A Home Cleaning Checklist: Free of Toxic Chemicals

Spring cleaning is the best time to get rid of the old and make room for the new. It’s no wonder there’s a connection between cleaning and mental health: deep cleaning your house not only declutters your home but also your mind. However, a spring clean isn’t nearly as effective if you use harsh cleaning chemicals, because the goal is to clean your home, air it out, and get rid of grime and toxins. 

We definitely don’t want to add to the toxic load! To that end, below are some of our best home cleaning hacks to deep clean your home sans those yucky chemicals. Use it as your home cleaning checklist and it will be sparkling and fresh in no time!

Cleaning the Major Zones

Floors

For floors, you can make a cleaning solution using water and white vinegar in a ratio of 1:1. If your floors are exceptionally dirty, with sticky spots or dark stains, try adding a small quantity of Castile soap into the water and vinegar mixture. Wipe your floors with a mop. You can also use a disinfectant spray bottle and scrub your floors by hand. For delicate wood floors, dilute the vinegar even more, making a 2:1 solution of water and vinegar. 

Carpets

Carpets don’t require much effort to clean if you have the right tools and they’re not heavily soiled. Start by taking a batch of baking soda and sprinkling it over your carpeting. You could even add a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the baking soda beforehand. Let this sit for half an hour, and then vacuum thoroughly. However, for heavier soiling, you’ll want to make a cleaning solution using water and white vinegar and steam clean instead.

Toilets

To clean toilets and surrounding areas, pour vinegar into the toilets and generously spray a diluted vinegar solution on the surrounding areas. Scrub and let things sit for an hour or so. Then scrub again and flush your toilets. Rinse surrounding areas with water. Use a clean cloth to dry.

Bathroom Sinks and Tubs

Sinks and tubs are pretty straightforward, too. Try sprinkling the surfaces with baking soda and dampen slightly with water. You can use a spray bottle to dampen the baking soda. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes, and then scrub thoroughly. Rinse with water. 

Stove and Oven

Stoves and ovens in any kitchen typically see the most action. To clean them, make a paste of baking soda and water and spread it over the oven or stove areas you want to clean. Let this paste sit for a few hours, or even better, overnight. Using a damp cloth, wipe off the baking soda paste. You will be removing built-up grease and grime when you do! 

Kitchen Sink

To clean your sink, sprinkle a generous amount of salt on it. Cut a lemon in half and using the pieces, scrub the salt into the sink. Rinse with water and let it dry. Not only does this give you a clean sink that sparkles, but it also smells of fresh lemons!

Counters and Shelves

To clean your counters, an all-purpose cleaning spray will usually suffice. Make a solution using vinegar and water in a 1:2 ratio. Thoroughly spray the counters with this solution, and then wipe with a dry microfiber cloth. If you’re not into a homemade mix, be sure to try out our Multi Surface Refillable Cleaning Kit.

If you have granite countertops, you could use a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water instead, mixed with Castile soap. Spray this solution on the counter in small sections and wipe with a soft cloth. For either of these solutions, another cleaning tip is to add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, so everything smells clean and fresh.

Fridge

Cleaning your fridge may be your most difficult and time-consuming cleaning task on your spring cleaning checklist. Start by making a solution with 2 cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Empty out your fridge. Using a soft microfiber cloth dipped in the solution, wipe down every surface. For fridge drawers, you can use the baking soda solution or simply wash them with dish soap. Allow all surfaces to dry thoroughly before putting your food back in. 

Your Spring Deep Cleaning House Checklist

Kitchen

• Wipe down the microwave, coffee maker, and other small appliances. 
• Empty the refrigerator and freezer, and defrost it. 
• Clean refrigerator shelves and all inside surfaces. 
• Clean underneath and behind the refrigerator, especially the coils. 
• Clean and scrub the oven and stovetop. 
• Empty out kitchen cabinets and toss old items.
• Wash and wipe the shelves. 
• Clean and sanitize the sink.  

All Rooms

• Clean windows and mirrors with glass cleaner. 
• Dust and clean ceiling fans and light fixtures. 
• Wash or vacuum curtains and window blinds. 
• Disinfect handles, doorknobs, and light switches. 
• Remove cobwebs, shoe molding, and baseboards. 
• Make sure batteries in smoke detectors are in good working condition. 
• Wash beddings and pillows. 

Bedrooms

• Organize drawers and closets.  
• Donate or toss old clothes. 
• Disinfect any toys. 

Bathrooms

• Scrub the shower stalls, bathtubs, and sinks. 
• Scrub the toilet and areas around it.
• Wash and scrub floor mats. 
• Wash your shower curtain. 
• Take a look at toiletries and toss everything old or that you don’t use.

Other Areas

• Remove and clean couch cushions, vacuum beneath and around cushion spaces. 
• Clean lint traps in the dryer and wipe out the washing machine. 
• Clean behind and underneath the dryer and washing machine. 
• Clean electronics using appropriate cleansers and disinfectant. 
• Wash deck and outdoor furniture. 
• Remove and clean window screens. 
• Wash recycling bins, compost bins, and garbage cans with a pressure hose. 

Finally, one last cleaning tip: take your time and use eco friendly cleaning products! Spring cleaning isn’t a race, so don’t overtax your mind or body and protect the environment while doing so. The goal is to declutter not only your physical space but also your mental space. Focus on one cleaning task at a time. If that means you do a room a day, do a room a day! 

Sources:

https://traditionalcookingschool.com/food-preparation/recipes/10-ways-to-spring-clean-your-home-without-chemicals

https://cleanmama.com/diy-granite-cleaner/

https://www.mollymaid.com/cleaning-tips/schedules-charts-and-checklists/spring-cleaning-list/