents to your computer or take photos. Another strategy is to pay your bills online. This also limits the amount of mail you have to sort through. 

7. Repurpose Household Items 

Household items can be reused as scrubbing tools. For example, an old toothbrush to wash small corners. Use an old sock to dust lamps. You could even use an old towel as a mop cover. 

These tricks prevent items from being thrown away. Also, fewer resources and energy are wasted to make new products. Plus, it’s cost-effective since you don’t have to constantly buy new supplies. 

8.  Conserve Water 

We use about 300 gallons of water per day. When washing surfaces try not to leave the water running. Also, sweep instead of mopping whenever possible. To reduce the amount of mopping you do in the future place a tracking mat. Other solutions include checking for leaks and installing a water meter. 

9. Be Efficient With Your Energy Usage 

To save electricity, unplug appliances, such as vacuums, when not using them. Also, run your dishwasher and clothes washer with full loads. When organizing, your refrigerator, make sure to wash the coils. When moving on to the living room, clean out air ducts and change light bulbs. Switch to LEDs or CFLs for better energy efficiency. LEDs use about 75% less energy than incandescent ones. 

10. Compost or Donate Unwanted Food

We waste 108 billion pounds of food each year. This food ends up in landfills and increases the impacts of climate change. So when going through your fridge either compost or donate items. If there is anything that has expired, compost it. Any unopened food, you simply won’t eat, donate to your local shelter.  

Green Tips for Spring Cleaning You Should Know

As the weather warms up, you may start having more social gatherings. To get your house in order you might need to tidy up. So, follow these green tips for spring cleaning. 

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About the author

Jane Marsh

Starting from an early age, Jane Marsh loved all animals and became a budding environmentalist. Now, Jane works as the Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co where she covers topics related to climate policy, renewable energy, the food industry, and more.