Sustainable Spring Cleaning Hacks for Six of the Most Used Spaces in Your Home

Spring is the ideal time to give your house a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning. As you embark on your spring-cleaning journey, remember to embrace sustainable practices, from opting for natural cleaning products to incorporating energy-saving habits. You’ll ensure that your home is not only refreshed but planet-friendly, too.

Items that don’t have a home always find their way to the garage. Start decluttering everything. Once you’ve taken it all out, decide what goes back in, what to throw away, and what to recycle or sell. Keep sustainability at the forefront of your thinking as you maneuver through the clutter. You’ll want to:

• Repurpose old clothing as cleaning cloths to minimize waste.
• Properly dispose of old paint and harsh chemicals so those hazardous materials don’t contaminate soil or water sources.
• Ensure proper disposal of unused appliances, batteries and lightbulbs that aren’t in use as recycling requires less energy than producing new goods.
• Organize garden tools and supplies in a way that makes them easy to find so that you avoid overbuying.

Your entryway is the place where people are welcomed into your home, but it can also serve as a hub for germs. The soles of our shoes can bring a ton of bacteria into the home. Keep your entryway clean and eco-friendly by using a washable mophead and by making your own cleaning solution with vinegar and water to prevent the spread of germs. But before you even get to this step, be sure to sweep off those outdoor mats and throw indoor ones in the washer.

You can also keep your entryway tidy and eco-friendly by:

• Dusting and polishing furniture with reusable microfiber cloths. You’ll reduce waste by eliminating the need for disposable wipes and paper towels.
• Installing a runner to trap dirt and pollen helps keep your space cleaner for a longer period, which helps preserve water, cleaning products and energy over time.
• Leaving your shoes at the door keeps germs and bacteria out and supports better indoor air quality.

Your bedroom should be a place of tranquility. Keep it peaceful and spotless by deep cleaning the entire space. Put an upholstery attachment on your vacuum to remove all dirt, dust and allergens from the seams of your mattress.

But when it comes to the bedroom, the closet is the one place that can feel overwhelming. However, cleaning the closet just got a little simpler with Trashie . You get bags, fill them up with unwanted towels, linens, shoes, clothes and accessories, and you’re rewarded for it. Bringing your unwanted items to a secondhand store is another great option as well.

Here are a few other things to consider when cleaning up your room:

• When it’s time to wash your bed linens, washing them in cold water will save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
• Use a high-efficiency vacuum to reduce energy consumption.
• Coordinate opening windows with optimal outdoor temps to minimize heating or cooling.

Create a refreshing and organized environment for relaxation and enjoyment by giving your living room a good cleaning. You’ll want to dust surfaces, organize décor, and clean upholstery to establish an inviting space. Incorporating houseplants (like snake and spider plants) add a touch of greenery while doubling as natural air purifiers.

Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. One way to kick your eco-friendly cleaning into high gear is by reducing your energy consumption. You can do so by using energy-efficient light bulbs and unplugging electronics when not in use.

Here are some other solutions:

• Use plant-based or homemade cleaners to polish your furniture.
• Vacuum upholstery and empty the contents into a compostable bag.
• Declutter media, books and décor then donate them instead of adding them to the waste stream.

Bring the spirit of the spring season into your kitchen. From decluttering countertops to scrubbing surfaces, ensure that your culinary space is prepared for the next meal and prettied up for the next get-together. Of course, you should want to thoroughly clean appliances, neatly arrange your cabinets and straighten up your pantry but also pay attention to neglected areas like cracks and crevices where crumbs and sticky substances hide.

Composting kitchen scraps instead of throwing them in the trash will reduce landfill waste and create nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden. In addition, you can:

• Organize your dishware and recycle or donate to minimize waste.
• Upgrade to LED lighting where possible to reduce energy consumption.
• Wait until your dishwasher is full before running it. This maximizes efficiency and water usage.

The bathroom is a breeding ground for bacteria, which is why it’s crucial to clean it consistently and thoroughly. Just like every other room in the house, the bathroom can use a good old-fashioned decluttering and deep cleaning. You’ll want to scrub fixtures, wash linens, as well as sanitize and mop your floors.

As you clean, remember to keep it green:

• Skip the bleach and find brands that emphasize biodegradability and environmentally friendly packaging.
• Organize storage spaces and dispose of expired items properly to promote resource conservation.
• Upgrade faucets and showerheads to low-flow models that can reduce your CO2 emissions by using less energy.

Taking the time to embrace sustainable cleaning practices as you prep for spring revitalizes your home and contributes to a healthier you and planet.