KarenSpring is fast approaching (hallelujah!!) and, if you’re like me, you might feel the need to clean things out and freshen things up! By the time spring rolls around, most of us have an intense desire to escape the doldrums of winter. Tired of “ warm and cozy,” we’re now ready for “light and fresh” in just about every facet of life and we long to change things up in a big way – in our wardrobes, homes, food, fitness routine, beauty regimen, etc. For that reason, spring tends to be the time when most of us do our best cleaning and decluttering. At this time of year, I actually, almost, sort of, kind of, maybe…enjoy cleaning. Just a little bit. Maybe.
Whatever my feelings are about the process of cleaning, I can honestly say that I LOVE the feelings of lightness and clarity that I experience after my home has been, scrubbed down, wiped up and disinfected. It’s been said that physical clutter creates mental clutter and that is most definitely the case for me. The more clean and clear my surroundings are, the more clean and clear my emotional state.
I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling like both my home AND my emotional state can use a spring cleaning!
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m working on transitioning to chemical free, non-toxic formulations in my home and personal care products. When it comes to this topic, I always refer to the product reviews and reports generated by the Environmental Working Group. They have many free guides, which can be downloaded here, one of which is their “Guide to Healthy Cleaning.”
One thing that they point out is that DIY cleaning products (many of which are made from ingredients like white vinegar, lemon and baking soda) are the safest ones, but there are a number of less toxic alternatives that are available in stores and online.
Based on their recommendations and my own experiences, here are my favorite green cleaning products:
Laundry:
Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent Powder, Free & Clear
Martha Stewart Clean Laundry Detergent
Ecover Non-Chlorine Bleach Powder
Note: EWG recommends avoiding dryer sheets and fabric softener altogether
Dishwashing Soaps and Detergent:
Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Powder, Free & Clear
THe Honest Co. Honest Auto Dishwasher Gel, Free & Clear
Whole Foods Market Liquid Dish Soap
Kirkland Signature Dishwasher Pacs, Lemon
All Purpose Cleaners:
Young Living Thieves Essential Oil Blend Household Cleaner
Green Shield Organic Biodegradable Surface WIpes, Fresh Scent
Whole Foods Market Glass Cleaner, Unscented
Bathroom Tub and Tile Cleaners:
Seventh Generation Tub and Tile Natural Cleaner
Simple Green Naturals Bathroom Cleaner
Note: EWG recommends avoiding all air fresheners
I hope that this information is helpful. And just a note about transitioning…you need not toss all of your cleaning products at once and replace them; that can be quite costly. Instead, as your current products run out, you can replace them with safer, non-toxic alternatives and, before too long, all or most of your cleaning products will be “green.”
Happy Spring!
xo,
Karen
