Healthy Spring Cleaning
By Ayla Kanber, Earth Forward Group
Published May 23, 2023. Updated April 30, 2024.
Now that spring is here, it is the perfect time to refresh our homes and clear away the clutter that has accumulated over the winter months. While many traditional cleaning products seem effective overall, they often contain harsh and toxic chemicals that can harm both our health and the environment.
Photo by Precious Plastic Melbourne on Unsplash
The Adverse Effects of Traditional Cleaning Products
Traditional cleaning products contain a large group of chemicals called volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, that are adverse to health–especially when used indoors. Once these chemicals are in our homes, they are released or “off-gas” into the indoor air we breathe. This happens regardless of whether or not we are able to smell the chemicals that are harmful to us. Inhaling even small amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over an extended period can potentially elevate the health risks for certain individuals. Research indicates that individuals with asthma or heightened chemical sensitivity may experience exacerbated symptoms due to exposure to VOCs. Additionally, because VOCs refer to a group of chemicals, individual chemicals may have different levels of toxicity and cause different health effects.
Brief exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can lead to temporary health issues such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and aggravation of asthma symptoms. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to VOCs can result in more serious health consequences, including the development of cancer, harm to the liver and kidneys, and damage to the central nervous system.
Image Source
Conventional cleaning products also have a range of detrimental environmental effects. These include the pollution of water sources, the emission of air pollutants, excessive energy consumption leading to a significant carbon footprint, substantial environmental degradation due to raw material extraction, the generation of waste from single-use plastic packaging, and posing health hazards to wildlife upon improper disposal.
The world is creating more single-use plastic waste than ever, report finds — Image Source
While we recommend everyone use natural cleaning products (as described in the next section), you may still choose to finish out the remaining products you already have. If you continue to use cleaning products that have VOCs for your spring cleaning, it is highly recommended that you increase ventilation by opening doors and windows–using fans to maximize air circulation from outside. The EPA also recommends these steps be taken if you want to reduce your exposure to VOCs while using traditional cleaning products:
Meet or exceed any label precautions.
Do not store opened containers of unused paints and similar materials indoors.
Identify, and if possible, remove the source.
If not possible to remove, reduce exposure by using a sealant on all exposed surfaces of paneling and other furnishings.
Use integrated pest management techniques to reduce the need for pesticides.
Use household products according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Make sure you provide plenty of fresh air when using these products.
Throw away unused or little-used containers safely; buy in quantities that you will use soon.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Never mix household care products unless directed on the label.
Natural Cleaning Products
It is best to steer away from using conventional cleaning products entirely and instead use natural cleaning alternatives or products that are truly organic, nontoxic, and better for the environment. There are better ways to achieve a sparkling clean home without compromising our well-being or the planet. Finding environmentally friendly cleaning products can pose a challenge due to the absence of federal regulations mandating ingredient disclosure on product packaging. Moreover, consumer advocacy groups often struggle to keep pace with the constant influx of new products, making it harder to provide comprehensive guidance to eco-conscious shoppers.
One of the simplest ways to source healthier cleaning products is to make them yourself. For example, one of the best known natural cleaning products are regular white vinegar and baking soda, with a little lemon or orange thrown in.
Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon/lime make some of the best natural cleaning products that you can DIY at home — Image Source
Vinegar, a truly versatile cleaning agent, proves its effectiveness against a wide range of surfaces, combatting grease, stains, and odors. By mixing equal parts vinegar and water, you can concoct a multi-purpose cleaning solution. When confronted with stubborn stains and unpleasant odors, baking soda shines as an abrasive cleaner. Just combine it with water to form a paste, ready to be applied and scrubbed onto surfaces. Harnessing the natural bleaching power of lemon juice, you can remove stains and invigorate dull surfaces. Mix it with water to create a potent solution, perfect for revitalizing cutting boards, countertops, and many other surfaces. Additionally, by infusing a few drops of your preferred essential oils into your cleaning solutions, you can infuse your living spaces with a fresh fragrance while benefiting from their inherent antimicrobial properties.
If you prefer not to make your own cleaning solutions, here are some green products that you can purchase in the store or online:
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser — An all-purpose cleaner that can be used as a scrubbing powder when you need something stronger than baking soda.
Meliora Cleaning Products Gentle Home Cleaning Scrub — A gentle cleaning scrub that can be used as an all-purpose cleaner.
Better Life All‐Purpose Cleaner — A plant-based all‐purpose spray.
Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap — An all-purpose cleaner that can be diluted.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Basil Scent Multi‐Surface Everyday Cleaner — An all-purpose cleaner.
Citra Solv Multi‐Purpose Spray — An all-purpose cleaner that is especially effective at removing grease.
Branch Basics Concentrate — An all-purpose cleaner that can be diluted.
ATTITUDE Nature + Hypoallergenic Baby Bottle and Dishwashing Liquid
White House Foods Cleaning Vinegar — An all-purpose cleaner that can be diluted.
JAWS Hardwood Floor Cleaner Bottle with 2 Refill Pods — Organic and reusable.
Biokleen Bac‐Out Stain Remover — One of the best natural fabric cleaners.
Full Circle Come Clean Natural Cleaning Set — A set of DIY supplies to make your own cleaning products.
Empty Amber Glass Spray Bottles with Labels (2 Pack) — A set of reusable spray bottles that keeps UV rays from degrading your natural cleaning products.
Norpro Natural Sponges Pop‐Up — Natural sponges that are just as effective as metal bristle brushes.
Scotch‐Brite Greener Clean Natural Fiber Non‐Scratch Scrub Sponge — TIP! Damp sponges can be placed in the microwave for 30 seconds to help disinfect and make them last longer.
It is important to prioritize your health and well-being by using natural and eco-friendly cleaning alternatives like the ones listed above. You can provide a healthier living environment for yourself and your loved ones while reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable world. Embrace a greener approach to spring cleaning, and let us pave the way towards a brighter, healthier, and more eco-friendly future.