While giving your house its annual deep cleaning this spring, it's important to consider your own health as well as what's best for the environment. Here are some tips that will help you keep this yearly ritual as green as possible:
Hang your laundry out to dry – Now that the warm weather is here, you can take advantage of the long days and bright sunshine by hanging your garments on a clothesline instead of tossing them in the dryer after they've been cleaned. According to TLC, this appliance uses five kilowatts of electricity each hour it's running, so opting for an alternative solution can save you money on your monthly utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Paint with earth-friendly products – If your checklist includes freshening up the walls in your home, choose low-VOC paint to ensure that you aren't harming the environment – or your family – with dangerous chemicals.
Stop using paper towels – You've probably spent some time decluttering your closet during your spring cleaning, and if this is the case it's likely that you uncovered some old clothes that are too ratty to donate to charity or sell to a thrift store. Fortunately, there is another use for these old items. Take a pair of scissors and cut them up into small squares that you can clean with to cut down on the need for so many paper towels.
As always, when cleaning out any part of the home, it's important for people who suffer from allergies and asthma to use cleaning products, such as those from EnviroRite, that will effectively remove allergens without aggravating their symptoms. It's also advisable to invest in a respirator mask, since these devices can ensure that you don't breathe in dust, mold, pet dander or other irritants.
