Spring cleaning season is upon us—and while you might be tempted to stock up on sprays, wipes, and magic erasers, we’re here to suggest something a little greener (and way less single-use). Because cleaning your home shouldn’t mean trashing the planet.
With just a few simple swaps and some eco-friendly elbow grease, you can deep clean your space and your carbon footprint. So open those windows, crank your favorite playlist, and let’s turn your spring refresh into a zero-waste glow-up.
Bye-Bye Plastic, Hello Reusables
Let’s start with the basics: if your cleaning arsenal still includes rolls of paper towels and a rainbow of plastic bottles, there’s room for a more sustainable shine. One of the easiest ways to cut down on waste? Swap disposables for reusables.
Enter: UNpaper® Towels. These soft, absorbent cloth towels roll up just like the paper kind—without ending up in the landfill. They’re machine washable, endlessly reusable, and honestly kind of addictive. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Tackle surfaces with a Washable Sponge or Reusable Duster instead of single-use wipes. They’ll make your baseboards sparkle and your conscience squeaky clean.
DIY Cleaners That Don’t Stink (Literally)
Store-bought cleaning sprays might smell like “Ocean Breeze,” but they often hide synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals behind that seafoam-green label. And don’t get us started on the plastic packaging.
Making your own all-purpose cleaner is easier than folding a fitted sheet. Combine equal parts vinegar and water, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (hello, lemon and lavender), and boom: a powerful, planet-friendly solution in a reusable spray bottle. Bonus points if you reuse a bottle you already have.
Need something stronger? Baking soda is your best friend for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and stovetops. Just mix it with a little water to form a paste, and you’ve got a natural abrasive that’s tough on grime but gentle on the Earth.
Tidy Up Like You Mean It
We’re not saying you have to KonMari your entire life, but a thoughtful decluttering session can work wonders—not just for your space, but for your mindset. The key is to be intentional about where your stuff goes once it leaves your closet.
Instead of trashing unwanted items, consider donating clothes, household goods, and books to local shelters, mutual aid groups, or community pantries. For things that are too worn out to donate, look for textile recycling programs or creative reuse centers in your area.
Oh, and don’t forget your cleaning supplies! Those old, stained T-shirts you were about to toss? Cut them into rags. A mug with a chipped rim? Instant caddy for your scrub brushes. Repurposing is the unsung hero of low-waste living.
A Clean Sweep of Sustainable Swaps
If you’re looking for simple swaps to give your cleaning routine a spring refresh without the trash, here’s your go-to list:
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Swap paper towels → Try reusable UNpaper® Towels for everything from spills to dusting
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Swap single-use wipes → Use Washable Sponges or rags made from old fabric
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Swap synthetic sprays → Mix your own DIY cleaners in a reusable spray bottle
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Swap plastic scrubbers → Try a compostable brush with natural bristles
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Swap trash bags → Use compostable liners, reusable liners, or opt for a no-bag bin if possible
None of these changes are hard, but together? They’re transformational. For your home and the planet.
Spring Clean the Air, Too
One of the most overlooked areas of spring cleaning? Indoor air quality. Synthetic candles, aerosol sprays, and plug-in fresheners may promise a clean scent—but many actually pollute your air with VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Swap them out for natural alternatives. Simmer orange peels and cloves on the stove, diffuse essential oils, or crack a window for the OG air freshener: fresh air.
Houseplants are another MVP. Snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies all help filter indoor air naturally—and they look fab while doing it.
The Laundry Load Nobody Talks About
You’ve decluttered your closet, wiped down every surface, and now you’re staring at a mountain of linens. Let’s talk about how to make your laundry routine just as fresh and low-impact.
Use a concentrated, low-waste detergent in a refillable container, like Meliora or Blueland. If you’re doing smaller loads (we see you, dog blanket and bathrobe), toss in a Drying Mat to air-dry your sponges and wipes at the same time.
And don’t forget: washing with cold water saves energy and keeps fabrics lasting longer. Just one small change that makes a big difference.
Scraps Happen
Spring cleaning often means fridge cleanouts, expired pantry goods, and “Wait, when did I buy this?” moments. Before you toss that wilted kale or moldy bread, consider whether it can be composted instead.
If you’re new to composting, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered in our From Scraps to Soil blog coming soon. Until then, a simple countertop container or a Mini Reusable Trash Bag To Go makes a great place to collect compostable food scraps until you’re ready to take them out.
You can also check if your city offers green bin pickup, or drop off scraps at a local community garden. It’s one more way to make your spring refresh feel full-circle.
Clean Isn’t Just a Look—It’s a Lifestyle
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean harsh chemicals, plastic everything, or armfuls of trash bags. With the right mindset and a few trusty reusables, you can clean your home and clear your eco-conscience.
So this year, don’t just scrub and sweep—savor the satisfaction of knowing your space is fresh, functional, and future-friendly. Light a soy candle, pour yourself some herbal tea, and admire your sparkling, sustainable sanctuary. You earned it.
