Sustainable Spring Cleaning

The Spring Cleaning

In my household a "Spring Cleaning" require a good multi-surface cleaner.  One that is non-toxic and cleans well.  Often, it means making my own cleaner.  However, I don't spend all my time making various types of cleaner.  I create a "cleaning kit" from one concentrated recipe and add water according to the "strength" I need.  For instant, a counter top cleaner uses less concentrate and more water.  A bathroom cleaner requires a bit more strength to scrub off grim.

My "Cleaning-Kit" includes:

1. A Good Bottle  Don’t throw away your old plastic spray bottles! Give them a good rinse, peel off the old label, and viola!  You've got your forever cleaning bottle. If you need your kit to be a certain aesthetic, we have a beautiful selection of amber glass bottles and a 12 oz light-weight, shattered proof aluminum bottle that looks great on any countertop.

2. Choose Your "Concentrate" Whether you’re tackling grease in the kitchen or soap scum in the bath, we have plant-based concentrates for every task. These formulas are powerful enough to handle a deep spring scrub without the toxic fumes that usually accompany "heavy-duty" cleaners.  I like to use this recipe I posted recently for general surface cleaning.

3. All Natural Brush and Compostable Cloth  For countertops and wall I like using a Swedish cloth for it's high absorbency and composting ability.  Any good natural brush that can be compost and get into small groove will work.

4. Tap Water If you picked up a concentrate or waterless cleaner from our shop, follow the package instruction for the amount of require water. Tip:  fill your bottle with water first (to prevent bubbles), add your concentrate, and you’re ready to go. It’s that simple.

A sustainable spring clean isn't just about the liquids; it's about the tools. Swap your plastic micro-shedding sponges for our compostable dish brushes. They provide better leverage for those hard-to-clean corners and can be tossed in the compost when they finally wear out.

Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start. Let’s stop paying for water and start investing in a good cleaning kit.

— The Team at A Sustainable Village