Green, low-waste cleaning has a reputation for being more expensive. Bamboo brushes usually cost twice the amount as their plastic counterparts, and non-toxic sprays carry premium prices.
In November, when we are busy preparing for the holidays and our budgets are being blown on gifts and decorations, cutting costs and waste where we can is a must, especially when sanitizing high-traffic spots such as the entryway.
That's why I always fall back on using old baking trays to affordably keep an entryway clean in fall, tackling tough mud and grime without being wasteful – plus three other tricks I swear by to keep cleaning green on a budget.
Zero Entryway Cleaning for Fall Messes
One of the worst culprits for dirt and mess in an entryway in the fall is wet or muddy shoes, so incorporating smart mudroom storage ideas into the space can go a long way to stopping mess at the door. Forgetting to do so is one of the bad habits that makes your floors dirty.
However, given that this is only a problem for a few months of the year, it doesn't always make sense to buy a boot tray, especially if you have been working hard to hide shoe clutter in small spaces. That is where an old baking tray comes in handy to catch drips while boots dry, before returning them to your usual shoe storage ideas for a clutter-free entryway during the hosting season.
Head of solved, Punteha van Terheyden, shared, 'This is such an ingenious hack for saving time, money, and space at this time of the year, especially as we work through the baking supplies to declutter before the holidays and switch potentially toxic non-stick baking sheets for pure aluminum alternatives, such as the Nordic Ware Naturals Baking Set from Wayfair.
'Not only does it repurpose an otherwise difficult-to-recycle item, but it prevents overconsumption during the most materialistic months. When not in use during spring and summer, a small, thin baking sheet is super easy to store against the wall of an entryway closet, ready to come out again next fall. Not to mention, they are designed to be easy to clean. It's a win-win!'
Beyond stopping mess to make an entryway inviting for the holidays, there are some non-toxic cleaning tricks you can then use to tackle any mess that does crop up:
- Upgrade to Microfiber Cloths: Microfiber cloths are a sustainable must-have. They are not only more efficient than paper towels and cleaning wipes at picking up dirt rather than spreading it around, but you can wash microfiber cloths and use them time and time again (plus there are so many ways to use microfiber cloths beyond dusting to really make the investment worth it). Microfiber clothes from Walmart are a little more expensive up-front than a roll of paper towels, but they last a lot longer, saving money in the long run. Reusable sponge cloths, from Target, do a similar job and are even more affordable.
- Use Refillable Sprays: Plastic waste is one of the biggest problems when it comes to being more sustainable at home. To mitigate this, consider switching to refillable sprays such as the FlowCheer All-Purpose Spray Concentrated Tablets from Amazon and glass spray bottles from Walmart. They're also a great switch to create a non-toxic home. Angel Lance, sustainability expert, CEO of Motive Power, and author of Seeing Green: How to Save the Planet and Profit from Sustainability (at Amazon), explains, 'Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products reduces the amount of harmful chemicals released into the environment. These products are designed to be biodegradable, non-toxic, and often come in sustainable packaging. Not only do they minimize water pollution, but they also improve indoor air quality, reducing potential health risks associated with conventional cleaning products.
- Switch From Wipes to Brushes: There are so many things you should not clean with disinfectant wipes, and floors are one of them. Not only are they far from efficient, but they are also very wasteful. Instead, it is far better to use a floor scrubbing brush, such as the Libman No Knees Floor Scrub from Walmart. Paired with either a small amount of warm soapy water or a dedicated floor cleaner like the Attitude hypoallergenic floor surface cleaner, also from Walmart, will offer superior results with far less waste.
What to Shop
These cleaning spray refill tablets dissolve in water to make up to 192fl oz of cleaning product, ideal for all over the home. They are non-toxic with no harsh chemicals, and the packaging is 100% recyclable to minimize waste.
These amber glass spray bottles are ideal for mixing your own cleaning products without plastic waste. They also come with a funnel for easy refilling, flat caps for easy storage, and stickers to label your supplies.
Microfiber cloths are machine washable, meaning you can reuse them for years with proper care. Simply wash after use on a warm water cycle and a gentle detergent to sanitize. Skip the softener to protect absorbency.
Adding a warming scent to your entryway is a great way to welcome guests into your home and make a good first impression. Wax melts produce less waste than candles, cutting out the jars and wicks. Just be sure to recycle the packaging to minimize its impact.
The Scrub Daddy sponge softens under hard water and toughens under cold water, allowing you to adjust the level of abrasive you need depending on the task at hand. Plus, with the correct care, they last for ages to mitigate waste usually caused by traditional kitchen sponges.
This five-in-one steam cleaner has attachments to clean everything from hard and carpeted floors to appliances, soft furnishings, tiles and grout, and more. It is the best multi-functional tool for any home that doesn't create any waste if you have the extra budget.
Meet the Experts
Need to quickly spruce up your entryway in time for guests arriving? Consider adding a drop zone for easy decluttering that lasts. You can also ensure guests feel welcome as soon as they step inside by adding home fragrancing.
