3 minute read
Spring Cleaning The Sustainable Way
Garrett Dietz
Garrett Dietz is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
Spring sunshine means the start of longer, warmer days. For many of us, it also illuminates the clutter that has settled into our homes during the cold winter months.
If seeing dust particles dance through early spring sunbeams isn’t your definition of a good time, this article is for you. Make your spring cleaning more sustainable and dive into the joys of a cleaner, greener home in six easy steps.
1. Repurpose household items
Most people overlook household essentials with secret double identities as cleaning products. Remember that worn-down toothbrush? It’s perfect for cleaning shoes, grout or other small, detailed objects. You can give old towels and T-shirts a second life as cleaning rags. And you can reuse those online shopping boxes you’ve saved since the holidays as storage containers.
2. Find sustainable alternatives to disposal
Buy reusable mop heads, dryer balls and other long-term cleaning tools to prevent waste. Cleaning is about removing the junk around your home — don’t create more waste by purchasing single-use items. Also, consider donating items like gently used clothes, toys, tools or cutlery. Your donations divert waste from Wisconsin’s landfills and help provide affordable items for members of your community.
3. Try something new
Reduce chemical use by incorporating nontoxic and contemporary cleaning methods into your repertoire. Simple substitutes include vinegar, which can kill E. coli and salmonella; hydrogen peroxide, which sanitizes, disinfects and deodorizes; baking soda, which doesn’t scratch surfaces; and castile soap, which lifts dirt and grime.
4. Use natural scent-makers
Ditch the floral candles and pine-scented plug-ins and add the real deal to your living spaces. Fresh-cut boughs, potted plants, flowers and citrus slices are all-natural (and compostable) ways to make your home smell fresh all year. You can even make a simmer pot with citrus or cinnamon to take it to the next level!
5. Swap responsibly
For most messes, some combination of soap, water, baking soda or vinegar usually does the trick. But sometimes, extra-stubborn stains need industrial-strength solutions. It’s OK to use traditional cleaning products when needed, but know how to store, use and dispose of them. Which leads us to our final tip …
6. Properly dispose of chemicals
Keep chemicals out of the reach of children, and never dump them on your lawn or down the drain. If you have old cleaners, pesticides, stains or paints around your house and aren’t sure what to do with them, ask the experts at your local waste collection facility or bring them to a local Household Hazardous Waste Collection location or “Clean Sweep” event. Learn more at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/1406.
Make Your Own Green Cleaner
Make an at-home stain-fighting solution with this soft-scrubbing formula from Waukesha County Recycling and Solid Waste. You will need:
½ cup baking soda
2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
Combine all parts and add water until the cleaner reaches your desired consistency.
You can store the creamy mixture in any sealed container for up to two years. It’s excellent for cleaning the kitchen or bathroom and is tough on grease! Apply with a damp cloth for maximum cleaning power.
