Break out the brooms and throw open the windows — nothing marks the end of a cold, gray winter like a springtime scrub down. But the change of seasons is also the perfect time to take stock of what you have — including the chemicals stored under the sink, in your cupboards, and elsewhere around your home.
The fact is, just because it’s spring doesn’t mean your clean is all that green. Consider the toxins found in everyday cleaning products — some of which have been linked to everything from respiratory issues to some cancers. Never mind the waste created by single-use items like disinfectant wipes, plastic bags, paper towels, and plastic gloves.
The good news is, a few simple changes to your routine can make all the difference in protecting your health as well as the well-being of the planet. So, let’s dive into a few eco-friendly spring cleaning tips for a tidier, healthier, greener home.
Benefits of spring cleaning
If you are wondering why people spring clean, it dates back to a time when homes were only heated by fire and lit by lanterns, resulting in a build-up of soot by the end of winter. By spring, it was time to open the windows, dust, and sweep away all the debris – bringing a fresh start to the home for the seasons to come. Beyond the tradition, here are some reasons to start spring cleaning your home.
Improves indoor air quality: Removing dust, dirt, and allergens from your home can significantly improve indoor air quality, helping to reduce respiratory issues and promote overall health.
Reduces stress and anxiety: A clutter-free and organized living space can help you come to a sense of calm, reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Enhances productivity: Messes slow us down, but tidy spaces can boost productivity and focus, making it easier to tackle daily tasks and projects.
Good for preventative maintenance: Regular spring cleaning allows you to identify and address minor maintenance issues before they escalate into more significant problems, saving time and money in the long run.
Why choose green cleaning and environmentally friendly cleaning products
It’s not only the health of the environment that cleaning products put at risk — they can impact your well-being, too. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can be two to five times higher than outdoor air pollution, largely due to conventional cleaning products containing harmful chemicals. These chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can contribute to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other health concerns.
However, by switching to environmentally friendly cleaning products — from surface cleaners to SaltyLama laundry sheets — you can quickly reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals and improve indoor air quality. Our sheets are plant-based and come in lightweight biodegradable zero-waste packaging, which means you won’t be contributing to plastic pollution. If you also want to save money and guarantee you never run out of detergent, subscribe and save. Just schedule when you want your order. You can cancel, pause, or skip an order whenever you want.
10 eco-friendly spring cleaning tips
When it comes time to do your spring cleaning, these simple solutions will minimize your environmental footprint, improve indoor air quality, and keep your space clean.
Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products
Look for products with a natural and transparent ingredient list and certifications presented on the label or packaging. These include the USDA Certified Biobased Product label and the EPA Safer Choice Program, which let consumers know that the ingredients are the safest of its class for both human health and the environment. Not all green cleaning products will have these labels, so keep your eye out for other factors like biodegradable paper packaging and labels indicating zero phosphates, harsh fumes, and dyes.
Avoid paper towels
You might think that because paper towels are made from trees, they must be environmentally friendly. However, paper towels contribute to deforestation and chemical pollution in the water, and they fill up our landfills. So, instead of reaching for disposable paper towels at the grocery store, look for alternatives like wooden scrub brushes, natural sponges, and reusable paper towels that can be placed in the laundry machine and used time and time again.
Go plastic-free with your cleaning
Plastic is a burden to the environment. It overwhelms landfills, doesn’t biodegrade, and the process of making it is toxic and releases tons of CO2. Luckily, you can reduce your plastic footprint by choosing cleaning tools and cleaners that are plastic-free or made from recycled materials. These can be reusable glass bottles, stainless steel cleaning tools, and natural wood brushes for scrubbing.
Discard trash responsibly
It’s not just how you clean — it’s also how you dispose of your mess. You can do this by separating recyclable materials from non-recyclables, composting organic waste, and disposing of hazardous materials at designated collection sites to minimize environmental impact. Every city and county is different, so check with your local government for the correct way to dispose of these materials.
Introduce live houseplants
While opening windows is a great way to improve your indoor air quality this spring, plants will give your space an extra purifying boost. So, bring a touch of nature indoors by introducing live houseplants to your home. Greenery like spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies are known for their air-purifying properties, helping to remove toxins and pollutants from the air.
Don’t waste water
No matter where you live, clean water is precious. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of your water usage and take steps to conserve water. Fix leaky faucets and pipes, install low-flow toilets and shower heads, and practice water-saving habits like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
Add automatic timers
Make your home a green but modern home with this eco-friendly spring cleaning tip. You can reduce energy consumption throughout your home by installing automatic timers for lights and appliances. Set timers to turn off lights and electronics when they’re not in use, which helps to save energy and lower your utility bills.
Install energy-efficient lights and appliances
Upgrade your home to energy-efficient lighting and appliances for one of the best and easiest ways to reduce energy consumption and lower your carbon footprint. To do so, swap out your regular bulbs for LED light bulbs, invest in ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, and consider installing a programmable thermostat to optimize energy usage in your home. And remember to adjust the thermostat when you leave your home! Adjust it when you return, and your space will quickly return to a comfortable temperature.
Replace air filters
Maintain indoor air quality by regularly replacing air filters in your heating and cooling systems. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and allow dust, pollen, and other pollutants to circulate throughout your home, so be sure to replace them according to manufacturer recommendations. For example, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing out your air filters every three to four months. Remember to make vacuuming and dusting these filters part of your cleaning routine as well.
Go paperless
After you have finished spring cleaning this season, your house will probably feel a lot fresher and decluttered. Keep up the momentum by minimizing paper usage by opting for digital documents and electronic communication whenever possible. Use email instead of printed letters, store important documents digitally, and choose paperless billing and statements to reduce paper waste and keep your home free of clutter.