Spring has sprung, and it’s the perfect time for a fresh start. What better way to welcome the new season than by giving your home a deep clean? But let’s face it – spring cleaning can feel like a huge task. Add in the concern over toxic chemicals lurking in our traditional cleaning products, and it’s enough to make you want to skip it altogether.
However, you can spring clean your home quickly, effectively, and – most importantly – without all those nasty chemicals. It just takes a little planning and conscious effort, but I’m here to help by sharing my tips for non-toxic spring cleaning, along with some of my favorite products that make the process easier and safer.
Start with a Plan: Declutter First, Then Clean
The key to spring cleaning efficiently is to work smarter, not harder. Before you start deep cleaning, take a few minutes to declutter each room. Take it room by room and make a “donate” or “resell” pile with items that no longer serve a purpose for you. This will open up the space you need to clean and ensure you’re not just pushing dust around. When you clean, start from the top (like ceilings and light fixtures) and work your way down. This way, any dust or debris that falls to the floor can be swept up last.
Tip: Spring is yard sale season. Take your “resell” pile and host a yard sale while the weather is nice, and consumers are in good spirits. Get some of your neighbors to join you to entice more people to stop by.
Choose Effective, Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
You don’t need to use harsh chemicals to get a sparkling clean home. There are so many great non-toxic cleaners available now that are just as effective as their chemical-laden counterparts – and they’re much safer for you, your family, and the environment.
Here are some of the non-toxic products I use to keep things clean in my home:
All-Purpose Cleaner: I love the Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner. It’s a cleaning concentrate that’s so versatile, you can use it to clean almost any part of your home. It’s made with plant and mineral-based ingredients and doesn’t leave any harmful residues. Plus, it’s more effective than some of the traditional cleaners I was using before.
Laundry Soap: For clean clothes, I use the Simple Truth Organic Free and Clear laundry detergent. I like that this is easily accessible and a more budget friendly option than some of the non-toxic detergents on the market.
Dishwashing Detergent: If you prefer tablets, these are ok, but I like the Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent even better. One canister gets you 48 loads, which is 42 cents a load and it comes in a plastic free, recyclable container.
Don’t Overlook the Natural Power of DIY Cleaners
While there are plenty of great cleaners you can buy, you can also make your own non-toxic cleaning solutions using simple ingredients, some of which you may already have in your kitchen. Here are a few DIY recipes you can try:
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1 cup water, 1 cup white vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil (tea tree or lemon works great). This is great for cleaning countertops, doorknobs, and other high-touch areas.
Bathroom Scrub: Combine ½ cup baking soda, ½ cup castile soap, and 10 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil (optional). This works wonders on sinks, tubs, and tiles—leaving your bathroom sparkling and smelling fresh.
Disinfectant Spray: Mix 2 parts rubbing alcohol to 1 part filtered water into a spray bottle. This is great for hard surfaces like countertops and doorknobs but be cautious when using this mixture on certain surfaces like leather or wood as it can damage them.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas First
To make your spring cleaning as efficient as possible, focus on the areas that see the most use. For most people these include:
Kitchens and Bathrooms: These spaces get the most exposure to germs, spills, and buildup. Wipe down counters, sinks, and appliances with a non-toxic cleaner, and disinfect high-touch areas like light switches and doorknobs. Remember to get into those corners and in between the cracks for a truly deep clean.
Floors: Dust, dirt, and allergens love to settle on floors. Clean them thoroughly with a natural floor cleaner like Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds.
Bedding and Linens: Don’t just wash your sheets and towels, you should be doing that regularly. Make sure to clean often overlooked items like comforters, pillowcases and shams, and throw blankets. For pesky stains you can use Meliora’s stain removing stick as a pre-wash treatment.
Keep it Simple with Routine Maintenance
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a once-a-year chore. Once your home is cleaned and refreshed, make regular cleaning a part of your routine to keep things looking fresh. This will make it much easier the next time you feel like deep cleaning your home. Make a schedule for wiping down surfaces, vacuuming high-traffic areas, and staying on top of dusting and mopping to maintain that fresh, clean vibe.
Tip: If you’re intent on using fragrance in your home to keep it smelling fresh, choose essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, or lavender that have antibacterial properties. Or make a simmer pot.
DIY Simmer Pot
1 sliced orange
1 apple peel or a handful of cranberries
1-2 cinnamon sticks
A few whole cloves
2-3 cups of water
Place all the ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow it to simmer for a couple of hours, adding more water as needed. Or you can keep it on a low setting in a slow cooker for several hours.
Incorporate Green Living Practices
Make spring cleaning this year about more than just the products you use; make it about adopting a more holistic lifestyle that supports your home and health. While you’re purging your home of old things, try making some eco-friendly swaps that are better for the environment. Such as:
Swap paper towels for reusable cloths.
Choose biodegradable trash bags and compost if possible.
Buy refillable cleaning products to reduce plastic waste.
By embracing these changes, you’re not only keeping your home clean but also contributing to a healthier environment.
Conclusion
Spring cleaning doesn’t need to be a daunting task, especially when you’ve got the right tools and a good plan. By choosing non-toxic products and making a few swaps, you can get your home sparkling clean without exposing yourself or your family to harsh chemicals. So, take a deep breath, put on your favorite playlist, and get ready to spring clean your way to a healthier, happier home. And remember, clean living isn’t just about the products you use – it’s about making intentional choices that support your overall well-being, inside and out.
Leave a Reply