Earth Day Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Apartment Home while Helping The Environment

Now that Spring is finally in full swing, you may or may not have begun the Spring Cleaning process for your apartment home. As we celebrate Earth Day 2016 today, it is a great time to not only continue your Spring Cleaning efforts as residents but to think about how you can help the environment in the process.

If you haven’t begun your 2016 Spring Cleaning efforts just yet, don’t fret! Check out our previous blog post on “Spring Cleaning Your Apartment Home” to get you started.

Earth Day 2016 Spring Cleaning Tips

1. Double-check your energy efficiency in every room while Spring Cleaning 

Becoming more energy-efficient while Spring Cleaning is a perfect way to get started on Earth Day. Even if your apartment home is part of a community with a go-green initiative, there are numerous ways to save on energy that will save you money. From making sure video game devices are completely turned off to adjusting computer settings (avoid screensavers), every bit of energy saved is a win-win for the environment and your wallet.

2. Save money and substitute paper towels with cleaning supplies you can reuse

The cost of paper towels while undergoing Spring Cleaning can really add up. One way to save money as a resident while remaining environmentally-conscious this Earth Day is to substitute paper towels with cotton rags and cloths. Using items like wash cloths, worn towels and old t-shirts that you can put in the laundry after cleaning is a great way to avoid waste that will cost both money and the environment. These items can be used to wipe down tables in the kitchen, clean bathroom floors and sinks, and much more.

3. Turn everyday household items into DIY Spring Cleaning products

Instead of running out from your apartment home to the store to buy expensive specialty cleaning products, you can use everyday household items like vinegar, baking soda, and cornstarch and turn them into Do-It-Yourself Spring Cleaning products. There plenty of great DIY recipes here to get you started.

4. For every purpose, there is an Earth Day-friendly repurpose

The more resourceful you can be when it comes to Spring Cleaning, the more you will be able to save. Whether you turn old dryer sheets into dusting cloths for various surfaces or use an old toothbrush for grout-scrubbing duty, the bottom line is this: When there is a will to help the environment while maintaining your budget, there is a way.

Thanks to U.S. News and World Report for these great budget-friendly Spring Cleaning tips!

5. Recycle or donate old electronics … for FREE!

When you are undergoing Spring Cleaning in your apartment home, you may run across some old electronic equipment that either needs replacing or recycling. Rather than go through the hassle of trying to figure out what to do with your old televisions, computers, mobile phones or appliances, there are several environmentally-friendly recycling programs that will help you dispose of these products efficiently. You can also check with local retailers such as Best Buy who will help residents dispose of such items free of charge.

6. Take advantage of trade-in programs for old cell phones or computers

Another great Earth Day Spring Cleaning tip is to take advantage of trade-in programs for old cell phones or computers. You may be cleaning out a bedroom drawer and find an old cell phone laying around, and rather than think of it as a lost cause, you can look at it as a new opportunity.

For example, if you have an old iPhone, iPad, computer or other mobile device laying around that is of no use you, there are recycling programs you can take advantage of that also might net you some cash or store credit in the process. Apple has its own recycling program that can award you store credit, or they will recycle any of your devices they support for free. If you want to try and earn some cash for your old electronics, you can also try out companies like Usell that promise to pay for your unwanted Spring Cleaning findings.

Still not prepared for Spring Cleaning? Check our eight additional quick tips for apartment home residents here.