Spring Cleaning 101: Refresh Your Spaces with Non-Toxic Alternatives
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, but traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can negatively impact your health. Switching to non-toxic alternatives promotes a healthier space for your family (this is especially important during pregnancy, as exposure to certain toxins can affect your baby!). By following a scheduled routine and making mindful product choices, you can maintain a clean and healthy home without compromising on effectiveness.
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Why Choose Non-Toxic Alternatives?
Many conventional cleaning products contain synthetic fragrances, phthalates, and harsh chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation, skin reactions, and long-term health concerns (cancer, hormone disruption, neurological damage). These chemicals are especially harmful during pregnancy, as exposure to endocrine disruptors and VOCs (volatile organic compounds, which contribute to poor air quality) has been linked to developmental concerns in babies. Choosing non-toxic products reduces these risks while creating a healthier indoor environment for the entire family. Additionally, DIY natural cleaning solutions are often more cost-effective than commercial cleaners.
Ready-Made Products
For those who do not have the time for (or interest in) making their own DIY solutions, here are some easy, healthier swaps you can make!
All-Purpose Cleaner: Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap is an organic, plant-based, chemicals and synthetic additive free, 18-in-1 solution! It works well for not only the home but is gentle on the body as well! It is also a Christian company.
Multi-surface cleaner
Dish soap
Hand soap
Body & face wash
Shampoo
Pet wash
Appliances
and more! Follow their dilution guide HERE.
Specialty Cleaners:
Grease-Cutting Dish Soap: Seventh Generation
Windows & Mirror: Better Life Glass Cleaner
Carpet & Upholstery: Branch Basics Concentrate + Oxygen Boost
Bathroom & Toilet: Biokleen Natural Bathroom Cleaner
Laundry Detergent: Molly’s Suds (liquid) or Pronounce (powder)
Hand Soap: Everyone
Shampoo & Conditioner: Native
Body Moisturizer: Coconut oil (great makeup remover too!)
Facial Moisturizer: White Sparrow Tallow Balm & Lip Balm
Facial Cleaner: Native or True Botanicals
Deodorant: Native or Salt & Stone
Air Freshener: Grow Fragrance Room Spray or Essential Oil Diffuser
Kitchen Supplies:
Glass drinking cups (I like to use mason jars!)
Wood or food grade silicone utensils
Pots & Pans - Cast Iron, Stainless Steel, or Ceramic
DIY Essentials
For those who want more control over the ingredients they are using, creating non-toxic cleaning solutions is simple with a few staple ingredients.
Basic Ingredients:
White vinegar (disinfects, removes odors)
Baking soda (natural scrub, deodorizer)
Castile soap (gentle cleaner for multiple surfaces)
Hydrogen peroxide (natural disinfectant)
Essential oils (antibacterial and fresh scent)
Lemon juice (natural degreaser)
Cornstarch (polishing glass, carpet freshener, and grease absorber)
Witch hazel (used in air fresheners and personal care products)
These are cost effective to buy in bulk on Amazon (linked above) or at Costco!
Cleaning Supplies:
To help you tackle a full spring cleaning, download my Spring Cleaning Checklist (only $0.99!) that breaks down tasks by room. This printable also includes 9 DIY cleaning solution recipes and will walk you through everything from deep scrubbing to decluttering to help you refresh your home this spring.
Simple Cleaning Routine
After your deep spring cleaning is complete, implementing a schedule to follow will help you maintain cleanliness. I find that keeping up a clean home is easier when tasks are broken down into daily, weekly, and seasonal routines.
Daily Tasks:
Make beds
Wipe kitchen counters and sink
Wash dishes or run the dishwasher
Sweep high-traffic areas
Lightly tidy up common spaces
Weekly Tasks:
Vacuum and mop floors
Clean bathrooms (toilet, sink, mirror, tub/shower)
Dust surfaces and furniture
Change bed & bath linens
Wipe down appliances
Monthly Tasks:
Wipe baseboards and doors
Clean inside microwave and fridge
Sanitize light switches and handles
Wash throw blankets and pillow covers
Rotate and clean pantry items
Quarterly (Seasonal) Tasks:
Deep clean carpets and upholstery
Wash windows (inside and out)
Organize & declutter all rooms
Clean behind large appliances and furniture
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals or overwhelming tasks. By using natural alternatives and following a structured routine, you can create a healthier, more peaceful home for you and your family!
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