There really is no better way to usher in spring than by giving your home a good spring cleaning and for us, that means a good spring GREEN cleaning. Before you roll up your sleeves and get started, make sure you have the supplies you need to not only get your home clean but to keep it healthy. Here are our suggestions for the tools and products you need for spring green cleaning.
The Tools:
- Microfiber Cloths & Broom: In addition to being a great product for removing dust, microfiber cloths & brooms are also known to remove allergens and bacteria. The cloths and broom head can easily be washed and reused, making them a great addition to your cleaning arsenal.
- Reusable Mop: Not that we don’t love the convenience of disposable brands, but you cannot beat the earth-friendliness of a reusable mop. Look for mop heads made from plant-based fibers that are free of dyes and plastics. After you’re done, you can wash them in your washing machine and hang them out to air dry.
- Stainless Steel Bucket: We recommend having a couple of buckets on hand since you can use them for all sorts of general cleaning projects. We recommend stainless steel buckets, which will not only last longer but are easier to carry around.
- Drying Rack or Clothesline: These may seem like odd objects to include in your cleaning supply closet, but a drying rack or clothesline will do wonders for your green cleaning efforts. In addition to using them to air dry your clothes, hang your rugs, drapes, and bedding outside for a clean air breeze.
The Products:
- Baking Soda: A must-have product for it can be used to freshen up carpet and rugs (just sprinkle on your carpet, let sit for 10 minutes & then vacuum), remove stains and alleviate odors from your kitchen. Read: 10 Reasons Why Lemon and Baking Soda Are All You Need under the Sink
- Lemons or Lemon Juice: Lemon juice can be used in a variety of ways to remove dirt and rust stains on numerous surfaces throughout the home. Read: Cleaning with Lemon: 10 Surprising Ways to Make Your Home Sparkle
- Olive Oil: Great product for hydrating wood or minimizing scratches, olive oil can also be used as a furniture polish when mixed with lemon juice. Read: Clean Your House With Olive Oil
- Vinegar: What can’t you do with vinegar? Vinegar helps cut through everything from tarnish to soap scum and actually stops some bacteria—such as E. coli—from growing on your surfaces. Read: 10 Creative Ways to Clean with Vinegar
- Borax: If you need to kill mold and fungus—we’re talking to you bathroom tubs and toilets—borax is your primary ingredient. Read: 25 Household Uses for Borax
- Salt: Scouring a pan or counter surface? Salt is one of your best options. Mixed with other products such as lemon juice or vinegar, salt becomes a great way to get rid of tough stains and mineral deposits. Read: 20 Household Things You Can Do with Salt
While we always recommend having the above products on hand, you can also use some of our eco-friendly cleaners to help with your spring cleaning efforts. Better yet, check out our residential cleaning services and have us do all the work for you while you enjoy the great spring weather.
Talk to us: What must-have cleaning tools and products do you always have on hand?
photo credit: Susy Morris via flickr/ CC BY-NC 2.0