As fall approaches, it’s the perfect time to deep clean your home, ensuring it’s fresh for the colder months ahead. However, eco-friendly cleaning methods are key to creating a safer living space for you and your family. Try the following sustainable practices for a spotless, inviting home before fall.

1. Use Green Cleaning Supplies

Many green cleaning solutions are available to make your home clean before fall. They make excellent cleaning tools because they’re often biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals. As such, they can be safe for your family and the environment.

However, it’s crucial to choose eco-friendly cleaners wisely. Recent studies show some emit more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than regular household cleaning products.

For safe and effective cleaning, consider using common household items you likely already have. For instance, white vinegar is great for cutting through grease and disinfecting surfaces and is cost-effective to purchase at the store. Another cleaning item many use is castile soap. This plant-based soap is versatile enough to clean everything from dishes to floors.

2. Seal Doors and Windows to Prevent Dust and Debris From Entering In

As the weather cools down and you prepare your home for fall, sealing doors and windows is key to improving energy efficiency. Plus, sealed entryways will prevent drafts, keeping your indoor environment comfortable and preventing dust, debris and bits of dried leaves from coming into your home. Consider using weatherstripping to seal gaps around each door and window. There are various types of weatherstripping available, including:

• Foam tape: Ideal for filling gaps around windows and the tops and bottoms of doors. It’s easy to install and provides a good seal.
• V-strip: Perfect for sealing the sides of windows and double-hung doors. You can press this strip in any way needed to form a tight seal.
• Door sweeps: Attached to the bottom of exterior doors, door sweeps prevent drafts and can include materials like rubber or vinyl.

3. Use Safe Deep Cleaning Methods for Floors

Keeping your floors clean is crucial for a healthy home, especially in the fall, when there are more indoor activities. However, to prevent damage, it helps to use safe ways to clean different floor types. For instance, vinyl floors are durable, but can become easily scratched by harsh cleaners. That’s why it’s safer to use a solution like vinegar diluted with water and a mop for general cleaning. A vinegar-water solution also works well with laminate flooring, while baking soda and water is ideal for tiles. With carpets, you should avoid scrubbing and opt for a soak-and-blot approach. Using professional equipment or services may be best for carpets, just remember to ask whether they use environmentally friendly materials. 

If you have hardwood, you can clean deep with enzymatic cleaners. These cleaners break down organic matter and can safely remove tough stains without damaging the wood. For any floor type, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the floor is dried thoroughly to prevent damage.

4. Use Lemon for Removing Linen Stains

Lemon is an all-natural solution for removing stains from bedding and sheets. Its acidity helps break down stains, while its natural bleaching properties can brighten fabrics. The best way to minimize stains and deep clean your bedding is to treat them as soon as they occur. 

Be sure to squeeze lemon juice directly onto the stained area and thoroughly saturate it. You can also use a lemon and salt paste by mixing the two and gently rubbing it into the fabric.

After applying the lemon, place the linen item in direct sunlight and let the UV rays and citrus lift and lighten the stain. This may take several hours, but it’s important to check periodically to see how it’s progressing. Once the stain has lightened, rinse the fabric thoroughly with cold water to remove any remaining juice.

5. Refresh and Deep Clean Mattresses

As you prepare for fall, deep cleaning bedding and mattresses is crucial. This is the season when many people tend to increase the temperature in their homes. Higher indoor temperatures make the perfect conditions for dust mites to develop, which can affect your health and comfort. 

To combat this issue, start by stripping all your bedding and laundering it with a 100% natural, fragrance-free detergent or using the lemon method discussed for stains. Once thrown into the washer, use hot water to effectively kill dust mites and other allergens.

For the mattress, start by vacuuming the whole mattress and every crevice. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the whole surface. You can use a sieve for even distribution. You can even add your favorite essential oil, like lavender or peppermint, with the baking soda. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will absorb all moisture and odors. Ensure you let it sit for at least 30 minutes (ideally overnight), then vacuum thoroughly to remove it and any dust mites.

6. Keep Upholstery Clean

Your living room is likely the space where you spend most of your time during the fall season, so deep cleaning is necessary to keep it free from dust, allergens and stains. Focus on cleaning upholstered furniture, as it can easily build up dust, dirt and pet hair. The easiest way to clean this furniture is to vacuum to remove allergen buildup and make the fabric look fresh.

For minor stains and spills, use gentle cleaning solutions like organic dish soap and water. Blot the stain easily with this mixture and rinse with a damp cloth. Steam cleaning is another option, if stains are tough to remove. This eco-friendly method uses hot water vapor to lift dirt and kill bacteria and dust mites. 

7. Clean Kitchen Countertops and Appliances

The fall season will involve more indoor cooking activities, so doing a deep clean on kitchen countertops and appliances is essential. Vinegar and water are, again, the go-to solution. It can be a simple solution for effectively cleaning and disinfecting surfaces for most countertops.

Ensure you mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, apply it to the countertop, and wipe it clean with a cloth. This solution is great for removing grease and grime. However, sprinkling a small amount of baking soda also works great for tougher spots.

These solutions work great for cleaning appliances, too. For instance, you can make a paste out of baking soda and water and remove grime without scratching the surface of stainless steel appliances. Then, use vinegar and water to buff for a streak-free shine. A sustainable way to wipe clean is with reusable, organic paper towels. You can wash and reuse them multiple times, saving money and reducing waste in the long run. 

Deep Cleaning Before Fall With Eco-Friendly Solutions

Green, deep-cleaning methods are necessary to create a better living environment and support sustainable practices. Use these steps to deep clean your home and create a cleaner, more comfortable environment. Fall is right around the corner, so make these practices your regular solutions for keeping indoors welcoming and safe.