As the flowers bloom and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to embrace the tradition of spring cleaning. With search volumes for “when does Spring start?” soaring by 213%, it’s evident that the urge to declutter and refresh our spaces is contagious. Spring signifies a fresh start, a time to shake off the remnants of winter and welcome the new with open arms, with nine in ten British families participating in this annual tradition.
With environmental concerns making headlines daily, a spring clean is an opportunity to embrace eco-friendly practices that benefit both your home and the planet. With this in mind, the experts at iWardrobes have shared their top tips for an eco-friendly spring clean.
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Top tips for an eco-friendly spring clean and the health benefits
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Declutter Mindfully
Before diving into your spring cleaning spree, take a mindful approach to decluttering. Evaluate each item in your wardrobe and ask yourself if it truly serves a purpose or brings you joy. Donate gently used clothing to local charities, use platforms such as Vinted, Depop or eBay or organise a clothes swap with friends to give your garments a new life.
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Embrace Natural Cleaning Products
Swap out chemical-laden cleaning products for eco-friendly alternatives. Opt for natural ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, which are effective at cleaning while being gentle on the environment. Using homemade cleaning solutions reduces your reliance on harsh chemicals, contributing to a healthier indoor environment and minimising your environmental impact.
All-purpose vinegar DIY cleaning solution
This all-purpose cleaner is versatile and can be used on various surfaces. However, avoid using vinegar-based cleaners on natural stone surfaces like marble or granite.
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Ingredients: 1 part distilled white vinegar, 1 part water, and essential oils (such as lemon, lavender, or tea tree) for fragrance and additional cleaning power
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Instructions: In a clean spray bottle, combine equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water. Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil(s) to the mixture. Secure the spray bottle cap tightly and shake well to blend the ingredients thoroughly
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Benefits: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and antimicrobial agent, making it effective at killing germs and bacteria on surfaces
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Repair and Upcycle
Before discarding damaged clothing, consider if it can be repaired or upcycled – we recommend learning basic sewing skills to mend tears or replace missing buttons. Get creative with upcycling old garments into new pieces or accessories, giving them a fresh lease on life and reducing waste.
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Invest in Quality Pieces
When refreshing your wardrobe for the spring season, prioritise quality over quantity. Invest in timeless, well-made garments that are designed to last. Look for sustainable materials such as organic cotton, linen, or recycled fibres, which have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional fabrics.
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Organise with Sustainability in Mind:
When organising your wardrobe, opt for sustainable storage solutions. Choose bamboo or recycled plastic hangers instead of traditional wire hangers. Utilise natural materials like cotton or canvas for storage bins and baskets. By selecting eco-friendly organisational tools, you can keep your space tidy while minimising environmental impact.
Unlocking Health Benefits Through Eco-Friendly Cleaning
In the quest for a spotless home, the choice of cleaning products isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about helping your well-being too. Conventional cleaners often pack a punch of harsh chemicals that can jeopardise respiratory health and overall wellness. There is also little evidence showing that traditional chemical cleaners outperform eco-friendly alternatives. In reality, certain biodegradable cleaners outperform in specific areas, with a reduced risk of surface damage.
Crafted from natural ingredients, eco-friendly cleaning products redefine the standard for household cleanliness. By ditching harsh chemicals commonly found in traditional cleaners, these eco-conscious alternatives minimise exposure to harmful substances, reducing the risk of skin irritation, respiratory issues, and pesky allergic reactions. What’s more, their formula emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring your indoor air quality gets a boost, fostering a healthier living environment.
For households with little ones and furry friends, the switch to eco-friendly cleaning is even more impactful. With gentler compositions, these products pose minimal risks to vulnerable individuals, safeguarding against accidental ingestion or exposure to toxic substances. Plus, they’re kinder to your skin, alleviating concerns about dryness, irritation, or pesky dermatitis that often accompany harsh chemical formulations.
Anna, spokesperson at iWardrobes, shares their insights on why a spring clean should always be a more eco-conscious event:
“Spring cleaning is a tradition that symbolises renewal and rejuvenation. It’s a chance to shake off the dust of winter and breathe new life into our homes. By decluttering, organising, and deep cleaning, we create space for positive energy and a fresh start.
Engaging in eco-friendly cleaning practices isn’t just about preserving the planet; it’s about creating healthier living spaces for ourselves and our loved ones. Eco-friendly cleaning products are made from natural ingredients so are far less likely to cause allergic reactions. By opting for natural cleaning solutions, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also alleviate hay fever symptoms, create a more pet-friendly environment, and unlock a variety of health benefits.
By ditching harsh chemicals and opting for greener alternatives, we can reduce our environmental impact while keeping our homes safe and healthy for our families. Plus, embracing eco-friendly practices during spring cleaning ensures that we’re preserving our natural resources and playing a role in combating climate change.”