5 Hacks To Freshen Your Home and Save
Spring is the season of renewal and the traditional time to fling open the windows and refresh your home after a wintertime of living in a closed bubble. The typical approach to spring cleaning leans into chemicals and disposable cleaning products that can create a lot of unnecessary waste and expense. But there are good eco- and cost-friendly alternatives to help you achieve a clean, refreshed living space. Here are five of our favorite practical and sustainable spring cleaning hacks to get you started:
1. Use DIY Natural Cleaning Solutions
Commercial cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can be unfriendly to both your health, house pets, and the environment. Try making your own natural cleaners using simple, time-honored, non-toxic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon.
- All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar with a few drops of essential oil for scent. This solution works wonders on countertops, windows, and even bathroom tiles.
- Tough Stain Remover: Sprinkle baking soda on stubborn stains, then scrub with a damp cloth or sponge. For extra cleaning power, add a splash of vinegar to create a fizzing effect.
- Glass Cleaner: Combine 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, and 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol for streak-free windows and mirrors.
Homemade cleaners are not only effective but also cost-efficient and free from toxic residues.
2. Declutter Sustainably
Spring cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing surfaces—it’s also about clearing out clutter. However, decluttering doesn’t mean sending everything to the landfill. Here’s how to do it sustainably:
- Donate or Repurpose: Items with useable life left in them, like clothing, furniture, and electronics, can be donated to local charities or repurposed creatively. Many charities, such as the St. Vincent DePaul Society, have local volunteers who will come and haul away your useable furniture or appliances. Do a quick internet search and see what options are available to keep items out of the landfill.
- Recycle Correctly: Old household items can’t be placed into the same general recycling stream as bottles, cans, and cardboard. Familiarize yourself with local guidelines to ensure items like furniture, metals, electronics, and other complex items are disposed of properly.
- Compost Organic Waste: Kitchen scraps and yard waste can be turned into nutrient-rich compost for your garden instead of being landfilled in plastic bags.
By reimagining how you dispose of unwanted items, you can reduce waste while giving your belongings a second life.
3. Invest in Reusable Cleaning Supplies
Single-use cleaning tools, such as paper towels and disposable mop pads, contribute significantly to household waste. Switching to reusable alternatives is an easy way to make your cleaning routine more sustainable.
- Microfiber Cloths: These are excellent for dusting and wiping surfaces as they trap dirt effectively without the need for chemical cleaners.
- Reusable Mop Heads: Opt for washable mop heads instead of disposable ones.
- Repurposed Rags: Old towels or t-shirts can be cut into rags for cleaning tasks, reducing the need for disposable paper products.
These small changes not only minimize waste but also save money in the long run.
4. Refresh Your Air Naturally
Indoor air quality often deteriorates during winter due to closed windows and heating systems. Spring is the perfect time to purify your air naturally without resorting to chemical sprays.
- Houseplants: Plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and aloe vera are natural air purifiers that remove toxins while adding greenery to your space.
- DIY Air Fresheners: Simmer water with citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, or herbs like rosemary for a chemical-free way to freshen up your home.
- Ventilation: Open windows frequently to let fresh air circulate through your home.
These methods improve indoor air quality and create a healthier living environment.
5. Adopt Energy-Efficient Practices
Spring cleaning is an excellent opportunity to assess your home’s energy usage and make eco-friendly upgrades.
- Switch to LED Bulbs: Root out any older incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs and replace them with LEDs. Energy-efficient LEDs brighten your spaces using less energy and last longer than old-fashioned bulbs. Many LED bulbs are available with app-controlled smart functions that allow custom colors, dimming, and effects, giving you infinite options to customize lighting according to your moods.
- Unplug Unused Electronics: Many devices consume trace amounts of power or “phantom energy” even when not operating. Reduce phantom energy consumption by unplugging devices and AC adaptors when they’re not in use.
- Wash Your Laundry in Cold Water: Set your washer to a cold cycle and use specially formulated cold-water detergent to save energy while extending the life of your colored fabrics.
Incorporating these habits into your spring-cleaning routine helps reduce your energy consumption and costs.
A Clean Slate
Eco-friendly spring cleaning is about more than just tidying up—it’s an opportunity to adopt sustainable practices that benefit both your home and the planet. From DIY natural cleaners to reusable supplies and energy-efficient habits, these small changes can make a big difference over time. Give it a try this season!
