Who Else Feels the Urge for a Sustainable Spring Clean?
The notion of completely cleaning and organising your home in preparation for Spring has existed for thousands of years for various different cultures. Many of us still consider Spring as the ideal time of the year for a deep clean. We seem to have more energy as the days become longer and we aren't yet affected by the intense heat which Summer brings.
It's also the perfect time to have a look at the collection of cleaning products you currently use and decide whether they align with the way you would like to run your home. Are you shocked at the number of single use plastic bottles you buy? Are you concerned about the toxic chemicals you are spraying? Perhaps you've been keen for an overhaul but have been too busy to give it much thought. There is no better time to rearrange and clean out your household cleaning products. Making just a couple of positive choices can have a big impact on our planet and I think it's safe to say you won't switch back.
1. Choose natural products which have multiple uses to save you money and storage space.
Avoid buying separate cleaners for each room/surface as it's a waste of money. Natural cleaners tend to be suitable for many surfaces and materials because they are less abrasive. Planet Luxe House Cleaner is a natural, toxin free surface spray which can be used on all surfaces all around the house. Made using Australian essential oils such as lemon myrtle and sweet orange to provide a vibrant, zesty and fresh clean.
2. Spray a natural air freshener between cleans.
A spritz of your favourite natural scent between cleans can help remove odours and create a welcoming fresh ambience in your home without nasty chemicals and solvents. Lemon Myrtle Fragrances Air Freshener is a popular Aussie natural deodoriser which also has antibacterial properties to help keep your home clean and fresh. It's completely safe to be used around children, babies and for family members who may be sensitive to irritations from chemicals.
3. Make your own cleaners using essential oils.
Have you ever heard of Tea Tree Toilet cleaner? Lemon grass to remove mould and lemon as a degreaser? Creating your own powerful natural home cleaners couldn't be easier by adding drops of specific blends to bottles of vinegar and/or water. It sounds like hard work but once you gets started, you will be blown away with the power of pure essential oils. You could also create fresheners to pop in your wardrobe to deter aroma and create ambience. Add some baking soda mixed with a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a mason jar which will fit in your cup holder and select a blend you will benefit from such as blend for focus or concentration.
4. When decluttering consider whether each item could be donated or recycled?
If your unwanted items are in good condition and in working order, try to donate them or sell them rather than throwing them out. Donate to your local Op Shop or check with local charities who may collect electrical items and furniture etc. If your council collects household waste then check where it all goes before deciding what to add to the pile. Many council collections are sent directly to landfill and you may not realise. Local Facebook buy, swap and sell sites are fabulous tools to use. As the expression goes "one man's junk is another man's treasure".
5. Choose biodegradable cleaning tools
Our eco conscious brands are selling biodegradable dish brushes, wipes, bags, sponges and kitchen paper. Choosing these items is a simple way to reduce landfill waste as we often use these items fleetingly and throw them away regularly. Retrokitchen's dish cloths are biodegradable and there are so many fun designs to choose from. Safix scrub pads are made from coconut fibre and are 100% biodegradable and compostable, and Twist Naked Sponge's are plant based, very reasonably priced and are also biodegradable and compostable.
6. Look for simple refill options you can commit to
Resparkle's hand wash, laundry powder and home cleaners are made using highly concentrated formulas and so are a great way to make sustainable choice and save yourself money with each use. Simply add the powder to their glass bottle dispenser or any container you already own, add warm water and swirl around. Their refill sachets are sold in compostable packaging so you can say goodbye to single use plastic bottles and refills forever!
