Sustainable Spring Cleaning Tips & Checklist

But spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s a chance to make thoughtful, eco-friendly choices by swapping out traditional cleaning products made with harmful chemicals that affect your indoor air quality and harm the environment.

So to make this a sustainable spring clean, we’ve created a comprehensive guide (and free downloadable checklist – scroll to the bottom), complete with green cleaning tips, product (and DIY) recommendations, to help you refresh your home responsibly.

To make spring cleaning as stress-free as possible, we’ve also created a downloadable Spring Cleaning Checklist that breaks everything down room by room. Whether you’re deep-cleaning your kitchen, decluttering your closet, or freshening up your living spaces, this guide is here to help you keep things simple.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and transform your space sustainably? Let’s dive in.

We recommend avoiding a spring cleaning marathon (i.e. trying to do it all in one day). It’s stressful, and you’re likely to miss a bunch of nooks and crannies in the process. Instead, break it down into smaller chucks, focusing on one room at a time so you can thoroughly clean and organize each space without burning out.

A good rule of thumb is to dedicate 2-4 weeks to get through each room on your spring cleaning checklist. Cleaning and decluttering a single room might take you around 2-4 hours, depending on its size, clutter and overall dirtiness.

Start each room with decluttering—it’s the most important step before you dive into deep cleaning. By removing items you no longer need or use, you’ll reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning, and free up more space. Sort items into “keep” “donate” and “recycle” piles to streamline this process. Once the clutter is cleared, then you can focus on cleaning tasks like wiping surfaces, dusting, and vacuuming.

Let’s talk about the tools.

We’re all about green cleaning here at SJ. And that especially applies to the cleaning solutions we’re using. Besides, it’s a little ironic if we’re using traditional cleaning solutions which might clean our home but end up harming our health and the health of our planet.

And this makes no sense when there are safe and sustainable alternatives for every cleaning job.

Ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap are inexpensive, versatile, and make for effective natural cleaning recipes. And if you don’t have the time to make your own, there are a number of eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe and effective.

Have a look through that list for brands and products that are far healthier and just as effective as your conventional options.

Cleaning the old clothes in your closet is always a good place to start your de-junking journey. Why?

Because if you’re like the average American, you haven’t worn 82% of the things in there in the last year, perhaps the most shocking of all spring cleaning facts.

But before you start bagging up all your damaged, too-small, or unwanted stuff and get ready to drop them off at a local thrift store, think again. Only about 10% of donated clothes find a new home. The other 90% ends up in landfills anyway or getting shipped off to different countries. Why should our trash become someone else’s problem?

If you’re not sure what to do with old clothes beside donating, consider the following tips and tricks for sustainably spring cleaning clothes:

• Make an inventory of what you have because there are bound to be some long-forgotten items hiding away in the nooks and crannies of your closet. There’s nothing more sustainable than using what you’ve already got rather than buying new.
• You might find some items that need repairing. It might require a new button, a repair to a seam, or a patch attached to the worn spots. It doesn’t require the skills of a seamstress to tackle such basic repair jobs.
• For items beyond repair, try some upcycled clothing ideas to put them to second use, either to wear or around the home. Even old socks and underwear can have their second uses.
• Consider organizing a clothing swap with some of your friends. You might be a little tired of wearing the same old jeans, but one of your mates might be able to do something with them.
• For old clothes still in good shape that you just don’t want any more, use platforms to sell clothes online to turn that closet clutter into cash.

Once you’ve decluttered your closet, you can work your way through these cleaning tasks:

• Dust Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Use a damp cloth, or paper towel alternative to remove dust and cobwebs from ceiling fans, light fixtures, and corners.
• Clean Windows and Mirrors: Wipe down windows, window sills, and mirrors using a glass cleaner.
• Wash Curtains and Blinds: Launder curtains and clean blinds using a damp cloth or vacuum attachment to remove accumulated dust.
• Rotate and Vacuum the Mattress: If you don’t have a mattress topper, rotate your mattress (upside down) to ensure even wear. If you do have a topper then spin the mattress 180 degrees (so you’re head is now sleeping where your feet would’ve been). Vacuum it thoroughly to remove dust, allergens, and debris.
• Wash Bedding and Pillow Covers: Strip the bed completely and wash all bedding, including sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, and mattress protectors, using non-toxic laundry detergent.
• Clean and Vacuum Floors: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and hard floors. For hardwood or laminate flooring, use a natural floor cleaner to mop and restore shine.
• Clean Nightstands and Furniture: Dust and wipe down furniture, including nightstands, dressers, and headboards. Organize drawers and remove unnecessary clutter.
• Check and Replace Air Filters: If you have a bedroom air purifier, clean or replace the filter to ensure optimal performance.
• Freshen Up the Room: Use diffuse essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus for a calming scent.

