Winter Cleaning Tips for a Healthier, Greener Home
As the temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, keeping your home clean and fresh is more important than ever. With a few simple, natural strategies, you can protect your health, care for the environment, and enjoy a cozy, inviting space all winter long. Better for your health. Better for the environment.
1. Open Your Windows Daily
Yes, even in winter, a few minutes of fresh air circulation can make a huge difference. Crack open windows for 5–10 minutes each day to flush out stale air, reduce indoor pollutants, and help prevent mould growth.
2. Tackle Mould Before It Spreads
Damp bathrooms and laundry areas are prime spots for mould. Use our Cleaning Grade Vinegar 9.9% with 10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil in a reused spray bottle, to wipe down grout lines, shower curtains, and window sills at least once a week. This natural solution kills spores without harsh chemicals.
3. Clean Top to Bottom
Dust and debris naturally fall downward, so start high and work your way down:
Ceilings & Light Fixtures: Use an extendable duster to remove cobwebs and dust.
Walls & Door Frames: Wipe with our Natural Cleaning Spray and a damp cloth (Be Natural Castile Cleaning Soap).
Shelves & Furniture: Dust surfaces, then polish with a homemade mix of Cleaning Grade Vinegar 9.9%, water and a few drops of olive oil.
Skirting Boards & Floors: Finish with a mop of warm water and 2 TBSN of Castile Cleaning Soap, or a sprinkle of Cleaning Grade Baking Soda before vacuuming.
4. Don’t Forget Your Appliances
Heat Pump Filters: Check monthly and vacuum or rinse out trapped dust to maintain efficient heating and cleaner air.
Fireplace & Chimney: Have your chimney swept every two years to prevent creosote buildup and fire hazards. Clean out the firebox weekly, and if any firebricks are cracked, replace them promptly.
5. Harness the Power of Houseplants
Certain houseplants — like spider plants, peace lilies, and Boston ferns — release oxygen and help filter indoor pollutants. They also catch dust on their leaves, which you can simply wipe away with a damp cloth. Fewer airborne particles mean less time spent dusting!
6. Stick to Natural Cleaning Products
Skip the toxic fumes of conventional cleaners. DIY solutions using Cleaning Grade Baking Soda, Cleaning Grade Vinegar 9.9%, and Castile Cleaning Soap are tough on grime yet gentle on lungs, skin, and the environment.
7. Embrace Slow Cooker Meal Prep
Winter is the perfect season for warming stews and soups. Pull out your slow cooker and try recipes loaded with seasonal veggies — minimal hands-on time, big batch cooking, and less mess to clean up.
8. Practice Good Hygiene
Cold and flu bugs thrive in winter. Keep everyone healthy by:
Washing hands regularly with gentle, fragrance-free soap such as Be Natural Unscented Castile Soap.
Disinfecting high-touch areas (door handles, light switches) using your vinegar spray.
Laundering towels and bedding weekly in our Washing Powder.
By following these natural winter cleaning tips, you’ll create a safer, more sustainable home environment for your whānau — all while reducing waste, cutting costs, and breathing easier. Ready to make the switch? Join one of our upcoming workshops to learn more DIY recipes and eco-friendly habits that last a lifetime!
Stay warm, stay healthy, and happy cleaning! 🌱✨
