Clean & Green

Eco-Friendly Tips for Spring Cleaning

Spring season is officially here and with Earth Day right around the corner, you may be wondering how you can live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

One place to start is where you live. Many common cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that put you and the planet at risk. But did you know, there might be some affordable alternatives in your home already?

Here are some tips to stay green while enduring your spring clean.

Tip #1: Create your own cleaners


Baking Soda is a non-toxic sustainable cleaning option. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1 quart of warm water for your most basic cleaning solution. 

Lemon Juice has strong antibacterial properties which have the ability to remove surface bacteria and can even cut through grease. You can cut a lemon in half and dust it with baking soda to clean away tough surface stains. Simply, use the lemon the same way you would use a sponge.

White Vinegar is a cleaning marvel that can naturally dissolve mold and cut through grime. Mix equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar. Fair warning – the odor can be a little unpleasant but will go away as soon as it dries. You can also marinate a lemon peel in the white vinegar for a couple of days to help mitigate the vinegar smell. Due to its high acidity white vinegar should not be used to clean wood or stone surfaces.

Tip #2: Get Creative with Upcycling

Spring cleaning often results in unnecessary waste. This is why it is essential to upcycle when possible. Repurposing old garments or opting for reusable rags is a no-brainer. Single-use paper towels create an incredible amount of unnecessary waste. In addition, upcycled garments or reusable rags can be applied to your Swiffer-like device. Save some money while saving the planet. 

Tip #3: Improve Air Quality Naturally

Another affordable way to freshen up your space is by opening the windows! Trade toxic stale air for natural crisp airflow.

Houseplants can also improve air quality and remove toxins lingering in your home. Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb, there are plenty of plants that are easy to keep alive. One of my favorites is Golden Pothos, they look great and are one of the easiest plants to keep alive.