Spring is the perfect time for revisiting and revitalizing all the hidey-holes in your bathroom—mold in the shower glass trim, anyone?

However, don’t be tempted to blitz your bathroom using one of the many noxious chemicals lining the shelves of your local store, opt for safe alternatives instead.

Aside from DIY spring green cleaning options (like homemade shower cleaners and ), there are plenty of zero waste cleaning brands for a safer scrub.

Once you have your cleaners and cloths and brushes at the ready, work your way around the bathroom, getting at the grout, scrubbing away the soap scum and hard water stains, and going at the floor with an eco-friendly mop.

If you haven’t yet switched to a zero waste bathroom, finish by mucking through the cabinets and purging all those half-empty plastic bottles of toxic products you haven’t used in years. Empty the contents and recycle the bottles if possible.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Scrub the Shower and Bathtub: Use a bathroom cleaner or DIY scouring powder with baking soda and water to clean tiles, grout, and shower doors. For stubborn grime, add a splash of vinegar for extra cleaning power.
• Descale Faucets and Showerheads: Soak fixtures in a vinegar and water mixture to remove hard water stains and buildup. Use an old toothbrush for detail cleaning.
• Wash or Replace Shower Curtains and Liners: Machine-wash cloth curtains, or wipe plastic liners with a vinegar solution to remove mildew.
• Clean the Toilet Naturally: Scrub and flush with a homemade toiler cleaner for a chemical-free clean.
• Wipe Down Cabinets and Countertops: Declutter under the sink and in medicine cabinets, responsibly dispose of expired products, and clean surfaces with an all-purpose vinegar-based solution.
• Polish Mirrors: Use a glass cleaner or a mix of vinegar and water for streak-free mirrors.
• Deep Clean the Sink: Scrub the sink with a scouring solution, rinse with warm water, and shine faucets using a vinegar-soaked cloth.
• Declutter and Organize Bathroom Essentials: Sort through toiletries and beauty products. Donate unopened items to shelters and recycle what you can.
• Sweep and Mop the Floor: Sweep to remove dust and hair, then mop with a natural cleaner or a warm water and castile soap mix.
• Empty and Disinfect Trash Bins: Clean trash cans with soapy water or vinegar, then let them dry in the sun to deodorize naturally.
• Ventilate and Freshen the Space: Clean the exhaust fan for better air circulation and freshen the space with a homemade air freshener like eucalyptus or lavender essential oils.

There are countless kitchen cleaning products you can use to banish the grease and remove dirt, stains, and all the rest of your kitchen detritus. Unfortunately, many of them contain harmful chemicals.

Luckily, there are plenty of homemade all purpose cleaners and alternatives for keeping your kitchen and your conscience clean.

If you want to go green with spring cleaning without the assistance of chemical cleaners, the humble lemon makes a great all-purpose green cleaner. Fill a spray bottle half full with lemon peels and mix in equal parts white vinegar and water. Leave it for a couple of weeks for the citrus to infuse. Strain the peels and then pop the solution back into your reusable spray bottle.

You can also wipe your kitchen surfaces directly with lemon juice and cleaning rags or recycled paper towels.

Baking soda is another staple with which you can make your own cleaning products with a little more scrubbing power. As well as keeping your kitchen clean, you’ll save money too.

Coffee grounds make a good scrubbing medium for getting rid of dried-on food scraps. Spring them on your countertops and scrub the scraps with recycled paper towels or cloth rags instead of disposable cleaning wipes or virgin paper towels.

Don’t forget to clean behind all your appliances. You’ll be surprised what you find there.

Part of your spring cleaning schedule should include cleaning out your dishwasher catcher and vacuuming your fridge coils, where a surprising amount of dust and hair can accumulate and reduce your fridge’s cooling efficiency by about 30%. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be just making surfaces shiny and decluttering—it can also help you conserve energy.

If part of your kitchen clean-out includes purging all those stained and lidless food storage containers you no longer use, study up on what to do with old tupperware to see if it can find a more sustainable second use than the landfill.

