5 eco-friendly tips for spring cleaning

Here are five green cleaning tips to get you started.

1. Declutter responsibly

One of the most rewarding parts of spring cleaning is getting rid of the clutter! You know the rule: if you haven’t worn or used it for a year, it’s time to let it go. Rather than allowing your unwanted clothing or items to go to landfill, consider donating them to charities, selling them online or getting involved with clothes swapping events.

2. Get those spring outfits clean without wasting energy

Getting your clothes and household items in perfect shape for spring is the next part of the process. However, the hot water used in making this happen is a big contributor to greenhouse gases and a cost on your energy bill. Consider green additions to your home this year. The Sanden Eco® Plus Hot Water Heat Pump System uses a natural refrigerant which is ozone friendly and does not contribute to global warming, and could help you save up to 80% on your hot water energy bill.

3. Dry clothes on the washing line

The next step is ensuring your clean items are dry. In spring there is no excuse for a dryer if you have a washing line. This simple step will save you money and have a positive impact on the environment.

4. Use eco-friendly and natural products

Throughout this process, look out for supermarket products that have ‘biodegradable’, or ‘non-toxic’ labels. You can also consider natural cleaners such as white vinegar which is great for cleaning glass, and lemon which polishes stainless steel well. 

5. Consider reusable items for cleaning

Instead of using endless amounts of paper towel, buy a bag of washable cloths that you can use again. This means you can clean up mess without more trees being sacrificed.

This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.

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