Spring Cleaning the Eco-Friendly Way

by George Karonis

Chemical cleaning products can be found in virtually every modern home. These often petroleum-based products come with environmental and health implications. When chemical cleaners are used all over your home — on countertops, dishes, clothes, windows, floors, furniture and even just floating through the air in the form of air fresheners — there will be chemical trails left throughout your home. Therefore, it’s no wonder more people are turning to spring cleaning the eco-friendly way.

Green Cleaning Tips

If you want to minimize your use of chemical cleaners, take a look at these green cleaning tips to get you started.

  • Use plants and herbs to clean your indoor air. If you’re worried about using store-bought air fresheners, go down the natural route instead. Try boiling up some water with some sweet-smelling herbs. Or, why not use a broad green leaf plant such as a Peace Lily to filter the air.
  • Install a whole house fan. When you install a whole house fan in your home, you can reap the benefits of bringing fresh outdoor air inside for better ventilation.
  • Use green cleaning products. Biodegradable non-toxic green cleaning products can be bought in stores nowadays. Alternatively, you can make your own cleaners using substances like baking soda and vinegar.
  • Don’t overuse antibacterial cleaners. Overuse of antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaners can elevate the risk of breeding super germs. These are bacteria that are very resistant to being destroyed. Using soap and water is just as effective for cleaning your hands, so don’t take that risk if you can help it.
  • Avoid using regular dry cleaners. Conventional dry cleaning involves the use of Perchloroethylene, or perc for short. This chemical creates smog and is toxic to humans. Rather than putting your clothes in to be conventionally dry cleaned, take them to someone who uses green methods like carbon dioxide instead.
  • Take your shoes off when you come home. Throughout the day, you walk over all manner of chemicals without even realizing it. For example, your shoes could be coming into contact with antifreeze, animal waste, oil and more. To protect your health and that of your children and pets, leave your shoes by the front door when you get home.

Eco-friendly spring cleaning is easy to do and can be even cheaper than buying conventional products. Why not get started on your eco-friendly spring cleaning today?

Back to Whole House Fan Blog