Here’s the blow by blow for everyone’s favorite room:

• Clean Inside and Outside of Cabinets and Drawers: Remove all items, wipe down surfaces with a natural all-purpose cleaner, and reorganize. Declutter items you no longer need and donate or recycle responsibly.
• Deep Clean Appliances:
  • Refrigerator: Empty the fridge, discard expired food, and clean shelves and drawers with a mixture of warm water and a splash of vinegar.
  • Oven: Use a paste of baking soda and water to clean the interior. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
  • Microwave: Steam-clean by heating a bowl of water and vinegar for a few minutes, then wipe down the interior.
  • Dishwasher: Run an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar to remove buildup and odors.
• Clean and Organize the Pantry: Take everything out, wipe down shelves, and check for expired goods. Donate non-expired items you won’t use to food banks.
• Wipe Down Countertops and Backsplash: Use a natural cleaner or a DIY mix of vinegar and water to remove grease and stains.
• Descale and Sanitize the Sink: Scrub the sink with baking soda, rinse, and shine faucets with a vinegar-soaked cloth. Pour boiling water mixed with baking soda down the drain to freshen and prevent clogs.
• Clean Small Appliances: Wipe down the exterior of toasters, blenders, and coffee makers. For coffee machines, descale by running a cycle with vinegar and water.
• Clean Windows and Light Fixtures: Use an eco-friendly glass cleaner or a vinegar-water mix to clean windows. Dust and wipe down light fixtures for a brighter, cleaner kitchen.
• Sweep and Mop the Floor: Sweep thoroughly to remove crumbs and debris, then mop with a natural floor cleaner or a warm water and castile soap solution.
• Take Out and Disinfect Trash Bins: Empty trash and recycling bins, clean them with vinegar and water, and let them dry in the sun to remove odors naturally.
• Freshen the Air: Simmer citrus peels and cinnamon sticks in water on the stove for a natural, inviting scent.

Your laundry room works hard for you all year. It’s where your clothes and linens go dirty and leave spotless, thanks to your washing machine and eco-friendly laundry detergent.

But they need a little help when it comes to the remnants that build up in the filters, ducts, and gaskets. Show your laundry room workhorses a little TLC by decluttering all the odds and ends or things that don’t belong there, returning them to their rightful home.

Start by de-gunking your front-load washer. You can minimize mold by running an empty load on the hottest setting with a cup of vinegar. When the cycle has finished, wipe away any moisture on the rubber gasket and inside the door.

The drain pump filter of your front-load eco-friendly washing machine is a trap for lint, hair, and all manner of small objects including hairpins and coins. If the filter becomes clogged, the machine doesn’t drain properly. In some cases, the machine might not spin properly, vibrate excessively, or become noisy.

Deep-clean your dryer lint trap to ensure the air keeps flowing freely, too. If it gets blocked, the dryer has to work harder and run longer, which adds to the appliance wear and decreases energy efficiency—which defeats the point of reusable dryer balls reducing drying time.

Your dryer vent system should also be treated to a clean at least once a year. Disconnect it from the power source, or turn off the gas valve. Slide it away from the wall, disconnect the duct, and vacuum thoroughly.

Otherwise, here are all the cleaning to-dos for this important space:

• Clean the Washer: Run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of vinegar to remove buildup and odors. Wipe down the drum, detergent dispensers, and door seals with a vinegar-soaked cloth to prevent mold and mildew.
• Clean the Dryer: Remove and clean the lint trap, washing it with warm soapy water to get rid of fabric softener residue. Use a vacuum attachment to clean the dryer vent and hose to improve efficiency and reduce fire hazards.
• Declutter and Organize Supplies: Sort through laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other products. Recycle empty containers and replace them with eco-friendly alternatives like concentrated or DIY detergents. Organize supplies in labeled sustainable laundry baskets or containers.
• Wipe Down Surfaces: Dust and wipe shelves, countertops, and storage areas using a natural all-purpose cleaner. Clean the exterior of the washer and dryer to remove dust and grime.
• Check and Replace Filters: Clean or replace water or lint filters in your washer and dryer to ensure optimal performance.
• Sweep and Mop the Floor: Sweep to remove dust, lint, and debris. Mop the floor with a natural cleaner or a warm water and castile soap mix for a fresh finish.
• Inspect Washer Hoses: Check hoses for leaks or wear, and replace any damaged ones to avoid water waste and potential flooding.
• Freshen the Air: Place a bowl of baking soda or an open jar of activated charcoal to naturally absorb odors and keep the room smelling fresh.

The living room is the heart of your home, where family and friends gather, relax, and unwind. Over time, though, with many bodies and pets and all the comings and goings it can accumulate dust, clutter, dirt and stains that detract from its comfort and coziness.

