Your Sustainable Cleaning Checklist: Eco-Friendly Tips for a Cozy Home

Welcome, dear reader, to The Hearthside Companion! There’s a particular joy in caring for your home—the rhythmic swish of a mop, the scent of a freshly cleaned room, and the satisfaction of a clutter-free space. But what if we could extend that care to the planet as well? By choosing sustainable cleaning practices, we can nurture not only our homes but also the world around us.

In Havenwood Cottage, I’ve embraced eco-friendly cleaning as part of my daily rhythm. It’s simpler than you might think and brings a sense of harmony to every chore. Today, I’m sharing my sustainable cleaning checklist to help you create a cozy, clutter-free home that’s kind to the Earth.

1. Use Natural Products Like Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Lemon

The cornerstone of sustainable cleaning is swapping harsh chemical cleaners for natural, non-toxic alternatives. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are affordable, versatile, and effective.

• Vinegar: A natural disinfectant, vinegar cuts through grease, removes odors, and dissolves mineral deposits. Use it to clean windows, countertops, and even your coffee maker.
• Baking Soda: Perfect for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and stovetops, baking soda is mildly abrasive and neutralizes odors.
• Lemon: The natural oils in lemon not only smell wonderful but also break down grease and kill bacteria. A cut lemon dipped in salt is excellent for cleaning cutting boards.

In my kitchen, a spray bottle of diluted vinegar sits by the sink, ready for a quick wipe-down of counters or a spritz to freshen the air.

2. Opt for Reusable Cloths Instead of Paper Towels

Paper towels are convenient, but they create unnecessary waste. Switching to reusable cloths is an easy and sustainable choice.

• Cotton Cloths: Old t-shirts or flour sack towels make excellent cleaning rags. Simply wash and reuse.
• Microfiber Cloths: These are highly effective for dusting and wiping down surfaces but take care to wash them in a guppy bag to prevent microplastics from entering waterways.
• Storage Tip: Keep a basket of clean cloths in your pantry or laundry room and a separate basket for used ones, ready to toss into the wash.

In Havenwood Cottage, I keep a stack of soft, reusable cloths in a wicker basket on my kitchen shelf, ready to grab for spills or dusting.

3. Make DIY Cleaning Sprays with Essential Oils

Crafting your own cleaning sprays is both cost-effective and deeply satisfying. Plus, essential oils add a touch of luxury to your cleaning routine.

• Basic All-Purpose Spray: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add 10–15 drops of essential oil for scent and additional cleaning power. Lemon, tea tree, and lavender are excellent choices.
• Glass Cleaner: Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and a splash of rubbing alcohol. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for a streak-free shine.
• Wood Polish: Mix 1/2 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Apply sparingly to wood surfaces for a natural shine.

At Havenwood Cottage, my favorite blend is lavender and rosemary—it’s calming and fresh, making every chore feel like a ritual.

4. Wash Laundry in Cold Water to Save Energy

Most of the energy used in laundry comes from heating water. Washing your clothes in cold water reduces your energy consumption without compromising cleanliness.

• Cold-Water Detergents: Look for detergents designed to work well in cold water for optimal results.
• Spot Treatment: Pre-treat stains with a paste of baking soda and water or a dab of castile soap before washing.
• Line Drying: Whenever possible, line dry your clothes to save even more energy and infuse them with a fresh, outdoor scent.

In Havenwood Cottage, my laundry line stretches between two trees in the garden, where linens and clothing sway gently in the breeze—a sight that never fails to bring me joy.

5. Compost Food Scraps and Recycle Waste Properly

Reducing waste is a cornerstone of sustainable living. Composting and recycling can significantly decrease the amount of trash your household produces.

• Composting: Collect vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other organic waste in a countertop compost bin. Empty it into an outdoor compost pile or bin to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
• Recycling: Take the time to sort your recyclables properly. Rinse jars and cans, remove labels, and check your local recycling guidelines.
• Reduce: Whenever possible, choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging.

At Havenwood Cottage, my compost bin sits by the kitchen garden, where it transforms scraps into the rich soil that nourishes my flowers and herbs.

6. Clean Floors Naturally with Simple Solutions

Floors can be cleaned beautifully without harsh chemicals. Simple, natural solutions work well on most surfaces.

• Wood Floors: Mop with a mixture of warm water and a splash of vinegar. Add a few drops of essential oil for a fresh scent. Avoid over-wetting wood floors to prevent damage.
• Tile and Linoleum: Use a mix of water, baking soda, and a little dish soap for a gentle but effective cleaner.
• Carpets: Sprinkle baking soda over the carpet, let it sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum thoroughly to remove odors.

In Havenwood Cottage, I use a broom made of natural bristles to sweep my floors daily, keeping dust and dirt at bay with minimal effort.

7. Reduce Plastic Use in Cleaning Supplies

Plastic is a major source of pollution, so reducing plastic in your cleaning routine is a meaningful step toward sustainability.

• Buy in Bulk: Purchase cleaning products in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
• Refillable Bottles: Invest in glass or stainless-steel spray bottles for your DIY cleaners.
• Plastic-Free Tools: Choose wooden scrub brushes, natural sponges, and biodegradable cleaning pads.

In my pantry, I keep a set of refillable glass bottles with silicone sleeves. They’re durable, attractive, and a pleasure to use.

8. Declutter Regularly to Maintain a Cozy Home

Decluttering is an essential part of keeping your home cozy and sustainable. A clutter-free space is easier to clean and maintain.

• Sort and Donate: Regularly go through your belongings, donating items you no longer need.
• One-In, One-Out Rule: For every new item you bring into your home, remove one item to keep clutter at bay.
• Organized Storage: Use baskets, bins, or shelves to store items neatly and accessibly.

At Havenwood Cottage, decluttering has become a seasonal ritual. Each spring and autumn, I sort through my cupboards and closets, letting go of what no longer serves me.

9. Support Sustainable Brands for Cleaning Products

When buying cleaning supplies, look for brands that prioritize sustainability.

• Eco-Friendly Certifications: Look for certifications like “USDA Organic,” “EPA Safer Choice,” or “Certified B Corp.”
• Plant-Based Ingredients: Choose products made from renewable resources like plants rather than petroleum.
• Zero-Waste Packaging: Opt for companies that offer plastic-free or compostable packaging.

Supporting sustainable brands not only helps the planet but also encourages more companies to adopt eco-friendly practices.

10. Create a Cleaning Routine That Works for You

A sustainable cleaning routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, you can maintain a cozy, eco-friendly home with ease.

• Daily Tasks: Sweep floors, wipe down surfaces, and tidy up common areas.
• Weekly Tasks: Dust furniture, clean bathrooms, and wash linens.
• Seasonal Deep Cleans: Wash windows, declutter storage areas, and rotate seasonal decor.

In Havenwood Cottage, my cleaning routine is woven into the rhythms of my day, bringing a sense of accomplishment and peace.

Pulling It All Together

Caring for your home in a sustainable way is a beautiful act of love for both your space and the planet. By embracing natural products, reusable tools, and mindful practices, you can create a cozy, eco-friendly sanctuary.

Small changes add up over time. Each eco-friendly choice you make brings us closer to a healthier, more sustainable world.

If you have your own sustainable cleaning tips, I’d love to hear them! Until next time, may your home be as cozy and inviting as the hearth at Havenwood Cottage.

Warmly,
Aveline Havenwood
Author of The Hearthside Companion