Sustainable Spring Cleaning: Eco-Friendly Ways to Tidy Up!

Hello and Happy Spring! 

As the weather gets warmer and the sun shines in through our windows, it becomes easier to see the dust that has accumulated during the long, dark, cold winter. Don't lie, I know you can relate. So if you are planning on doing some Spring cleaning, here are 5 sustainable tips for the season of "fresh" starts. I hope these inspire you to keep our Earth clean while keeping your home clean! 

1. Ditch Disposables

The vast majority of single-use cleaning items (and their packaging) end up in landfills and oceans. So swap disposable sponges, wipes, and paper towels for reusable or compostable products. An old piece of fabric and a home-made cleaning spray will do the trick and you probably already have everything you need in your house! You can also find biodegradable items like sponges from sustainable cleaning brands (see tip 5).

2. Keep Air-Purifying Plants in Your Home

Toxins can hang out in the air as well as on surfaces, so it's important to keep the air in your home clean too. Research has shown that certain plants help to detoxify the air through photosynthesis. The bigger the plant, the more purifying capabilities it has! Some of the best house plants for clean air are English Ivy, Snake Plant, Aloe Vera, Chrysanthemum, Spider Plant, and Peace Lily. Not only are these plants super useful, but they're pretty too! So why not up your interior design game while you're at it and add some greenery to your home?

3. Open Your Windows

Another great way to keep your atmosphere clean is to open your windows! By opening two windows on opposite sides of the room, you'll create a cross-breeze, allowing the bad air to flow out and the good air to come in! Creating air circulation in your home is a simple way to improve air quality and maybe even improve your mood too. So open your window and let the fresh air and the good vibes in!

4. Make Your Own Cleaning Solutions

Traditional cleaning solutions contain chemicals that can be harmful to you and your family. Did you know that you can make your own disinfecting solutions with the things in your pantry? Ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are common in DIY disinfecting sprays and scrubs. And you can add essential oils for a customized clean scent! There are a ton of these recipes on the internet, so find the ones that work best for you!

5. Shop Sustainable Cleaning Products

If you're not much of a DIY-er, don't worry because there are plenty of cleaning brands that make eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cleaning products. Here are some great companies that are clean in more ways than one!

Blueland

Public Goods

Grove

PUR Home

Branch Basics

Veles

Do you know any sustainable cleaning brands, tips, tricks, or DIY's? Please share in the comments!

Happy Cleaning!