Our Top 5 Cleaning Hacks for a Sustainable Home

Most of us know that keeping our homes clean and well-maintained helps prevent respiratory issues and the spread of germs and viruses. However, adopting healthier routines, like making our own natural cleaning products, creates a more sustainable home by reducing chemical exposure and waste. Consider incorporating a few cleaning hacks to enhance your mental and physical well-being.  

1. Use Homemade, Natural Cleaning Products 

One way to minimize the use of harsh chemicals in your home is to create DIY cleaning products, enhanced with a few drops of essential oils to suit your personal preferences. 

Lemon and Vinegar All-Purpose Cleaner 

Use a 2:1 ratio of water to vinegar. Add the juice of half a lemon and the rind to your reusable spray bottle to offset the vinegar’s strong odor. 

Lemon’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties and vinegar’s acidity create an effective disinfectant that breaks down grease, soap scum, and stains while deodorizing your home. 

Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner 

A 1:1 ratio of water to peroxide in a reusable spray bottle provides a stronger cleaning solution than the vinegar mix. The peroxide cleaner is suitable for bathroom countertops and toilet seats. You can also add lemon to enhance the scent. 

The following are a few important notes for peroxide cleaner. 

• Let the peroxide solution sit on the surface for a few minutes before wiping it off. 

• Use two separate bottles for the peroxide and vinegar mixtures. Combined, they form the irritating and corrosive peracetic acid. 

• Use a brown bottle for the peroxide solution and store it in a dark place to reduce decomposition. 

Multi-Use Baking Soda 

Extending beyond its properties as a leavening agent in baked goods, baking soda provides a versatile, nontoxic alternative to harsh store-bought cleaning products. 

Baking Soda Paste 

Combine baking soda and water, creating a thick paste (approximately a 1:1 ratio). Use as a mild abrasive cleaner, stain remover, and degreaser. 

• As a mild abrasive: The baking soda paste effectively cleans sinks and tubs without damaging the surface. 

• As a stain remover: Apply the paste to stains on clothing and home textiles. Let it to sit for several hours or overnight, allowing the baking soda to absorb the substance. Launder items that can go in the washer. Vacuum and use a mild detergent to spot clean upholstery and carpets. 

• As a degreaser: Use the paste to degrease the stovetop and oven. Apply the mixture and let it sit until it breaks down to a powder. 

Baking Soda Deodorizer 

Sprinkle baking soda on mattresses, upholstery, and carpets to neutralize odors. Vacuum after 15-30 minutes. 

2. Use Repurposed and Recycled Cleaning Tools 

Replacing mass-produced and environmentally harmful cleaning tools with repurposed and recycled products helps create a sustainable home environment. 

Replace Single-Use Paper Towels with Recycled Clothing and Home Textiles 

Paper towels are an accepted and convenient staple in most homes. However, you can reduce waste by selecting recycled paper towels rather than those made from traditional virgin pulp.  

Alternatively, cut up and repurpose worn natural fiber clothing, sheets, and towels to dust and clean surfaces rather than opting for a single-use paper towel. Recycled textiles can be laundered and reused. 

Select Sustainable Products 

Choose cleaning tools made from sustainable natural fibers and recycled materials.  

Sustainable Natural Fibers 

Tools made from readily available natural fibers, such as bamboo, sisal, walnut shells, and coconut coir, provide an effective, sustainable alternative to mass-produced synthetic materials. Products made from natural fibers may include: 

• Broom bristles 

• Cleaning pads 

• Scrub brushes  

Recycled Materials 

Recycled plastics and microfiber products minimize waste and conserve energy. The following products are also commonly offered with recycled alternatives: 

• Broom and mop handles 

• Broom bristles 

• Buckets 

• Microfiber cloths and mop heads 

• Biodegradable trash bags 

3. Maintain a Decluttered Environment 

Without repurposing the soapbox, it’s important to note the direct relationship a cluttered and disorganized home has on your state of mind and general well-being. 

• Reduced productivity 

• Added stress and anxiety 

• Difficulty focusing 

• Increased accident risk 

• Increased allergen-related illnesses 

• Higher probability of insect and rodent infestations

Consider applying a few basic guidelines to help manage the process. 

Sort Into Four Piles 

• Donate/Give Away: If you haven’t used something for at least six months, it’s time to share the wealth. Donate items that are in good condition to your favorite charity. Likewise, ask friends and relatives if they have any use for and would like specific pieces.  

• Sell: Consider selling current and gently used clothing through a local consignment shop or an online platform. Organize a garage or yard sale to recoup some of your investment in household and personal items. 

• Repurpose: In addition to repurposing textiles, you can use many other household items, for example: 

• Plastic water bottles: Rinse out plastic water or soda bottles and create a plant drip system by piercing small holes in the cap. Fill the bottle with the appropriate level of water, screw the lid back on, and insert it lid-side down into the soil of a potted plant for a slow-drip system.  

• Glass and plastic jars: Organize a plethora of items in reusable containers, including spices, buttons, nails, screws, and pantry essentials. 

• Carabiners: Easily organize reusable grocery bags, hair ties, belts, and wrenches on carabiners.

• Trash: If it’s time for the trash pile, then so be it. Sort this category into appropriate recycling piles before committing to the trash bin. 

4. Use a Natural Alternative to Dryer Sheets 

Dryer sheets reduce static cling and add a pleasant scent to our clothing, sheets, and towels. However, they’ve also been known to contain unhealthy chemicals that can negatively impact your health and indoor air quality. 

Consider using a natural alternative like a wool dryer ball that bounces with your clothes throughout the drying process, reducing static cling. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a fresh scent. 

5. Enhance Indoor Air Quality 

Follow a few simple routines to help keep your home free of allergens and pollutants. 

• Depending on the outdoor air quality, open windows and allow fresh air to circulate, improving ventilation and removing indoor pollutants and moisture. 

• Dust and vacuum regularly. 

• Clean the dryer lint trap after each use   

• Regularly clean the dryer vent, range filter, and air ducts. 

• Schedule routine HVAC maintenance service.  

Let Crystal Clean Vents Help You Create a Sustainable Home 

Crystal Clean Vents has provided our Utah neighbors with more than 25 years of expert service. Contact a professional member of our team for assistance with improving your home’s indoor air quality. Reach out through our online service request or call (801) 561-0924.