How to Green Your Spring Clean

Spring cleaning has long been a ritual of renewal, a chance to clear the clutter, shake off the dust, and breathe fresh life into our homes.

But while the intention behind spring cleaning remains the same, the way we do it needs an update. Most conventional cleaning products are packed with chemicals that pollute the air we breathe and the waterways we rely on. Add to that the mountains of plastic bottles, paper towels, and unnecessary landfill waste, and suddenly your well-meaning clean-up doesn’t feel so… clean.

It doesn’t have to be that way. With a little care, the annual ritual of renewal can be done in a way that’s kinder to the planet, without compromising on the feel-good satisfaction of a sparkling home

So as you throw open the windows and roll up your sleeves, here’s how to make your spring clean a whole lot greener and just as satisfying.

Clear the Clutter Consciously

It’s tempting to toss unwanted items straight into a bin bag and move on. But the contents of your closet or toy box can live another life somewhere else if you give it the chance.

Start with your wardrobe: donate anything in good condition to local shelters or second-hand shops. For children’s clothing, consider platforms like Retykle, which specialises in reselling pre-loved kids wear in Hong Kong, Singapore and now Dubai. This reduces waste and gives gently-used pieces a second story.

Talking of stories, books can be rehomed via community libraries or book swap shelves. Old furniture might just need a coat of eco-friendly paint or a new handle to feel fresh again. And broken electronics? Avoid dumping them in the bin, many UAE malls now have e-waste recycling drop-offs, or services like Enviroserve will responsibly dispose of everything from cables to kettles.

Tip: Create three piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Recycle/Repair. Commit to dealing with them by the weekend.

Detox Your Cleaning Cupboard

Most cleaning aisles are a cocktail of synthetic ingredients and unnecessary packaging. Bleach, ammonia, artificial fragrances can aggravate allergies, pollute waterways, and leave behind micro-residues that aren’t safe for small hands or paws.

This spring, switch to plant-powered formulas with transparent labels and refillable bottles. We love Rooted Regimen a UAE-based brand offering powerful yet natural surface sprays and dish soaps that look as good on the shelf as they work in the sink. Free from harsh chemicals and wrapped in minimalist, recyclable packaging, they’re a solid step toward a cleaner, healthier home.

Refresh Your Laundry Routine

Spring cleaning isn’t just about surfaces, it’s the perfect time to rethink what’s hiding in your laundry cupboard while you clean those old curtains or wash clothes for resale.

Swapping out conventional detergents is one of the easiest ways to make your cleaning routine more sustainable. Traditional powders and liquids are often packed with petroleum-based surfactants, artificial fragrances, and optical brighteners, all of which can be harsh on skin and harmful to aquatic life. And let’s not forget the bulky plastic jugs they come in.

This spring, consider switching to Baya, a homegrown brand making plastic-free, plant-based laundry sheets that dissolve completely in water. Lightweight, low-waste, and travel-friendly, they clean your clothes without leaving a toxic trail.

Refresh Your Air, Naturally

After hours of tidying, scrubbing, sorting and folding, there’s nothing more satisfying than that moment when you step back and breathe it all in. But beware the artificial ‘clean’ smells we’ve come to associate with pine floor polish and lemon-fresh spray, most are a chemical cocktail of synthetic fragrances and aerosol propellants that linger in the air and in your lungs.

This spring, let nature take the lead. Open the windows and let the breeze clear out stagnant energy, then set the mood with something gentler. A clean-burning, plant-based candle is the perfect finishing touch to a day of conscious cleaning. We love Soul So Good, a UAE-based brand hand-pouring beautifully minimalist candles made from coconut and rapeseed wax, with essential oils and absolutely no synthetic additives.

Prefer to diffuse? A few drops of eucalyptus, lavender, or sweet orange oil in a diffuser can reset the whole atmosphere — naturally purifying the air while adding a sense of calm and clarity to your refreshed space.

Slow Down the Energy

Spring cleaning isn’t just about surfaces and smells, it’s about the energy in your space. Ask yourself how each room feels. Too cluttered? Rearrange. Too stale? Add an indoor plant (think peace lily, snake plant, or pothos). Want to invite more intention? Burn dried herbs, hang something inspiring on the wall, or simply move furniture to create better flow.

And don’t underestimate the power of sound, a calming playlist, birdsong through an open window, or even the quiet swish of a broom can shift the atmosphere.