Spring Cleaning? Pay Attention to Your Cleaners

If you are cleaning with conventional products, you may want to think twice. Many of these cleaners have toxic or harmful ingredients that can pose a risk to you or your family’s health.

Here are some common cleaners to avoid and what to reach for instead.

Household Cleaners With Toxic Ingredients

Air fresheners are one broad category of household cleaners to avoid. Air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds that can lead to headaches, memory impairment or even nervous system damage.

General cleaners like surface or floor cleaners can also contain dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde (otherwise known as formalin), triethanolamine or sulfuric acid, among others. These chemicals can become volatile, leading to coughing, headaches, or burning in the eyes and throat. Use of these products in the long term can lead to severe health risks.

Not only can these chemicals have a harmful effect by themselves, but if you accidentally combine them, they can become lethal. If at all possible, it is best to avoid using these chemicals so you don’t even run the risk of an accident.

Safe but Effective Alternatives

There are a lot of effective cleaning alternatives on the market, as well as a variety of DIY cleaners.

Look for any product marketed as all natural. A commonly used all-purpose cleaner is Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap, which can be used for almost any cleaning task, from hands to countertops and laundry. Other popular brands include Seventh Generation, AspenClean, Aunt Fannie’s, and Attitude.

There are also options if you want to avoid chemicals or store-bought products completely. According to Wellness Mama, you can make your own cleaners using different combinations of vinegar, baking soda, water, and lemon for most cleaning tasks. Not only are these ingredients safe, they can make you house smell so much better than a bunch of chemicals will.

Our Best Spring Cleaning Tips

One of the biggest reasons for an annual spring clean is to eliminate the stagnant odor resulting from reduced ventilation during winter. According to Dimensions, using bright citrus scents can make a perfect choice for a kitchen, bathroom, sunroom, or living room as they will quickly freshen up the space.

Clutter can also make a space appear less clean. Take some time to sort through closets and drawers, not only to make sure you are only keeping things you truly need, but also to ensure everything has a place. Dividers and drawer organizers can help with this process as well.

Finally, don’t forget about cleaning the walls and windows. Floors and countertops are easy to clean, but dust can also settle on the walls and windows. Using a damp towel to clean these surfaces can help make your home appear cleaner.

With these cleaners and tips in hand, all that’s left is to do a deep clean of your home to prepare it for spring and summer.

If you have finished your cleaning and you think your home needs a facelift, reach out to us! We can help you with any of your painting and cabinet needs.