Spring has sprung and everyone is starting or has started their spring cleaning activities. This year, we want to be a bit more mindful about our spring cleaning and make it more sustainable. Here are some tips for how to spring clean in a sustainable way.
Why is it called spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning is the same as a deep clean, so why is it called spring cleaning? Here in the UK, spring is sometimes the first time in months that it is sunny enough and warm enough to put washing out onto the line. This makes it the natural time of year to do a ‘spring clean’.
A spring clean can include additional cleaning activities that you might not do every day. Your spring cleaning checklist will include tasks like:
- Dusting & cleaning all the ceilings, walls and floors
- Cleaning carpets & washing curtains
- Cleaning windows & sills
- Disinfecting all surfaces
- Deep cleaning the oven
- Washing & storing warm bedding
- Checking fire and carbon monoxide alarms
Sustainable swaps for your usual spring cleaning products
To make your home more sustainable, consider some sustainable swaps for your usual cleaning agents.
Delphis eco glass cleaner 
Genesis Biosciences Evogen range 
Bio-D laundry liquids
Delphis Eco is a B-Corp that makes antibacterial kitchen and bathroom cleaners, oven cleaners, appliance descalers, window sprays, and floor cleaners. They even make a BBQ hero cleaner, in case you are ready for summer barbecues. Delphis Eco products are plant-based, biodegradable and environmentally friendly. They were the pioneers of 100% recycled plastic bottles, made here in the UK. Buy Delphis Eco products online from their website.
Genesis Biosciences have developed a range of cleaning products under the name Evogen including appliance descalers, bathroom, carpet, floor, drain and hard surface cleaners. They produce odour neutralisers that are perfect if you have a pet owner. You can buy their products in online outlets (search Evogen). All the products include eco-benign chemistry, which is easily biodegradable, safe and non-toxic.
Bio-D is also a B-Corp producing cleaning products from ethically sourced ingredients supplied in 100% recycled packaging. The products are 100% vegan and cruelty free. They make window and surface cleaners, furniture polish, laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids, hand soaps, bathroom and toilet cleaners, limescale removers, rubber gloves, bin bags and more. Buy products online or in stockists around the UK (including Oxfam shops).
Reuse & recycle
While you are working on these spring cleaning tasks, it can be a good time to reassess your home and make a plan for clearing out and redecorating. Reuse as much as you can, even if it means you have to totally reinvent an item.
We are always going to recommend that you recycle as much as you possibly can from your spring clearout. Hold a garage sale, give the items to a local charity, use websites like freecycle, use social media and give items away to local families, etc. Donate old furniture to a charity, who will often come and collect it.
Why should you spring clean?
Spring cleaning can be good for you in more ways than one. It can feel good to declutter your surroundings. If you can make some simple sustainable swaps and use cleaning products that are non-toxic and not harmful to the environment, you can help do your bit for the planet while you are cleaning your home. And finally, donating or recycling as much as you can will keep your unwanted goods from going to landfill.
Find sustainable suppliers of cleaning products & homewares in our sustainable directory.
