Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Tips

Cleaning is a necessary chore. Spring is an excellent time to refresh your space before summer gatherings. While cleaning, keep the environment in mind. Here are ten eco-friendly spring cleaning tips.

1. Replace Paper Towels 

You probably go through many paper towels when you clean. These paper towels end up in landfills and release methane gas when they break down. 

This contributes to climate change and pollutes the air. So, switch to reusable towels. You can buy affordable ones at your local retail store. Suppose you want to get even more creative. Cut up an old t-shirt to use as a rag. You can also try reusable microfiber cloths or bar mops. 

4. Reduce Your Water Usage 

When cleaning, you waste tons of water. One way to reduce this is not to leave the water running or catch it in a bucket. Also, try sweeping when you can instead of mopping. Consider placing a tracking mat by the front door, so you have less washing to do. 

Conserving water is essential to prevent water scarcity, which impacts agricultural production. 

5. Use Your Energy Efficiently 

When spring cleaning, your home uses tons of electricity. So, make sure you’re using it productively. Turn your devices on lower settings and do chores during off-peak hours, such as the evening. Also, use spring cleaning as a chance to correct energy-wasting methods. For example, clean your air filters. You want to do this at least every three months. 

Here are some more things to add to the cleaning list:

• Unplug unnecessary or unused cords.
• Clean refrigerator coils. 
• Replace your lights with LED bulbs.

6. Buy Nontoxic and Biodegradable Cleaning Products 

This is one of the eco-friendly spring cleaning tips that can save you money. Check the labels of your products to ensure they don’t have toxic chemicals. Look for ones made with all-natural ingredients and have a third-party green certification. For example, find ones with a Safer Choice or Design for the Environment (DfE) label. 

If you want to save money, consider making your cleaning solutions. You can use everyday household ingredients, such as vinegar and baking soda. Using these ingredients can even improve your indoor air quality. 

7. Create a Compost Pile 

This is one eco-friendly cleaning tip that can prevent food waste. Instead of throwing expired food in the trash, compost it. You can also sell unopened goods to your local shelter. This helps the community and prevents food from filling up in landfills.

You can compost the skin of potatoes, tea bags, coffee grounds and eggshells. You can use an old trash bin or wooden chest to store the scraps. If you live in an apartment, look for community composting or donate yours to a local farmers market. Then add carbon-rich ingredients, such as egg cartons, newspaper and dried leaves.

8. Save Unwanted Clothing or Textiles 

Recycle your old clothing instead of throwing them out. In fact, 85% of textiles are dumped into landfills or burned. These end up releasing greenhouse gasses when they break down. 

So, you can sell clothing online or to second-hand thrift shops. Suppose you have stained or ripped textiles and donate them to Planet Aid. So, remove all your worn t-shirts, stained sheets and faded curtains. 

9. Switch a Vacuum for a Broom 

This is one of the eco-friendly spring cleaning tips that can save you time. When you notice dust, your first instinct may be to run the vacuum. Although, this can waste more energy. Instead, use a broom that can easily pick up debris. The natural bristles are eco-friendly and consume no electricity. 

You can also bring mats and rugs outside and shake them out. This can also allow you to use some muscles and build up your strength. 

10. Use Sustainable Air Fresheners 

This is one of the eco-friendly cleaning tips that many people miss. Many people use air fresheners containing harmful chemicals, such as benzene. These pollute the air and reduce your indoor air quality. 

However, you can use essential oils instead. For example, place clothes soaked in lavender oil near doors and windows. These can also ward off bugs. 

Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Tips You Need to Know

Helping the environment can include simple lifestyle changes. Using natural cleaning products and wasting less energy reduces carbon emissions. So, try out these eco-friendly spring cleaning tips to go green today.