Spring has Sprung! Try These Eco-Friendly Cleaning Hacks to Conquer All of Your Cleaning Goals

Spring is officially here, and with it comes the yearly buzz to clean off the proverbial (and probably literal) cobwebs and get everything in your home organized. Whether or not you're feeling the spring cleaning bug yet, a few eco-friendly cleaning hacks are helpful any time of the year and will help you reduce waste and save money long term.

Most of these hacks can be accomplished using items and ingredients you have around the house. Sustainable living doesn't have to be expensive or complicated, in fact, it should make your life simpler. These tips are easy to implement and will help you make cleaner environmental choices while you clean up your home. It's a win/win for everyone! 

1. Cut up your old tees for zero-waste paper-less towels

Cotton, hemp and other natural fibers make amazing towels that will clean up your mess and not just push it around. The wider the weave the better for absorbancy, but any old tee will work. You can buy premade cotton towels, but chances are you have a pile of old t-shirts lying around that will easily replace the need for paper towels. 

Pro tip: Soak them in a mason jar with a mixture of 1/3 vinegar to 2/3 water for an easy cleaning solution and wet wipes substitute. 

2. Stock up on vinegar and baking soda

You'll be amazed at how many everyday messes you can tackle with a vinegar concoction or a mixture of baking soda and water. Here's a great video on how to use baking soda to clean and a great article on how to clean with vinegar. 

3. Use newspaper to leave your windows streak-free

One of the biggest complaints about switching to non-paper towels is that they can sometimes leave streaks on your windows or glass surfaces. Newspaper works like a charm and can be composted afterward. 

4. Microwave a bowl of lemons and water to steam clean your microwave effortlessly

Deep cleaning your microwave is a dreaded chore, but this hack makes steam cleaning your microwave easy and toxin free. All you need is a bowl, a lemon, and some water. 

5. Invest in a few zero-waste cleaning essentials to save you money and time

Most conventional cleaning supplies are meant to break down after a few uses, so buying a few "must have" cleaning tools made from natural materials will last you much longer AND can usually be composted or recycled when you're done using them. Bamboo pot scrapers, natural bottle brushes, and natural sponges make amazing tools that will last much longer than their plastic counterparts.

Have you caught the spring cleaning bug? What ways will you be eco-friendly in your cleaning routines?