Tips for Green Spring Cleaning!

Now that the snow has finally disappeared (fingers crossed), it’s time for get ready for spring and summer! One thing that I do, as I’m sure most of you do too, is spring-cleaning: one of those things you kind of dread, but feel so satisfied afterwards. 

Here are some reminders of what you may want to clean, with some tips that will hopefully make the process a little less arduous and leave your house looking spring-fresh! And the great thing is, you don’t really have to spend any money; most of the cleaning items are probably already in your home.

• Looking for a great cleaning agent? Currently throwing away your eggshells? Great reuse news! You can make a great cleaner with a mild abrasive by pulverizing old eggshells with a touch of water and detergent: http://www.fivespotgreenliving.com/eco-friendly-uses-eggshells/

• Organize your closet – this is a great time to donate unused winter items! If you didn’t wear it this past winter, is it really worth holding on to for another winter of gathering dust? Or, host a clothing swap! (see earlier Clothing Swap blog post)

• Use old paper towel holders and muffin tins to hold all that extra jewelry – displays it nicely and helps you remember which pieces you own! You can also use old candle jars to store loose items such as hair ties, bobby pins, make-up, etc.

• Dust books and shelves, and rearrange them in a fun new way.

• Dust lighting fixtures and other items that aren’t dusted on a regular basis, e.g. artwork on walls.

• Clean painted walls – start with clean cloth / sponge and water. If this doesn’t work, add some dishwashing liquid. For the full details, Check out HouseBeautiful. 

• Clean bathroom tiles with a cleaner with a “neutral pH.” Check out HouseBeautiful for more information.

• Wash window screens – scrub with a brush in warm water and dishwashing liquid, and rinse. Don’t forget about washing the windows and window sills!

• Clean our your fridge and oven with baking soda and water.

• Clean your  microwave by heating some water with lemons for 3 minutes for it steam the interior. Let it sit for five minutes, then wipe it clean.  Website, Clean Mama, has other great appliance cleaning tips.  

Feeling a bit daunted? PopSugar has a printable 30-day spring cleaning challenge, so you just do one item a day, and in a month, you’re done!

Have fun cleaning house and enjoy the warm weather!

- Tamara (Volunteer)