It’s that time of year where the sun is finally beating the rain and we’re well into spring, with summer just around the corner. It’s the ideal time to give your home a complete clean, thanks to the beautiful sunshine making things easier to dry…and everything just a bit more pleasant!
If you want a spring clean with a difference this year, and want to do so without harming the environment then we’re here to help. We’ve come up with some top tips for how you can have a greener, more environmentally friendly spring cleaning session.
Recycle your unwanted goods
Any big clean starts with a clear out, so when you start, it’s a good idea to get rid of the stuff that you no longer want that is just clogging up space, or the stuff that no longer works. Getting rid of things like unwanted clothes and books by taking them to your local charity shop is a fantastic idea to help give you some more space and to help those in need. If you have electrical items, you might want to consider recycling them if you want to reduce your carbon footprint. There’s some more info on recycling your electronics here.
Use greener cleaning products
The cleaning products we buy from the supermarkets and use every day as part of our cleaning routine can actually be really harmful not only for the environment, but also for our family’s health. The shocking use of harmful chemicals in them means they’re tough on the environment during the production process, as well as each time we use them, thanks to the fumes they give off. Change the way you clean by upgrading your cleaning products to greener alternatives. There’s a fantastic guide to green cleaning products here.
Add some house plants to your home
Spring is the ideal time of year to do the garden, but why not bring some of that natural beauty indoors this season? House plants are living air filters that basically make the air in our homes cleaner and safer for your loved ones. The best ones to invest in for those rooms you spend the most time in include English ivy, rubber plants and spider plants, and there’s more information about the best houseplants here.
Give your tumble dryer a break
When faced with the task of changing the family’s beds and doing all those big loads of laundry, take advantage of Mother Nature’s heater – the sun – and give your tumble dryer a break. Hanging your washing on the line as opposed to throwing them in the tumble dryer keeps them fresher for longer, too.
Avoid using paper towels
Paper towels are one of the go-to items in your kitchen and bathroom when it comes to cleaning, but it’s no secret that they’re not very good for the environment. Leave them on the shelf next time you do your shopping, and instead, invest in some good quality re-washable cloths and towels that work just as well and that are much greener.
Article Submitted By Community Writer