Yes, spring is here + so are the annoying allergens winter left behind. The bitter cold drives people + pets indoors, where all that ‘coziness’ + lack of fresh air create a breeding ground for icky air. When allergens abound, air quality plummets. (+ we won’t even mention the dust/dirt/clutter build-up during darker, mustier months.)
But hope springs eternal! ‘tis the perfect season to tidy up + eliminate allergens + do something good for yourself, your family, + the planet (yay, yay + yay!). Here are a few ways to add eco-friendly habits into your regular housekeeping routines.
1. Why DIY? To concoct a safer way to clean
Something smells funny. Traditional cleaners often work efficiently in the fight against dirt + grime. But they’re also often full of toxic chemicals (that we don't believe in!) That these make products potentially harmful to you, your family + the environment.
Want natural ingredients you can trust for a green spring clean? Baking soda, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, + olive oil are safe + effective for household use:
Sparkle: mix vinegar + water to clean glass + mop floors
Scrub: add baking soda to above combo when tackling kitchen/bathroom surfaces
Shine: mix equal parts olive oil + lemon juice for a fantastic furniture polish
Sanitize: pure vinegar is super useful in the fight against mold and mildew
Say goodbye to toxic chemicals, and hello to a natural clean you can feel good about!
2. Clear the air, naturally
Ewww… it’s stuffy in here. Winter’s closed-doors policy means less circulation + ventilation, so air gets stale. But spring has arrived, so let the windows fling open; fresh air works wonders for physical + mental health. Let your laundry in on it, too: line-dry your clothes. It’s far more energy efficient + let’s be real, installing a clothesline can be chock-full of good nostalgia + considered very European chic.
Another way to clear the air? Go green, quite literally. Give some houseplants a loving new home! These living, growing miracles are toxin removers + air purifiers, ideal for the rooms you spend most time in. Allergen-fighting houseplants include the peace lily, aloe vera, spider plant, bamboo palm, English ivy, + gerbera daisy (umm, pretty flowers? Yes, please!).
3. A win-win for wallet + planet: upcycle old clothing
About those old t-shirts you’re holding onto… the hole-y ones that don’t fit. Sentiment acknowledged, there is a satisfying way to give them new purpose. Turn ’em into tote bags! No sewing required. Learn how here, then take them shopping, reducing plastic bags + waste. (+ if your heart can take it, old tees make excellent cleaning rags.)