It's Spring Cleaning Season: Tips to Declutter, Detox, and Go Green
Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s time for the annual deep clean. Whether you love it or dread it, spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to refresh your space and build sustainable habits. However, many people declutter absentmindedly and rely on harmful chemicals, unknowingly doing more harm than good. But it’s 2025, so it’s time to do things differently. Put on your cleaning gloves, grab your trash bags (or better yet, donation boxes), and get ready for a green clean to start the season off right.
The Bedroom
Pinterest: @d4nisdiary IG: @jadeschaffler IG: @_juliatomczak_ IG: @alexannemoniqueBefore you toss unwanted clothes in the trash, consider giving them a second life. Donate gently used clothing to shelters or local thrift stores, or list them on resale platforms like Depop, Poshmark, Mercari, or ThredUp. In 2018, 11.3 million tons of textiles ended up in landfills, and with this number only increasing, it’s important to be mindful about the way we dispose of our items.
For the remainder of your wardrobe, washing them properly is key. Here are a few tips:
Run full loads to maximize efficiency
Use cold water and hang dry to save energy
Wash garments less frequently to preserve their lifespan
While you’re at it, take the opportunity to recycle old electronics (e.g., phones, laptops, chargers, etc.) at places like Best Buy, which offer e-waste disposable programs.
The Bathroom
TT: @sailorkiki IG: @emmakrocherolle IG: @mothermeg IG: @emmalegerIf you’re anything like me, then cleaning the bathroom is probably your most-dreaded chore. It’s tedious, time-consuming, sometimes gross—the list goes on and on. But by using natural, non-toxic cleaners and simplifying your routine, you can make the process safer and more efficient.
Many store-bought products contain harsh chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. Instead, save money by making your own at home: mix equal amounts of baking soda and castile soap for a DIY scrubbing paste you can use for sinks, toilets, and tiles.
And for any beauty supplies left unused in the cabinet beneath your sink? Don’t let them go to waste. Give unopened or barely used items to friends, family, or organizations that accept donations. Even better, you can package them up into self-care kits for local homeless or women’s shelters.
The Kitchen
IG: @monamina.jeonpo. IG: @wiillowbelle. Tumblr: @yohjimuse. Pexels: @ron-lachA deep clean of your kitchen starts with clearing out expired or unused food from your fridge and pantry. Instead of throwing away non-perishables, donate unopened canned goods to local shelters or food banks. As for the remaining waste, make sure you dispose of it responsibly: compost food scraps to reduce landfill waste, and sort recyclables properly to ensure they don’t end up in the trash.
Finally, it’s time to wipe down the surfaces. Ditch single-use paper towels for reusable cloths, which are washable, long-lasting, and far more eco-friendly than disposable options. For a natural, effective, and cost-efficient disinfectant, a simple 1:1 water-vinegar solution (with optional essential oils for a fresh scent) will do the trick.
