Spring Cleaning: Simple Swaps for a Healthier Home
Spring is officially here and you know what that means… time for a good spring cleaning! Now, before you start, have you thought about checking what’s actually in the cleaning products you’re using? If not, this is a good opportunity to take the time to go through your existing products, toss the ones with nasty ingredients, and replace them with natural alternatives. By making a few simple swaps, you can easily create a healthier home.
Home Fragrance Swaps
Ditch the air fresheners and candles and reach for a natural room spray instead. The last thing you want to be breathing in all day is a long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce and the industry’s favorite cover up… fragrance. Did you know that the term “fragrance” is used to describe an engineered scent that could contain any combination of 3,000-plus stock chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens? Not only that, but fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets and therefore can remain undisclosed. This is why we highly encourage you to avoid products with fragrance when you can. So what’s our favorite alternative? janegee Home Spray. This natural alternative to air fresheners is formulated without the use of synthetic chemicals and instead uses one of our favorite gifts from nature to scent your space: essential oils.
Another great alternative is our natural Reed Diffusers. These diffusers are made of an all-natural base with 100% essential oils and release the most wonderful aroma for up to 12 weeks. Plus, they look stunning in any room!
Laundry Swaps
An easy way to start in your laundry room is by choosing a cleaner detergent. Our pick? Dropps*. With more than half of their ingredients derived from renewable resources, their biobased formulas minimize their environmental impact while delivering a clean that doesn't compromise. You can have peace of mind knowing that their formulas are made without enzymes, dyes, parabens, phosphates, chlorine bleach, or phthalates. Once you make the switch to these, you will never go back to any other detergent.
Next, let’s talk about a cleaner (and more sustainable!) swap for dryer sheets: Wool Dryer Balls. We recommend our Wool Dryer Balls in particular because they are made from 100% premium New Zealand wool and are all-natural, with no synthetic fibers or chemicals. Not only that, but they also shorten drying time, soften fabric, reduce static, and last for years. This swap is a no-brainer!
*Available at the janegee flagship store in Portsmouth, NH.
Cleaning Swaps
There is truly no need to use harsh cleaning products or bleaches in your home. A homemade, natural soft scrub will usually do just the trick. We encourage you to try Jane’s simple and easy soft scrub formula that is both clean for you and the environment.
Jane’s Natural Soft Scrub
Ingredients:
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2 cups baking soda
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4 tablespoons organic liquid castile soap
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1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
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40 drops organic essential oils of Lemon, Peppermint, Pine, Lemongrass (or your preferred combination).
Directions:
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Mix all ingredients together and store in a sealed wide-mouth container to use when needed. Shelf life is about two years.
For really tough jobs, spray with the distilled vinegar first, let it sit, and follow up with the scrub.
If you don’t have the time to make your own all-purpose cleaner, we highly suggest trying the brand Guests on Earth. Their All-Purpose Cleaner* is made from high-quality all-natural ingredients that are plant and mineral-based. It is a must-have in any household as it can be used on many different nonporous surfaces, like sealed marble, and wood, windows, porcelain, granite, stainless steel, screens, and quartz. It's also safe for toys, high chairs, and any other places that often need a bit of clean up.
*Available at the janegee flagship store in Portsmouth, NH.
Bathroom Swaps
Nourish and cleanse your hands, naturally, by switching to a janegee hand soap. Our Hand Soaps will rinse away any germs while leaving your hands feeling refreshed and soft. Pairs well with our lotions too!
Another easy, cleaner swap for your bathroom is to upgrade your Shower Gel. Wash your entire body without any worrying. Shop our natural Shower Gels here.
We hope you found this blog helpful as you prepare for your spring cleaning. Creating a healthier environment in your home truly doesn’t have to be difficult. Make a few of these simple swaps and you’ll be there in no time.
Let’s Become Better Together!
