Spring cleaning is a popular practice, but a fall deep clean might be a good idea before you batten down the hatches for the cold. Summer’s passed, which usually means there’s been a lot of time with open windows and patio doors, bringing all sorts of stuff from the outdoors into our apartments. Fall is the perfect time to clean your apartment all while keeping our environment healthy. Here are a few of our favorite fall green cleaning tricks.
1. Organize closets
With any change in the season, it’s a good idea to go through your clothes and evaluate what you wore or didn’t wear in the season prior. Make a donation pile of clothing in good condition, turn any tattered clothing items into clothes for future cleaning or consider adopting a more minimalist philosophy. It’s also a good time to swap summer styles for your winter sweaters and coats that have been tucked away during the warmer months.
2. Winterize your bedroom
While not all of us experience bitter cold weather, fall is still a good time to get your bedroom clean and ready for the winter months. Change your bed sheets and prepare heavy blankets by cleaning them and putting them out. It’s also a perfect time to flip your mattress to help extend its life.
3. Deep clean
Summer is a common time for living spaces to collect dust that can cause future irritation. Take the time this fall to deep clean your apartment from top to bottom not only to clean up any summer messes but also to prepare for the holidays that are just around the corner. Wipe down hard to reach and out of the way surfaces, vacuum the carpet under your furniture and thoroughly clean your kitchen appliances.
Here is an easy all-purpose green cleaning spray recipe for everyday use:
- 1 tablespoon borax
- 1 tablespoon washing soda
- 1 teaspoon dishwashing soap
- 1 cup vinegar
- 4 cups hot water
- 20 drops of essential oil (optional)
Combine all ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. Spray onto your kitchen or bathroom counters and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
4. Disinfect
Unfortunately, the fall season can coincide with flu season. Stock up on germ-combating natural cleaning supplies to keep your apartment disinfected throughout the colder months. You can make a DIY green cleaner using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar or buy products from the store. We are fans of this affordable green cleaner that’s all natural and just as effective as anything on the market.
5. Cut out paper products
Make the switch from paper towels and disposable napkins to reusable towels or rags to make a big impact on our planet this fall. Keep clean, re-usable towels in an accessible area so they are as easy to grab as paper towels. Start a collection of tattered clothing and fabric scraps to use on dirty jobs. This gives these items one final use before you throw them away.
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