Spring is here, and that means it’s time to freshen up your home after a long winter! But before you reach for traditional cleaners loaded with harsh chemicals, consider a safer, healthier approach. At Ivory Pines Cleaning, we’re all about eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning that’s safe for your family.
This guide will walk you through a comprehensive spring cleaning checklist that not only makes your home sparkle but also protects the health of your loved ones and the environment.
🏡 Why Choose Human and Pet-Safe Cleaning Products?
Many common household cleaners contain harmful ingredients like bleach, ammonia, petroleum solvents, phthalates, and more. All of which can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. Pets, especially dogs and cats, are even more vulnerable as they often spend time close to floors and surfaces where these chemicals linger.
By switching to eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products, you create a safer environment without compromising on cleanliness. At Ivory Pines, we use only eco-friendly, non-toxic products that leave no harmful residue behind.
✅ The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist
We’ve broken down our checklist into easy-to-follow categories to help you tackle every corner of your home.
🛋️ 1. Living Room & Common Areas
These high-traffic areas collect dust, allergens, and pet dander. Here’s how to make them fresh and inviting:
Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a microfiber cloth to capture dust without spreading it around. Don’t forget shelves, baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures.
Vacuum Upholstery & Cushions: Opt for a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap allergens effectively. Sprinkle baking soda on fabric before vacuuming to neutralize odors.
Clean Windows & Blinds: Use a vinegar and water solution or a streak-free glass cleaner like Aunt Fannie’s for a sparkling finish.
Mop Floors Safely: For sealed floors, use a gentle, ph-neutral floor cleaner that’s safe for pets and kids. We love using Better Life Floor Cleaner for an effective, streak-free shine.
💤 2. Bedrooms
A clean, fresh bedroom promotes better sleep and a healthier environment.
Wash Bedding & Pillows: Use fragrance-free, eco-friendly detergent and wash on hot to eliminate dust mites.
Vacuum Mattresses: Sprinkle baking soda, let sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum thoroughly.
Declutter Closets: Donate or recycle clothes you haven’t worn in the last year.
Dust & Clean Light Fixtures: Wipe down lampshades and disinfect light switches.
🍳 3. Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it deserves extra care during spring cleaning.
Clean Inside Appliances:
Oven: Use a baking soda paste for stubborn grime instead of harsh oven cleaners.
Refrigerator: Wipe shelves with a mix of vinegar and water. Toss expired items and organize the space.
Sanitize Countertops: Choose a non-toxic disinfectant that’s safe for food preparation surfaces.
Scrub Sink & Garbage Disposal: Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain to break down grime and eliminate odors.
Wipe Cabinets & Handles: Use a damp microfiber cloth to capture grease and fingerprints.
🛁 4. Bathrooms
A deep-cleaned bathroom reduces mold, mildew, and bacteria buildup.
Scrub Showers & Tubs: Use a non-toxic bathroom cleaner to eliminate soap scum and grime.
Disinfect Toilets: Vinegar and baking soda create a powerful, natural disinfectant. We also like to use Better Life Toilet Bowl Cleaner.
Polish Mirrors & Fixtures: Clean with an ammonia-free glass cleaner to avoid harmful fumes.
Wash Bath Mats & Towels: Refresh textiles to keep bacteria at bay.
🧸 5. Kid & Pet Areas
Toys, play areas, and pet zones need special attention to ensure they remain germ-free and safe.
Sanitize Toys: Wash plastic toys with mild soap and water or use a vinegar solution. For plush toys, toss them in the washing machine.
Clean Pet Beds & Crates: Use an unscented, non-toxic detergent and wash on high heat.
Wipe Down High-Touch Areas: Pay attention to door handles and light switches.
🌱 Spring Decluttering Tips
Spring cleaning isn’t just about cleaning, it’s also the perfect time to declutter. Here’s how to simplify your space:
Adopt the 3-Pile Rule: Keep, Donate, and Toss. Go through closets, cabinets, and drawers to remove what you no longer need.
Digitize Paper Clutter: Scan important documents and recycle unnecessary papers.
Organize by Category: Store similar items together to avoid future clutter.
✨ Our Favorite Human & Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
At Ivory Pines Cleaning, we carefully choose products that align with our values of safety, sustainability, and effectiveness. Some of our top picks include:
Better Life Unscented All-Purpose Cleaner: A versatile, plant-based cleaner for almost any surface.
CleanSmart Disinfectant: Kills harmful germs while being safe for humans and pets.
Vinegar and Water: A simple solution that can tackle everything from countertops to windows.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Perfect for tackling mold and mildew in your bathroom.
🚫 What to Avoid: Hidden Toxins in Common Cleaners
Even products labeled as “green” can sometimes contain harmful ingredients. Avoid these:
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) & SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate): These harsh surfactants can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.
Phthalates: Found in synthetic fragrances and linked to hormonal disruption.
Parabens: Used as preservatives in cleaning products and can interfere with the body’s natural hormone balance.
Phosphates: Common in some dish soaps and detergents, phosphates can harm aquatic life when they enter water systems, and they may also irritate skin and eyes.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): These chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and contribute to air pollution and long-term health problems.
Petroleum Solvents: Found in many cleaning products, petroleum-based solvents can release harmful fumes and may be toxic to both humans and pets if inhaled or ingested.
Ammonia & Bleach: Can create harmful fumes and are dangerous for pets.
🌸 Ready to Refresh Your Home? Let Ivory Pines Handle It!
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let Ivory Pines Cleaning take the stress out of the season with our eco-friendly, pet-safe cleaning services. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or ongoing maintenance, we’ve got you covered!
👉 Book your spring cleaning today at spring.ivorypinescleaning.com or call/text 919-910-0195.