Here’s the breakdown of all the important bits to tackle:

• Dust Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Use a cloth or vacuum attachment to remove dust from ceiling fans, light fixtures, and corners of the room.
• Clean Windows and Window Treatments: Wash windows and sills with a natural glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution. Launder curtains or wipe down blinds with a damp cloth.
• Vacuum Upholstered Furniture: Vacuum couches, chairs, and cushions to remove dust, dirt, and allergens. For stubborn stains, spot-clean with an upholstery cleaner made from water, vinegar, and mild soap.
• Clean and Polish Furniture: Dust and wipe down coffee tables, shelves, and other surfaces with a natural furniture polish, such as olive oil mixed with lemon juice.
• Declutter and Organize: Sort through books, magazines, and other items. Donate or recycle anything you no longer need and organize the rest neatly.
• Vacuum and Deep Clean Floors: Vacuum rugs and carpets thoroughly. For hardwood or laminate flooring, mop with a natural floor cleaner or a mixture of warm water and a few drops of castile soap.
• Clean Electronics: Dust and wipe down TVs, remotes, and other electronics with a microfiber cloth. Use a vinegar-water mix for stubborn smudges, avoiding direct contact with screens.
• Wash Throw Pillows and Blankets: Launder decorative pillows and throws , or spot-clean if they’re not machine-washable.
• Freshen Up Air Quality: Place houseplants like snake plants or peace lilies to naturally purify the air. Alternatively, diffuse essential oils like lavender or citrus for a calming, fresh scent.
• Organize Cables and Accessories: Use cable ties or organizers to manage cords and create a cleaner, safer look around electronics.

The dining room is a magnet for crumbs, food stains, spatter and spills. A deep spring clean in the dining room (like the kitchen) is as much about a freshen up as it is about hygiene. Here’s how to refresh your dining room naturally and effectively:

• Dust Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans: Use a cloth or vacuum attachment to remove dust and cobwebs from all lighting fixtures and fans.
• Clean Windows and Window Treatments: Wash windows with a natural glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution. Wipe down blinds or launder curtains to remove accumulated dust.
• Wipe Down Dining Table and Chairs: Clean the table and chairs with a natural wood cleaner or a mix of olive oil and lemon juice for wood surfaces. For upholstered seats, vacuum and spot-clean with a DIY fabric cleaner.
• Polish Furniture: Use a natural furniture polish to add shine to any wooden surfaces, avoiding synthetic sprays or harsh chemicals.
• Wash Table Linens: Launder tablecloths, napkins, and placemats with a safe detergent. Air dry whenever possible to save energy.
• Vacuum and Mop the Floor: Vacuum rugs and carpets, and mop hard floors with a natural cleaner or warm water and castile soap. Focus on corners and under the table where crumbs often collect.
• Declutter and Organize: Sort through any decorative items, dishes, or tableware stored in the dining room. Donate or recycle items you no longer need and organize the rest neatly.
• Clean and Polish Silverware: If you have silverware or serving pieces that need attention, polish them with a natural silver cleaner, such as baking soda and water.
• Freshen Up the Air: Add a bowl of potpourri made from dried flowers or citrus peels to naturally freshen the air, or diffuse essential oils like lemon or rosemary for a clean, uplifting scent.

Entryways and hallways are the busiest areas of the home. These spaces often accumulate dirt, dust, and clutter from shoes, bags, and daily activities. A thorough spring clean can help these catch-all areas feel more organized and inviting. Here’s how to tackle these high-traffic zones and the rest of your home efficiently and eco-consciously:

• Wipe Down Doors and Handles: Use a natural all-purpose cleaner or a vinegar-water mix to clean doors, doorknobs, and light switches, which often harbor germs and fingerprints.
• Clean Walls and Baseboards: Dust and wipe down walls, baseboards, and corners with a damp cloth to remove scuffs and accumulated dirt.
• Organize Shoes and Coats: Declutter shoes, coats, and bags stored in entryways. Donate items you no longer use and organize the rest with storage bins, racks, or hooks.
• Vacuum and Mop Floors: Sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas to remove dirt and debris tracked in from outside. Mop hard floors with a natural cleaner or a warm water and castile soap mix.
• Refresh Rugs and Mats: Shake out doormats and rugs outside to remove dirt and dust. Wash machine-washable rugs or spot-clean non-washable ones.
• Dust Light Fixtures and Décor: Clean hallway lights, picture frames, and other decorative items with a damp cloth or a natural dusting spray.
• Declutter Miscellaneous Items: Sort through items stored in catch-all areas like hall tables or shelves. Recycle old mail, return misplaced items to their proper rooms, and organize essentials like keys or wallets in a designated spot.
• Polish Mirrors or Glass Surfaces: Use a cleaner or a vinegar-water mix to clean mirrors or glass panels on doors.
• Check for Repairs or Updates: Inspect these high-traffic areas for small repairs, such as loose doorknobs or squeaky hinges, and address them as needed.

For something a little less seasonal and more all year-round applicable, here’s our Deep Cleaning Checklist and our Basic Cleaning Checklist to ensure a sparkling home whatever the day, week or month.