Spring Cleaning Tips for the Green-Minded

It may be a little early to be thinking about Spring cleaning as it’s still February, but the recent warmer weather here in the Midwest has it feeling like Spring is in the air!  We have been lucky as of late in our area, affording the luxury of opening our windows early and airing out our homes. 

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a good seasonal cleaning is being able to let the air in; many people aren’t aware of the multitude of sources that can cause off-gassing in our homes from overheating non-stick cooking pans to electronics and household cleaners. 

Although most of us try our best to find the safest, greenest ways possible to live a healthy life we wanted to focus on the topic of cleaning the home and the ways in which we can make the process safer.  Here are our top tips:

• We’ve already discussed airing out your home, but it deserves further mention. It’s so important to get clean, fresh air flowing in to your home as often as possible.  We can all try to avoid the use of harsh chemicals and materials in our homes but there’s nothing like fresh Spring air to balance everything out!
• Use this opportunity to clean out your closets. If you didn’t use it or wear it last season, chances are you can live without it.  Try donating what you don’t need to charity.  If you’re unpacking items which you will be using, be sure to give them a thorough, safe cleaning.
• On the topic of safe cleaning, try making your own all-purpose cleaner. One easy recipe calls for mixing ½ cup of vinegar with ¼ cup of baking soda and ½ gallon of water.  This is great for use everywhere from the bathroom to the kitchen.
• Get some pleasant scents wafting through your home. Try using essential oils or throw some citrus and herbs in a pot of water on the stove to boil.  Check out our previous blog for natural holiday air freshener ideas here.
• Use vinegar to clean your glass. Mix 2 teaspoons into a ¼ of a gallon of water and pour into a reusable spray bottle.  Spray onto the glass surface and wipe off using a washable cloth to avoid use of paper towels.
• You can use baking soda on your carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture and mattresses to freshen them up. Just sprinkle it on and vacuum off.
• Speaking of your mattresses, be sure to air those out as well. If you have a two-sided mattress, flip it.  If your mattress is not two-sided don’t fret, simply rotating your mattress every season can extend its life, too.  If your mattress needs replacing, be sure to give us a call to discuss the benefits of an all-natural option!

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