Holistic Ways to Spring Clean Your Home

This post and photography are courtesy of Nic Abraham.

Daylight saving time is here and spring is right around the corner bringing us longer days and more sunshine. As we come out of hibernation and open our curtains to let the light in, we’ll likely notice the dust and dirt that has collected all winter long. It’s time to spring clean our homes!

Since the 19th century, spring cleaning has traditionally been done in March. It started as a common practice in regions that experience a cold winter when the weather finally became warm enough to open windows without bugs overtaking a home. It was the best time to dust and wash the soot from the furniture and walls. As society evolved, we began to open windows because of the strong fumes from cleaning products, but luckily, these days, we only have to open windows for fresh air. Why? Because we can spring clean our entire home using holistic cleaning methods.

There are many different ways to achieve a clean house without the use of harsh chemicals. The options range from plant-based cleaning brands to simple make-at-home concoctions. If you’re planning to tackle the dust and dirt in your home this month, here are several options to consider. I’m sure you’ll find a few that are perfect for your home.

Appliances

To maintain the shine on all steel appliances, try Method’s Steel for Real. This polish removes dirt and smudges for a streak-free shine. What’s more, Steel for Real is plant-based and has a pleasant Apple Orchard scent.

Bathroom

Heinen’s Fresh Lemon Bathroom Cleaner is made with plant-derived cleaning agents, contains no dyes and is phosphate-free. It’s safe for septic systems, is not tested on animals and contains no animal ingredients. The Better Life Kitchen and Bath Scrubber can be used in the bathroom, as well.

Heinen’s also offers a Fresh Lemon Toilet Bowl Cleaner that is specially formulated for a concentrated clean.

Another way to deodorize and kill germs in and around a toilet is by using an antibacterial Tea Tree Toilet Scrub. Here’s how:

Homemade Tee Tree Toilet Scrub

Ingredients

• ½ cup baking soda
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• ½ tsp Tea Tree Essential Oil

Instructions

1. Add vinegar and essential oil to a spray bottle.
2. Spray mixture in and on the toilet and let it sit for up to five minutes.
3. Sprinkle baking soda inside the toilet bowl and scrub with a brush.
4. For the mixture outside of the toilet bowl, wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.

Click Here to Print the Instructions for Homemade Tea Tree Toilet Scrub.

Dusting

Guardsman Dusting Cloth is certified asthma and allergy-friendly and removes dust and allergens for effective cleaning. The cloth is reusable and provides an effective clean without any sprays.

Kitchen

Better Life Kitchen and Bath Scrubber is an option that naturally busts grime. It provides a powerful, scratch-free clean that’s safe for kids, pets and the planet. The cream cleaner polishes and protects while blasting grease, grime, gunk, oil, soap scum and water spots. It is a non-toxic, plant and mineral-based cleaner developed from carbonate, coconut, corn and soy.

For the extra sticky areas of grease and grime buildup, try this homemade grease and grime buster.

Homemade Grease and Grime Buster

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. of baking soda
• 1 Tbsp. of coconut oil
• 5 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil (acts as a degreaser)

Instructions

1. Combine baking soda and coconut oil for about two minutes or until well mixed.
2. Add in essential oil and mix for another two minutes.
3. Apply product to affected areas with fingers or a cloth. The buildup will be gone in minutes.

Click Here to Print the Instructions for Homemade Grease and Grime Buster.

Multipurpose

Home Made Simple Multi-Purpose Cleaner comes in Lavender, Lemon and Rosemary scents. The cleaner is ideal for daily use and most hard surfaces, including countertops and coffee tables. Made with plant-based ingredients, Home Made Simple Multi-Purpose Cleaner is formulated without phosphates, dyes, parabens, phthalates or gluten. Note: This product is not ideal for unfinished wood.

J.R. Watkins Aloe & Green Tea All-Purpose Cleaner is a strong and effective chemical-free way to remove dirt and grease. It is made with natural ingredients, is not animal tested and contains no parabens. Other scents include Lavender, Lemon and Ocean Breeze.

For a quick clean, Method’s All-Purpose Naturally Derived Cleaning Wipes are a great option. With the strength of powergreen® technology, the wipes are made with coconut and corn. Scents include Lime + Sea Salt, Pink Grapefruit and French Lavender.

Wood Furniture

Method’s Wood for Good Daily Clean will do the trick to renew wood’s natural luster that’s been hidden all winter. This plant-based, almond-scented cleaner is ideal for daily use.

By Heinen's Grocery Store

In 1929, Joe Heinen opened the doors of a small butcher shop on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio, aiming to establish himself as the city’s purveyor of quality meats. As customers came into Heinen’s new shop for their meat purchases, they began asking him to carry groceries as well. Joe added homemade peanut butter, pickles and donuts and by 1933, business had grown enough to include a line of produce and canned goods. Heinen’s Grocery Store was born.