After a long, bleak winter spring is finally on the horizon. The days are getting longer and spring bulbs are starting to awaken from their winter slumber. Now is the perfect time to blow off the cobwebs, don your marigolds and get your house looking ship-shape as you enter a new and refreshing season. There are lots of ways you can keep your spring clean environmentally friendly, read on to find out how.
Why is conscious cleaning important?
When it comes to cleaning your home it can be easy to have tunnel vision and focus solely on getting your space spotless. However, it is important to consider how the products you are using are affecting the environment.
It has become commonplace to opt for conventional cleaning products that dominate the shelves of the local store, however, these chemical cleaning materials have a detrimental environmental impact. When using chemical cleaning products you run the risk of these chemicals being washed into nearby streams and rivers and will contributing to air pollution. It is also likely that the chemical cleaning products you’re using come in non-recyclable containers which means they also contribute to landfill.
What are the alternatives to chemical cleaning products?
Make your own cleaning products
You might be surprised to hear that environmentally friendly cleaning options can be found in your kitchen cupboard! Some of the methods listed below have been used for centuries, and are much kinder to the environment than chemical alternatives. Why not give these a try in your spring cleaning regime?
- Lemon: not just a refreshing addition to your gin and tonic, lemon can also be used for antibacterial purposes due to its high acidic content. Use it for freshening up your fridge, cleaning your dishwasher, and even for polishing your furniture! There are many ways you can use a lemon for some environmentally friendly cleaning.
- Baking soda: this magic ingredient, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is well-known for its deodorizing properties making it a great environmentally friendly cleaning agent for removing odors such as those in your carpet or garbage bin. It is also great at getting rid of dirt and grease in your kitchen sink or on work surfaces as it dissolves these substances.
- Vinegar: vinegar is a mild acid which makes it an excellent natural cleaning agent and is something that you’re very likely to have in your pantry. It can be used undiluted or you may wish to make up your own cleaner with a mixture of water, vinegar, and lemon juice. Use it as you would any other household cleaner and watch grease stains and dirt be removed with ease.
- Salt: this household staple makes for a great scouring agent if you are needing to scrub surfaces or pans until they gleam. It can also be used to tackle wine stains, clean your drains, and remove tough stains from tea and coffee cups.
Purchase Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products
You might prefer the simplicity of purchasing ready-made cleaning products and, fortunately, there is a growing market for providing environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical cleaning materials. Be sure to check out The Environmental Working Group website which is full of advice on which eco cleaning brands you can trust and includes reviews of multiple different cleaning products.
It’s also important to think about the tools you’re using for cleaning and their environmental impact. If you go for cloths and sponges that can be washed and reused this is another way of making your cleaning more conscious.
Make your home ready for spring
As the season changes, your home will not only be crying out for a clean but also for you to turn the dial down on your energy usage. Get your air conditioner serviced and cleaned to enable it to work efficiently, and make sure your heating timers are changed to reflect the season.
Once you’ve made the switch to cleaning more consciously, you’re sure to want to reduce your environmental impact in other areas of your home also. As you step into spring, now is the time to reflect on how your home and habits are impacting the environment and think about what changes you can make to reduce this impact. Switching to environmentally friendly cleaning products is a great way to start on your journey to a more sustainable lifestyle.
