Green Your Spring Cleaning in 4 Easy Steps

If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve probably already started on your spring cleaning and that’s great. Making an effort to thoroughly clean your home (at least once a year) is something we all should strive to do. No matter how far you’ve come along, we wanted to give you some tips on how to green your spring cleaning in four easy steps.

Spring cleaning is somewhat of a green activity by nature, but these easy steps can help make your spring cleaning even greener. By taking these actions, you’ll have a much easier time of cleaning your house without inadvertently adding harmful toxins and chemicals back in.

Four Easy Steps to Help You Green Your Spring Cleaning

1. Air Out Your Home Naturally: A key part of any spring cleaning should be airing out your home. It is not uncommon for people to keep their homes closed up during the cold, winter months to help keep the warmth in. Unfortunately, this often means the air quality in your home suffers. When Spring arrives, you want to open up your windows and doors to let the stale indoor air out and let some fresh air flow through. This is one of the most natural ways to air out your home and jump-start your spring cleaning. If you want to remove any odors or smells, you can always make a few DIY, organic air fresheners.
2. Make Your Own Cleaning Products: After you open your home up to begin airing it out, you’ll want to start cleaning. Instead of buying chemically laden cleaning products from the store, why not spend a little time creating your own DIY cleaners? This way you know the products you are using are safer for you and your family. You’ll also be able to tailor the scents to your own personal preferences. Greatist has a 27 Chemical-Free Recipes for DIY Spring Cleaning to get you started.
3. Declutter Your Home With Reuse, Recycle and Repurpose in Mind: While removing excess clutter from your home is one of the key aspects of spring cleaning, it is important you do so with reuse, recycle or repurpose in mind. Instead of just tossing items you no longer use, figure out a better use for them. Old t-shirts can be turned into rags to use when dusting. Clothes you haven’t worn in 6-12 months can be donated to Goodwill, sold on consignment or given away to those who can put such items to good use. You could even have a yard sale to give your old items a chance at a new home. Cracked cups or bowls can be repurposed into garden planters. The options are limitless.
4. Schedule to Use Your Appliances During Non-Peak Hours: During the spring cleaning process, you may have uncovered dirty laundry or dishes that’ll need to be cleaned. Instead of just throwing these in willy-nilly, schedule the use of your appliances during non-peak hours. Pile up all you find, then at the end of day, load up either your dishwasher or washing machine and wash away. Be sure to use the cold water setting. If you do your laundry in the early morning hours, hanging your clothes out to dry in the warm sun is always an option too.

Why Green Spring Cleaning Is Important

Cleaning out your home every spring is not only a smart way to remove excess clutter and air out your home, but it’s a great way to green your home as well. “Cleaning” your home with chemicals and toxins is not beneficial to you or your family. You may remove a little dust and grime, but what you add back in could be more harmful. By greening your spring cleaning, you’ll truly make your home a cleaner and more eco-friendly place to live.