Spring is here, which means it’s time to
clear out all of the dust and grime that has accumulated in the past year.
Crack open a window, give old shirts new life, and ditch your toxic cleaners
for more natural alternatives. These sustainably-minded deep cleaning tips will
make your home sparkle and shine, without any unnecessary chemicals or plastic
containers.
Make
a Plan
Cleaning your home can be a huge
undertaking, so it’s a good idea to take some time to plan out your tasks.
Using a spring cleaning checklist
can be a huge relief when it comes time to actually dive in, and it will help
you stay on task to ensure nothing gets overlooked. If you are switching from
more traditional cleaning habits to a more eco-minded strategy, this is also a
good time to identify your current sustainable practices and those that can be
improved.
Clear
Out Clutter
Before tackling a room, remove unwanted
junk from the space. Make this project as environmentally friendly as possible
by reusing old jars, bags, and knickknacks if you can, then dividing up the
rest of the clutter into piles of sellable items, donations, recycling, and
trash. If you are itching to ditch any existing commercial cleaners that
contain bleach or synthetic degreasing agents, properly dispose of toxic chemicals by dropping them off at your local hazardous materials management
facility.
Upcycle
Old Threads
When t-shirts are no longer fit for their
intended use, turn them into cleaning rags. The fashion industry
is responsible for more than ten thousand tons of textiles ending up in
landfills every year, and that amount has increased over time. You can divert
some of that textile waste by reusing fabric scraps instead of relying on paper
towels or newly purchased towels.
DIY
Cleaning Products
Most cleaning chemicals are toxic to pets
and humans when ingested, and they end up in our homes, water systems, and the
ground. The products also come in plastic bottles that are hard to recycle and
can be difficult to reuse, simply due to how the bottle was built. Make your own cleaning products at home with simple household ingredients like distilled white vinegar
and baking soda. Infuse a vinegar-based spray cleaner with herbs and lemon
peels to counteract the vinegar smell, or add your favorite essential oils for
a personal touch. DIYing a scrub or spray takes very little time, is inexpensive,
and cuts down drastically on toxic chemicals and single-use plastic waste in
the home. Best of all, they work!
Let
In Fresh Air
It’s finally time to crack open a window
and feel the spring air. Indoor air can build up with pollutants
over time, so let the breeze sweep away any lingering nasties that have made
themselves at home while all the doors and windows have been shut tight.
Letting in some sunshine and fresh air will energize you, clean the air, and
remove any lingering wintery smells.
There is no shortage of sunshine in
Colorado and the Front Range is just as beautiful in the warm months as it is
in the snow. Enjoy spring as only a Colorado resident can at the Habitat Apartments in Gunbarrel. Our vibrant community
places you in the heart of Boulder County, near several breweries, shopping
centers, and hiking trails. Contact us today to learn more.