Spring is synonymous with cleansing. A time to lighten up after the heaviness of winter where things accumulate in our homes and our bodies. It's time to lighten our load, figuratively and literally. We can do this for our homes, our bodies and our minds. Today, we're focusing on our homes. When this space is clear and organized, we create the space in our minds and our lives to work on us. Our energy is better, our sleep is better and we tend to be more productive in general.
Here's the thing, we clean our homes not just for aesthetics, but for health and hygiene. But many of us are actually introducing health damaging products into our environment in the name of "cleanliness". In order to kill "germs", we're dirtying our lungs, guts, hormones, and taxing our livers and lymphatic systems. Conventional cleaners often contain harmful chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and phthalates, which can not only irritate your skin and respiratory system but also pollute indoor air and harm the environment when washed down the drain. By choosing eco-friendly alternatives, you're not only safeguarding your health but also reducing your carbon footprint—a win-win for both you and the planet!
So before you jump into your normal spring cleaning activities, let's explore a gentler, safer approach —one that not only revitalizes our living spaces but also promotes a healthier environment for us and our families.
Where to start:
Buy Fewer Cleaning Products
Reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals by minimizing the variety of cleaning products you use. Simplify your cleaning routine and opt for multi-purpose, eco-friendly alternatives. Over the years, I've cut down to just one cleaning concentrate. I used to use OnGuard from DoTerra. But when I started working with Hugh & Grace because of their commitment to hormone healthy products, I found their cleaner concentrate had fewer ingredients, every ingredient was rated a 1 on the EWG so it had a better safety rating (the best I've found, it doesn't really get any better unless you're making your own products with vinegar and baking soda), and it worked even better. I'll admit I preferred the scent of cinnamon and orange in OnGuard from the essential oils, but the lemongrass scent of the my Hugh & Grace cleaning concentrate is subtle, comes to the product naturally (no added fragrance) and it is a refreshing aroma. This one product is all I use to clean every surface in my home from floors and countertops to toilets and appliances. Even spills on furniture or in my car.
Buy Greener Cleaning Products
Look for cleaning solutions free from harmful chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, and phthalates. Avoid products with synthetic fragrances, which often conceal undisclosed toxic ingredients. Instead, opt for fragrance-free options or infuse your space with natural scents using essential oils.
Avoid air fresheners & products with synthetic fragrances
The manufacturer is not required to list which chemicals are included in the fragrance and these are some of the highest offenders what it comes to disrupting our endocrine (hormone) system. Opt for products with essential oils or fragrance-free. Open windows and introduce some living plants in your home to act as natural air fresheners.
Combat Dust and Toxins
Hazardous chemicals aren't limited to cleaning products; they can also accumulate in household dust from paint, walls, carpeting/flooring, etc. Combat this by vacuuming and dusting with damp cloths to trap particles effectively. And come back to that window and plant tip to ventilate your home & promote fresh air circulation. Microfiber cloths work well here, but I also love using these reusable paper towels that can be washed in the dishwasher and replace 15-20 rolls of paper towels. They pattern on the bottom is designed to grab the most particles and they're versatile enough to use for washing dishes, cleaning counters, dusting, and even wiping the pollen off the dash of the car. Welcome to Texas. I have to do this weekly!
When I first made the switch to less toxic cleaning products, there weren't a lot of options on the market. I was 32, a new mom, and after what I thought were several asthma attacks that lined up with the day I cleaned my bathrooms, we realized I was having a reaction to the chemicals in my cleaning products. This was enough motivation for me to dig in, do some research and start making my own homemade cleaning products. If you're up for that challenge, you can do the same with some simple ingredients. But today, we have much better options available to us for those of you who might worry that these aren't strong enough OR, like me, no longer want to take the time to make your own.
If you look under my kitchen sink, you won't find bottles and bottles of cleansers for every surface and room. You'll find one glass bottle that works for everything. It saves me time, money and clutter. And it works. This concentrate was tested against bleach and found to be equally as effective in the first 10 minutes after application and increasingly more effective at eliminating dangerous germs beyond 10 minutes. But here's the key! It accomplishes this without damaging or bombing every living organism. It won't harm your endocrine system. It won't damage your gut. It only targets the things we actually want to get rid of. That's the biggest win for me!!! I don't want a product I have to make sure I rinse away before it's safe to put food on my countertops, let kids crawl on my floor or soak in the tub.
5 Tips for Cleaning Your Home Without Toxins
Vinegar and Water All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a simple yet effective all-purpose cleaner. Vinegar's acidity makes it a powerful disinfectant, perfect for wiping down countertops, sinks, and glass surfaces.
Baking Soda Scrub: Say goodbye to abrasive chemical-laden scrubs and hello to the gentle yet potent power of baking soda! Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water and use it to scrub away stubborn stains on tiles, grout, and sinks.
Essential Oils for Fragrance: Infuse your cleaning routine with the delightful scents of nature by adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender, lemon, or tea tree to your DIY cleaners. Not only do they leave your home smelling fresh, but they also boast antimicrobial properties.
Microfiber Cloths or Reusable Paper Towels: Ditch disposable wipes in favor of reusable microfiber cloths. These handy tools trap dust and dirt effectively without the need for chemical-laden sprays, making them an eco-friendly and budget-friendly choice.
Hugh & Grace MultiPurpose Cleaning Concentrate: Botanically infused and highly effective cleaning concentrate that gets its power from coconut-derived ingredients. Gentle but effective extracts of lemongrass offer an extra boost of antimicrobial protection. Great for kitchen, counter, bathroom, floor, and anywhere germs like to live. Plant Based. Cruelty Free.
Add plants & air purifiers: Plants are nature's are cleaners and they have the added benefit of soothing the mind and nervous system and being lovely to look at. But air purifiers can be that extra level of protection if you have new construction, allergies, or find yourself constantly dusting and vacuuming. I enjoy the combination of these mini ionic plug in air purifiers from Clarifion and in the bedrooms I prefer a larger air purifier, like this.
Let's end with a few tips to make spring cleaning feel manageable because if you're anything like me, this is not a task you actually enjoy. I admit, I appreciate the after, but I do not enjoy the process.
3 Tips for Making Spring Cleaning Feel Manageable
Now that you're armed with non-toxic cleaning solutions, let's tackle the daunting task of spring cleaning with ease and efficiency:
Break It Down: Instead of attempting to tackle your entire home in one go, break your spring cleaning tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on one room or area at a time to prevent overwhelm and maintain motivation. And get your family to help! It's a life skill. And these products are safe for your kids to use too.
Prioritize High-Traffic Areas: If time is of the essence, prioritize cleaning high-traffic areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. These spaces tend to accumulate the most dirt and germs (as well as clutter) so giving them a thorough clean can make a significant difference in the overall feel of your home.
Set a Timer: Challenge yourself to accomplish as much as you can in a set amount of time. Whether it's 15 minutes or an hour, setting a timer can help you stay focused and productive without feeling like cleaning is taking over your entire day. This is my favorite way to get overwhelming tasks done.
Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a daunting chore filled with toxic chemicals and overwhelming tasks. By embracing non-toxic products and adopting a few simple strategies, you can transform your home into a clean, healthy sanctuary where you can fully enjoy the beauty of the season. If you have allergies, cleaning your home and reducing the toxins, dust and pollen in your space can have a hugely positive impact. But not if you're introducing new irritants in the air and environment through your cleaning products. So grab your eco-friendly cleaners, put on your favorite playlist, and let's welcome spring with open arms and a freshly cleaned home!