Here some “clean” and eco-inspiration to clean your new home with sustainable products!
There always comes a time in life for a change of scenery. Whether you’re moving for schooling, work, or family reasons, the relocation process offers a chance to reinvent yourself, leave the bad stuff firmly in the past, and embrace the new opportunities that are opening up. With new faces, places, and environs, you get a chance to avoid the same mistakes and staff with a clean slate.
One often neglected aspect of starting from scratch is ensuring that your new home provides a clean and neat environment for a fresh start. So how can you have a clean home without the nasty chemicals that tend to be on the ingredient list of your cleaning products?
From baking soda potions, to techniques for a healthy spring cleaning while moving homes… Keep on reading!
How to approach eco-friendly home cleaning
Eco-friendly home cleaning is all about using methods and products that are safe for both your health and the environment. Here’s a guide to help you get started:
1. Choose Green Cleaning Products
- Natural Ingredients: Opt for cleaning products made from natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils. These are effective and non-toxic.
- Eco-Certifications: Look for products with certifications like “EcoLogo,” “Green Seal,” or “USDA Organic” to ensure they meet environmental standards.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of products containing bleach, ammonia, phosphates, and synthetic fragrances, as they can be harmful to your health and the environment.
2. DIY Cleaning Solutions
- All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent.
- Glass Cleaner: Combine 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap in a spray bottle.
- Bathroom Cleaner: Make a paste with baking soda and water to scrub sinks, tubs, and tiles.
- Disinfectant: Use a mixture of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, or simply wipe surfaces with rubbing alcohol.
3. Use Reusable Cleaning Tools
- Microfiber Cloths: These are highly effective at trapping dirt and bacteria without the need for chemical cleaners.
- Reusable Mop Heads: Choose mops with washable and reusable heads instead of disposable ones.
- Old Clothes as Rags: Repurpose old t-shirts or towels as cleaning rags instead of using paper towels.
4. Minimize Water Usage
- Efficient Cleaning: Use a spray bottle to apply cleaners directly to the surface rather than pouring water unnecessarily.
- Spot Cleaning: Address spills and stains immediately to reduce the need for extensive cleaning later.
5. Proper Ventilation
- Air Out Rooms: Keep windows open while cleaning to reduce indoor air pollution and allow fresh air to circulate.
- Natural Air Fresheners: Instead of synthetic air fresheners, use plants like aloe vera, spider plants, or simply simmer herbs and citrus peels on the stove.
6. Safe Disposal of Waste
- Avoid Down the Drain: Do not pour leftover cleaning solutions down the drain. Research local guidelines for disposing of hazardous waste.
- Compostable Waste: Compost biodegradable materials, like food scraps used in DIY cleaners, rather than sending them to the landfill.
7. Sustainable Laundry Practices
- Cold Water Washing: Wash clothes in cold water to save energy.
- Eco-Friendly Detergent: Use biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents.
- Air Drying: Whenever possible, air dry your clothes to reduce energy consumption.
8. Reduce and Reuse Packaging
- Bulk Buying: Purchase cleaning products in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
- Refill Stations: Refill bottles at stores that offer bulk cleaning supplies.
By adopting these eco-friendly home cleaning practices and using eco friendly products, you can maintain a clean, healthy living space while also reducing your environmental footprint.
Should you clean a house before moving in?
Definitely! You can’t say that you’ve made a place for your home until you unpack and arrange your possessions around your new house. Even if you’ve seen the place and it looks clean, you don’t want to start settling in until you’re sure that everything is clean. Here are the main reasons why move-in cleaning is the foundational step of every relocation process.
Start with a clean slate
In case of moving in, this is literally what you want to do. You can’t know the habits of previous tenants and their level of cleanliness so it’s advisable to book a proven maid service and ensure that everything is spruced up to a high sanitation standard.
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Safety & precaution
If the previous owners had pets, there may be pet hair or dander about the place but they’re hard to spot with a naked eye. In addition, maybe the previous tenants were using abrasive or toxic chemicals to clean their home which can cause health issues in sensitive individuals with a history of allergic reactions and respiratory conditions.
Fresh home for a fresh start
You want to start your new life with a smile on your face and an optimistic attitude. Walking in a scoured and shiny home will set a positive tone and re-energize you and your loved ones, helping you to put your best face forward and embrace the change in high spirits.
Less stress, less exertion
Speaking of positivity, knowing that your new home was taken care of by specialists will provide you peace of mind and scratch one task off your list. Cleaning a home requires physical effort and the last thing you want during relocation is to spend energy doing things that others can do for you. Hire pros and let them do what they do best and you can channel your energies on things like paperwork and planning your move.
Gain more time
Not only is house cleaning tiresome, but it can also take up too much of your time that is in short supply. When you’re moving to a new address, you may need to be at two places at once and every service that can help you optimize the time you have can be a lifesaver. If you book specialists to do their magic on your new home, you’ll gain a whole day more to focus on other things.
Get to know your new home
Doing a thorough scrub of your new residence is the best way to get to know your new living environment. One of the biggest benefits of move-in cleaning is that it uses the opportunity to tackle your home before you’ve brought in the furniture, appliances, and all your other belongings. This way corners and areas that are usually hiding behind or beneath the furniture are accessible and in plain sight. You’ll get a clear picture of hidden problems that need addressing, including mold, pests, or structural issues, like plumbing and electrical.
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