Your Earth-Friendly Guide to Spring Cleaning

blooming blossoms and spring written on a paper — Anyone can Spring Clean…but it takes a true fan of Mother Nature to do it in an Earth-friendly way. Below, you’re in store for some cleaning tips that are gentle to the planet, but first we wanted to remind you that decluttering has never been easier than with Pickup Please. Before you get started on the cleaning take a moment to schedule your free donation pickup now, and our truck will come to your residence on the day of your choosing and take away the clothing, shoes, accessories, and household items you no longer want. To get started, CLICK HERE.

Did you know that when you schedule your annual spring-cleaning, it’s not only the perfect time to get rid of the dust bunnies but it’s also a great time to love your mother? Mother Nature, that is. A good rule of thumb is if it harms your lungs and skin, it is probably harming Mother Nature as well, so here are great ideas and tips on how to clean, organize, declutter, and donate in an Earth-friendly way.

DIY Lemon All-Purpose Cleaner:

There is a reason why so many chemical-based cleaners have a lemon scent; we are all looking for that lemony-fresh clean. This cleaner takes you straight to the source, actual lemons, and leaves the chemicals behind. Here’s how to use lemons to clean, shine, and freshen your household surfaces:

Add lemon peels to a glass jar of your choice, although Mason or pickle jars with lids work the best. Add until you have about 1/3 of the jar filled with peels.
Fill to the top with white distilled vinegar, secure the lid tightly and place in a dark location (like beneath the sink) for one-to-two weeks. The vinegar will break down cleaning agents in the peel while the solution rests
When ready to use, feel free to add in extra fresh lemon juice for even more lemon fragrance. You can also add in herbs, such as rosemary or sage, to infuse more of your favorite scent.
Pour into a glass or plastic spray bottle and use as any other cleaner. It is safe to use on most surfaces and will polish your home to a brilliant shine.

lemon vinegar mixture in a spray bottle next to whole lemons

ProTip: You can even use squeezed lemons…instead of throwing away the peels, just toss them into the mixture.

DIY Baking Soda Scrub:

Baking soda is not only affordable, it is a versatile multipurpose cleaner and deodorizer. Using baking soda will bring on the shine and fresh smell without using harsh chemicals. Here are some uses to consider:

Add a tablespoon of baking soda to about 1/3 cup of distilled white vinegar, mix and use to clean tarnish from metal.
Add a dab of your non-toxic liquid dish soap to ¼ cup of baking soda, mix to a paste consistency. Use to clean and polish grout, tile, and other areas that gather dirt or mold.
Sprinkle baking soda on upholstered furniture, like your sofa, to deodorize unwanted odors. Be sure to lift up the cushions and sprinkle into crevasses where bits of food have settled. Leave on for about 15 minutes and vacuum.

individual ingredients to make homemade cleaner

Recycle Unwanted Items:

Mother Nature loves it when you recycle your unused and unwanted items instead of loading up landfills. When we stop and think about it, we sometimes throw away clothes, household items, toys, books, and linens that could be used by others in our communities. When it’s time to declutter your closets and garages, think about recycling before sending stuff to the trash.

Follow these easy steps to declutter and recycle, Mother Nature will love you for it!

Get ready to declutter and organize your home by preparing Keep, Donate (Recycle), and Toss boxes or bags. Label each clearly so that your family helpers can help efficiently.
Make a room by room plan for your big declutter effort Whether it is cupboards, closets, or drawers, remove each item and make a Keep/Donate (Recycle)/Toss decision. Keep what you still use and value. Donate items that are in good condition that you no longer use or need. Toss items that are broken or irreparably soiled.
Once each area is completely cleared out, return your Keep items back where they belong. Dispose of your Toss items per your local laws. Now it’s time to donate all of your recycled items. There is a way to do it with ease, free of charge, and with an earth friendly service. Just CLICK HERE to learn more about how to schedule your free donation pickup with Pickup Please.

Keep Electronics out of the Landfill

Do the nooks or crannies in your house look like a Best Buy warehouse? Then it’s time to get rid of the electronic devices large and small that you and your family are no longer using. But these devices are some of the most destructive items you can throw into the garbage, as they contain batteries, metals, and other toxic elements that can corrode and then seep into groundwater.

For electronic items like game consoles that are small enough for one person to carry, a donation to Pickup Please is in order. Not only will you be getting rid of these notorious dust-collectors, but you’ll also be putting them to use helping America’s vets. (Sorry, but we can’t accept large items like TVs that are too big for one person to carry, and we can’t accept any size TV at our pickups in our Pittsburgh or California locations. Please remember that we can only accept small electronics that are in working condition)

For other electronics, broken electronics, and larger items like old refrigerators or obsolete computers, you’ll want to take them to your local electronics-recycling center. Check with your area’s garbage and recycling companies or your city government website for more information.

Donate!

The best way to recycle is to donate to a good cause that helps individuals and families in your community. Make sure your donations not only go to a great cause, such as the Vietnam Veterans of America, but are also Earth friendly. Pickup Please is a free pickup service that will come to your home and pick up your donations for you. You won’t need to burn fuel by driving across town to your recycling center.

young man putting donation bags into van

All you have to do is schedule your pick up and leave your boxes and bags outside of your home on the day of your scheduled pickup. Be sure to label them “VVA” so the Pickup Please professional driver won’t miss them. Want to make it a neighborhood event? Just share the scheduling information below with your neighbors!

The individuals and families served through the Vietnam Veterans of America thank you for your generous donations. Each donation helps to provide support and services to those in your community. Mother Nature also thanks you for using Pickup Please for your easy, free donation pickup!