Healthy Home, Healthy You

Spring is the season of renewal, a time when nature awakens and so can your living space. For many, the act of spring cleaning is more than just tidying up—it's an opportunity to clear out the old and bring in the new. But did you know that spring cleaning can actually have a profound impact on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being as well? It’s not just about organizing and wiping down surfaces—it’s a chance to rejuvenate your environment, boost your mood, and enhance your health.

The Psychological Benefits of Spring Cleaning

It’s not just the act of cleaning that leaves you feeling refreshed—it’s also the psychological relief that comes with clearing clutter. Your home holds an energy of its own that—just like a human—can become more lively and positive by letting go of things that are no longer serving it, therefore enhancing the energy of its inhabitants.

The connection between a tidy environment and mental clarity is well-documented. Research has shown that clutter can contribute to stress and anxiety, making it harder to focus and relax. By decluttering your home and refreshing your living space, you can create a sense of calm and tranquility that fosters better mental health. The physical act of organizing, wiping, and scrubbing also releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood-boosting hormones.

The Benefits of Non-Toxic Homemade Cleaners

While spring cleaning can lift your spirits, it’s important to also consider how it impacts your health. Traditional commercial cleaning products are often loaded with chemicals that can pose risks to both your health and the environment. Many of these cleaners contain harsh substances that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Some long-term exposure can even be linked to more serious health issues such as hormone disruption and respiratory diseases.

As an alternative, homemade non-toxic cleaners are not only safer but also equally effective. They are easy to make, environmentally friendly, kind to your health, and cost efficient. A web search will reveal a myriad of recipes (I do not recommend using essential oils), and this is my go-to method:

All-Purpose Cleaner – safe for most surfaces except natural stone (like granite and marble). It’s easy to make and will leave your space naturally disinfected and sparkling clean.

In a 32 oz. spray bottle, combine

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar (substitute rubbing alcohol for use on natural stone)

4 drops liquid dish soap

Fill with water

Shake well before use.

-          To add a bit of shine to wood or vinyl flooring, add a few drops of baby oil.

Microfiber cloths are great eco-friendly cleaning tools as well. They offer superior cleaning due to their tiny fibers that trap dust, dirt, and bacteria, resulting in streak-free, lint-free surfaces and require less water and cleaning solutions. For instance, they are beautifully effective for cleaning windows with water alone.

Nurture your space, nourish yourself.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about making your home look nice—it’s a holistic activity that can benefit your physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. By clearing away unused items and using non-toxic homemade cleaners, you’re not only creating a safer, cleaner home but also protecting your health and the planet. So this spring, take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the refreshing feeling of a clean, de-cluttered, toxin-free environment. Your mind, body, and home will thank you!

Together in Wellness,

Torie