Spring has sprung! Suddenly getting the urge to declutter, organize, and refresh? We're sharing our top 5 non-toxic cleaning tips that are better for you, your family, and our planet.
1. Ditch the harsh chemicals
Make the switch to a non-toxic cleaner for all your surfaces. We love Branch Basics, their Multi-Purpose concentrate does it all PLUS it's cruelty free, biodegradable, fragrance free, and plant based. If you want to opt for a DIY version, try a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. To counteract the vinegar smell, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mix. This natural cleaning solution works great on sinks, glass, faucets, and countertops (*be sure to patch test on a hidden area first).
2. Declutter and donate your clothes
Start by clearing out your closet, vacuuming, and wiping down any surfaces. Next, go through each piece and decide if you want to keep or donate to a local charity. Some of our favorite local organizations to donate to are Crisis Assistance Ministry and Dress for Success Charlotte. Did you know that the U.S alone sends nearly 21 billion pounds of textiles to the landfill each year? Donating clothes is a great way to give back to your local community and help keep perfectly good clothing out of the landfill.
Another option for de-cluttering is finding your local Buy Nothing Group. These local community groups, not limited to just clothing, allow you to "give where you live". Simply post what you want to find a new home for and your neighbors can claim the item and come pick it up. It's a great way to give new life to your belongings and be connected with your neighborhood.
3. Get some fresh air
With the weather getting warmer it's the perfect time to open up the windows and let in some fresh air. According to the EPA, levels of indoor air pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels, and in some cases, much higher due to dust, dander, air fresheners, cleaning supplies, and many other VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). While having indoor plants can help purify the air, nothing beats fresh air from outside. If you want to take your air purification game to the next level consider getting an air purifier for your home. Our favorite is Air Doctor which captures particles as small as 0.003 microns including, pollen, dust mites, bacteria, mold, and smoke.
4. Drop the duster
Standard dusters may trap some dust, but the majority of dust and dirt just gets kicked up into the air and spread around. Not only can this cause allergies to flare up, but you'll also likely have to sweep or vacuum the dust that falls onto the ground. Save yourself the headache and opt for a reusable wet microfiber cloth. Microfiber cloths are durable, soft on delicate surfaces, and act like a magnet for dirt and dust.
5. Remove your shoes
Did you know that a study by researchers at the University of Arizona found that the average shoe sole is covered with 421,000 bacteria and that 90 percent of those bacteria transfer directly to a clean tile floor on first contact? EEK! Get in the habit of taking your shoes off at the door and get a tray or shoe rack to keep things organized. In addition to leaving the bacteria at the door, you also won't have to worry about dirt and mud being tracked around the house.