How to Refresh Your Home the Sustainable Way
Spring is just around the corner, and for many Aussies, that means a good old-fashioned clean-up. But before you reach for harsh cleaning chemicals or start tossing things into landfill, pause for a moment. With a few simple changes, you can give your home a fresh start while caring for your health, your wallet, and the planet.
This eco-friendly spring cleaning checklist goes beyond the basics. We’re talking low-tox products, waste-free swaps, and planet-friendly habits that will leave your home, and your conscience, feeling fresh.
1. Audit your cleaning supplies
Before you scrub a single surface, take stock of what you already have. That half-used spray at the back of the cupboard? Use it up before replacing it. If it’s expired or no longer safe, check if it can be disposed of through your local Household Chemical CleanOut.
Eco-tip: Replace single-use plastic bottles with refillable amber glass ones, and make your own product - very simple recipe below!
2. Make your own cleaning products (with stuff you already have)
You don’t need a cupboard full of products for every room. A simple DIY surface spray using vinegar, water and essential oil works wonders, and smells amazing!
Multi-purpose surface spray recipe:
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part water
- 10 drops essential oil (lemon, eucalyptus, or lavender)
Shake in a reused spray bottle and use on most surfaces (avoid marble or granite).
3. Upgrade your cleaning kit (without buying new)
Scrubbing brushes, cloths, and sponges don’t need to be synthetic. If your current gear is worn out, look for replacements made from natural fibres like coconut husk, cellulose, or bamboo.
Swap disposable paper towels for The Swag Non-Paper Towel - a reusable, certified organic option that’s perfect for spills, wiping surfaces, and polishing without waste. For scrubbing dishes, benches, or even produce, The Swag Dish Brush is made from sustainable materials and built to last, helping you clean effectively without plastic.
Or cut up old T-shirts or towels to make reusable cloths for dusting or general cleaning. No microplastics, no landfill.
4. Declutter without dumping
Spring cleaning isn’t just about wiping surfaces. It’s about creating space. But that doesn’t mean sending five bags to the tip.
Try this instead:
- Donate to charities that accept only what they need
- Host a swap party with friends
- Post items on Facebook Marketplace
Check out Garage Sale Trail happening in November - it’s a fun, community-driven way to sell, swap, or rehome unwanted items so they stay out of landfill.
5. Refresh your fridge and your Swags (and reduce food waste)
Give your fridge a proper wipe-down using either white cleaning vinegar or a bicarb + lemon paste (natural, effective and safe around food). Then organise it in a way that actually helps you waste less.
Give your Swags a refresh by machine washing them, douse them in white cleaning vinegar and place on an extra rinse and spin cycle. Vinegar removes soap residue build up, plus vinegar is an effective mycobactericidal disinfectant that should also be active against most other bacteria.
Top tips:
1) Use clear containers to keep things visible
2) Store herbs and veggies in The Swag to keep them fresh for longer
3) Label items with the date you opened them
4) Make a habit of checking your fridge before you shop
A clean, well-organised fridge = less food waste = happier planet.
6. Add something green
Once you’ve cleaned up, it’s time to bring the outdoors in. Houseplants can purify air, lift your mood and create a sense of calm.
Opt for low-maintenance indoor plants like:
- Peace lilies
- Spider plants
- Snake plants
- Devil’s ivy
Pot them in repurposed jars, tins or baskets for a zero-waste twist.
7. Make it a mindset, not a one-off
Sustainable living isn’t about perfection. It’s about habits. So once the spring clean is done, think about what you can carry forward:
1) Plan meals to avoid food waste
2) Store produce properly
3) Repair instead of replace
4) Opt for reusables over single-use
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to cost the Earth. With a little thought, you can refresh your home, reduce your waste and feel good doing it.
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to cost the Earth. With a little thought, you can refresh your home, reduce your waste and feel good doing it.
If you’re ready to make this year’s spring clean your most sustainable yet, start by upgrading your essentials. The Swag Non-Paper Towel, The Swag Dish Brush and The Swag produce bags make it simple to ditch disposables, cut down on food waste and keep your home naturally fresh.
Small swaps like these add up to a big difference, for your home, your wallet, and the planet.
