The spring season has sprung in Jackson Hole, and although it’s a little early this year, warmer temps and budding trees inevitably cause us to emerge from hibernation and dust off the cobwebs. And with the change of season, it’s not uncommon to get down and dirty with the time-honored tradition of spring cleaning, especially when living in a cold weather climate like ours.
Spring cleaning has always revolved around tidying one’s household from top to bottom, and opening the windows for some fresh air on a warm day. With temperatures reaching the 40s and 50s this week, we’ve been going without our down coats for a change, and leaving the front door open for just a second longer. (After all, when you’re used to zero degrees, 50 feels downright heavenly.)
Maybe it’s all that natural beauty out our back door, but here in Jackson Hole most folks try to maintain eco-friendly households, using old fashioned cleaning solutions that are basic, simple and healthy. (A little baking soda and elbow grease can go a long way!)
So before you tackle the chore of getting your home in tip-top shape, here are a few green spring cleaning tips to get ‘er done:
- Eliminate the paper towel: Though handy, paper towels are rarely recycled and can fill up your garbage can in a hurry. Try turning old fabric into rags, or keep one of these locally handmade tea towels around instead.
- Make your own cleaning solution: Combine baking soda, vinegar, a squirt of lemon and some salt to make a creamy soap. Every surface in your house will be sparkling with this simple mix and you’ll save a few dollars in the process.
- Ditch the toxic chemicals: Febreze might deodorize your furniture, but it contains a plethora of chemicals that can be harmful. Sprinkle a few drops of locally produced lavender essential oil into a spray bottle and fill it with water. You've just made your own deodorizer! Lavender is a natural disinfectant, and smells much better than Febreze or Lysol.
- Out with the old: Getting rid of unnecessary clutter can make your home feel a ton lighter. Give your old stuff new life by donating to the Teton Habitat for Humanity Restore or the St. John Episcopal Church’s Browse ‘n Buy.
- Clear out old technology: Not sure how to get rid of electronic devices that no longer work? Don’t throw away that obsolete computer, old box television set or dysfunctional VCR. Keep them out of the landfill and take them to recycling center instead. That way, they can be responsibly dismantled and repurposed.
Do you have some tried and true tips for getting your home ready for spring? Share them with us on Twitter! Follow @jhmarketplace.com.