February 3, 2025 | Sustainable Home Tips
10 Sustainable Spring Cleaning Tips You Might Be Forgetting (and How to Tackle Them Sustainably)
10 Sustainable Spring Cleaning Tips You Might Be Forgetting (and How to Tackle Them Sustainably)
Spring cleaning is a chance to refresh your home and reset your living space. But amidst the dusting and decluttering, some tasks inevitably slip through the cracks. From neglected filters to overlooked appliances, these forgotten chores can impact your home’s efficiency, hygiene, and sustainability. This guide will uncover 10 often-overlooked spring cleaning reminders and show you how to tackle them with eco-conscious practices.
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1. Replace Air Filters
Reminder: When did you last replace your HVAC filters? Dirty filters reduce air quality and make your system work harder, wasting energy.
Sustainable Tip: Swap disposable filters for reusable, washable filters to reduce waste. These filters last longer and can be cleaned with soap and water. Learn more about sustainable air filters here.
2. Deep Clean the Oven
Reminder: Your oven may be hiding months (or years!) of spills and grime.
Sustainable Tip: Ditch harsh chemical cleaners and opt for a homemade solution. A simple paste made from baking soda and vinegar works wonders on stubborn messes while being safe for the environment.
3. Clean Behind Appliances
Reminder: Dust and debris collect behind refrigerators, washers, and dryers, reducing efficiency.
Sustainable Tip: Unplug appliances before cleaning to conserve energy and use a vacuum with a long attachment to reach tight spots. Avoid disposable wipes—microfiber cloths work just as well and are reusable.
4. Wash Pillows and Bedding
Reminder: Pillows can harbor dust mites, bacteria, and allergens, impacting sleep quality.
Sustainable Tip: Wash pillows and bedding with eco-friendly detergent. Extend the life of your pillows by using organic cotton protectors, which can also be washed regularly.
5. Descale Faucets and Showerheads
Reminder: Mineral buildup reduces water flow and cleanliness over time.
Sustainable Tip: Soak faucets and showerheads in a solution of vinegar and water to dissolve mineral deposits. Skip chemical descalers—they’re unnecessary and can harm the environment.
6. Clean Refrigerator Coils
Reminder: Dust on refrigerator coils makes the appliance less efficient, driving up energy use.
Sustainable Tip: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently clean the coils. A clean refrigerator operates more efficiently, reducing electricity consumption and lowering your bills.
7. Wipe Down Light Fixtures
Reminder: Dust and grime on light fixtures not only dim lighting but can also become fire hazards.
Sustainable Tip: While you’re cleaning, replace old bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs. LEDs consume less electricity, last longer, and reduce waste from frequent bulb replacements.
8. Dust and Vacuum Lampshades
Reminder: Lampshades trap dust and allergens, which can impact air quality.
Sustainable Tip: Use a microfiber cloth or a reusable duster to clean lampshades. These tools are more sustainable than disposable cleaning wipes and get the job done just as well.
9. Inspect and Clean Gutters
Reminder: Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and pest infestations, especially during spring rains.
Sustainable Tip: Collect gutter debris and compost organic matter like leaves and twigs. Composting not only keeps waste out of landfills but also enriches your soil if you have a garden.
10. Refresh Mattresses
Reminder: Mattresses accumulate sweat, dust mites, and odors over time, impacting sleep hygiene.
Sustainable Tip: Sprinkle baking soda over your mattress to neutralize odors. Let it sit for a few hours, vacuum it off, and air the mattress out in sunlight to naturally disinfect.
Spring Cleaning with a Sustainable Twist
This spring, don’t just clean—clean smarter and greener. By incorporating these green home maintenance tips into your spring cleaning routine, you’ll create a healthier living environment while making a positive impact on the planet.
And if tackling these chores feels overwhelming, don’t worry—Pigybak has you covered! Add these tasks to your Pigybak home wishlist, and our platform will help you connect with local contractors. Even better, team up with neighbors for group deals on home cleaning services, reducing costs and emissions.
Join the Sustainable Spring Cleaning Movement
Whether you’re cleaning air filters or tackling dusty light fixtures, every small effort counts toward a greener home. Pigybak’s home improvement app is here to help simplify the process while keeping sustainability front and center.
Sign up for Pigybak today and make spring cleaning a breeze. Together, let’s create cleaner homes and a healthier planet, one project at a time.