Spring is here! Get your house clean without toxic chemicals with this green guide.

The new season brings freshness into our lives, so why would we sully it by bringing toxic chemicals into our homes? Knock out your spring cleaning chemical-free by using this green guide.

1. Ditch chemical air fresheners. They have actually been proven to be linked to cancer and sex hormone abnormalities. Use baking soda to eliminate odors when possible.
2. Click Paperless Option. Get all of your bills and as many documents as possible sent via e-mail. It’s faster, more trackable, and better for the environment. The added perk, less waste to throw away for you during spring cleaning!
3. Make your laundry loads efficient and think about setting up a clothesline. Each load of laundry takes about 40 gallons of water! A dryer sucks up 5 kW each hour it runs. Laundry is a major resource drain.
4. Learn how to conserve water. Think about how much water you use in the shower when you wash your face and brush your teeth, while you cook, and during your spring cleaning. It all adds up and chances are you can conserve somewhere.
5. Make sure unused electronics in your house are actually off as you tackle cleaning in each room, not just on standby mode. Standby mode accounts for about 4% of energy bills!
6. If you do any touch-ups during your cleaning, use eco-friendly paint. Unhealthy paint may cause nausea, headaches, and even cancer.
7. Before you toss it, see if you can reuse it. Can those old socks be used as rags? Can that old toothbrush be turned into a cleaning tool? You’ll get a sweet sense of satisfaction by giving these items a second life during your spring cleaning!
8. Use CFLs for lighting whenever possible. This stands for compact fluorescent bulbs and they last 8-12 times longer than a normal bulb.
9. Make your own cleaning products. Use lemon, baking soda, tea tree oil, vinegar, and plain soap to tame your home’s messes. These safe and non-toxic ingredients can be just as effective and much less harsh.

As you protect your home from chemicals, let us protect it from other hazards. For all of your homeowner’s insurance needs, contact Young Insurance in Burbank, California.