There is absolutely nothing better than walking into an immaculate house. Something about a really clean space puts all my anxieties at ease. Even better when it smells fresh. Most of us have spent a significant amount of time at home in the past year, so a good refresher is just what we all need.
Spring is a great time to start. While it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Rather than tackling the whole house at once, break the job into smaller parts by setting a goal of accomplishing one small task per day. This approach will ensure that you have sufficient time to do the job well without overlooking anything. Approach each space with the mindset of decluttering, dusting, and sanitizing. I usually start with my kitchen, as it is my least favorite space with the most clutter. I then move on to conquering bedrooms and bathrooms.
With so many different cleaning products to sanitize and make your home smell good, many contain toxic or harsh chemicals. Below is a list of products for your spring cleaning that create a calming environment without harsh ingredients.
- Thieves $41.97 on Amazon
Thieves is a natural cleaning solution without any harsh chemicals. This concentrated all-purpose cleaner cuts through grease and grime. It has an essential oils blend of clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary oils, creating a relaxing ambience. A 14.4 oz bottle is not inexpensive, but reviews say the concentration will last you months.
- Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap $25.55 for 2-pack on Amazon
I used to always buy this for the shower until I realized you can use it for everything else too. According to the manufacturer, there are 18-in-1 uses including face, body, and hair, as well as rinsing food, cleaning dishes, mopping, and doing laundry. Free from synthetic preservatives, detergents, and foaming agents, cleaning is guilt-free and safe for you, your family, and your pets! Two of the most popular scents are lavender and almond. An additional product from this company is Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner, a stronger formula that can even clean your car but has the same natural ingredients.
- Mrs. Meyers MultiSurface Everyday Cleaner $11.97 on Amazon
These products are truly a cult classic. I use this everyday cleaner on almost everything, even messes left behind by my pets. It’s made with plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, so it’s gentle and won’t irritate skin. Offered in a variety of pleasing scents, my favorite being basil and geranium. They also make a plethora of other products, including hand soap, candles, dish soap, and toilet cleaner. All with the same addicting scents and clean ingredients.
- Puracy Natural Surface Cleaner $11.98 on Amazon
I recently discovered Puracy after having a baby and realizing how many products I used that weren’t considered “baby safe”. Puracy makes a wide variety of baby safe products including this all-purpose cleaner. Named “The Best All Purpose Cleaner” by the New York Times. It’s streak free and can be used on just about everything. It’s pet safe and child safe. Added bonus, Puracy makes a donation to local charities for every purchase.
- Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes $41.94 for a 6 -pack on Amazon
Seventh Generation is another brand with a loyal following. They make everything from toilet bowl cleaner, to detergent, to paper towels. These wipes kill 99.99% of bacteria and viruses and use a botanical disinfectant with the active ingredient Thymol. This oil not only disinfects, but it also infuses your home with the fresh botanical scent of the herb thyme. I use Seventh Generation Baby Detergent for the whole family and it’s one of my favorite cleaning products.
After so many months spent at home, I realized that creating a welcoming environment was a top priority for me. Treating my home and its belongings with cleaning products that are more plant based and environmentally safe, I’m creating a more relaxing, natural environment. Some great scents can’t hurt either.
Ready to take on the My Cooking Magazine Spring Cleaning challenge? Send us an email and tell us about your favorite cleaning products. Maybe they include some of the above suggestions or perhaps we have tempted you to try something new. Can’t wait to hear from you!