How to Spring Clean the Green Way

Spring is here, and millions of households will be engaging in spring cleaning. Spring cleaning is a way of cleaning out the home, so that the home has a sense of renewal just as the outdoors does during the spring months. To make your spring cleaning environmentally sound and responsible, you should use the following tips.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Don't use paper towels for dusting or cleaning. While paper towels might seem like an easier way, they also go directly to the landfill after they get a little wet or dirty. Instead, use microfiber cloths (you can purchase a pack of 20 at Sam's Club for under $10). Microfiber cloths can be used, washed, and used again, over and over. Even better, cut up a few old flannel shirts or pajama pants that you don't want anymore and use these scraps for dusting, cleaning, and polishing.

2. 

   Don't use harsh chemicals. Nearly all of the typical cleaning products you purchase at the store contain chemical components that are bad for the environment, and bad for your health. Instead, clean all of your surfaces and appliances with Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds. Sal Suds can even be used to effectively clean a bathtub and toilet.
   
   For disinfecting and anti-microbial, fill a clean spray bottle with water and add a couple of drops of organic tea tree oil. Be aware that if you use a plastic bottle, the oil might degrade the plastic so you either need to mix up only as much as you'll use in one day or use a metal bottle.

3. 

   For hard-to-remove soap scum, use a steam cleaner instead of chemicals. A steam cleaner heats the water to temperatures that will melt through even the thickest soap scum.

4. 

   For lime build up and hard water stains, use white vinegar. White vinegar eats through hard water build up just as easily as harsh, commercial chemicals.

5. 

   Don't throw anything away. A big part of most people's spring cleaning is the purging of clutter and unwanted possessions. Do the responsible thing and don't let your castoffs to end up in landfills. Instead, donate your items to local charities. Donate everything to Goodwill or Salvation army. If you don't mind driving to more than one place, you can donate women's and children's clothing to a battered women's shelter.
   
   By donating your items, you're benefiting the earth, the charity you donate to, the people who end up with your old items, and your taxes. Donations are tax deductible, so just ask for a receipt when you drop the stuff off.

6. 

   If possible, use gathered clean rain water to scrub your garage floor and/or shelves. The gathered rain should not come from a gutter or downspout from the roof, as this water will be dirty.

7. 

   Buy a few houseplants to add to your home. Plants filter and detoxify indoor air, so by adding a couple of plants in every room, you'll be greening up your home for spring and for months and years to come.

Resources

• eHow Spring Guide

[slphilbrick]

on 6/2/2009 Excellent ideas for keeping it green !

[lanijo]

on 3/25/2009 Very Good article! 5 *'s