Clean Up Costs and Your Home This Spring

Spring has officially sprung! If you’re planning some spring cleaning, we’ve got just the tips for you. Here are some things to consider to help you clean, reduce your carbon footprint, and save some money.

Kitchen

Remove unneeded and old food from your fridge to allow air to circulate and increase efficiency. It’s best practice to not leave your fridge too empty or too full. By keeping it about 2/3 full, you will be leaving enough room for circulation while keeping it full enough to help keep the interior cool

Pull the fridge out and clean the coils of any dirt, dust, or pet dander that may have accumulated

If you don’t already have a recycling bin set up, start one! Plastic bags cannot go into our curbside recycling, so remember to leave the trash bag out of your recycling bin. If you prefer a lining, try using paper bags from the grocery store!

Bathroom

Try making your own cleaning products to limit the use of harmful chemicals in your home and prevent pollution. Check out this awesome list of recipes that can be used in your bathroom and beyond

Remember to add a recycling bin to this room too, it’s not just for the kitchen! Unfortunately, some hygiene packaging isn’t accepted in a lot of curbside recycling programs, but it is still very recyclable through special programs. Recycle commonly un-accepted dental hygiene packaging for free through TerraCycle here

Family Room

Don’t forget to check and clean your air conditioning unit(s). Routine maintenance can reduce your AC’s energy consumption! Regular maintenance includes replacing filters and annually cleaning evaporator coils. If possible, schedule an inspection from a certified HVAC tech (or if you rent, check with your property manager/maintenance team)

Instead of single-use candles or plastic plug-ins, try freshening up the room with dried lavender or air-purifying plants

Laundry room

Wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible. About 90% of your washing machine energy consumption is for heating water according to the Cleaning Institute.

Remember to clear the lint from your dryer after every use. Periodically, you can use your vacuum’s hose and nozzle tip to collect any lint that has fallen into the lint screen slot. This will help keep it working as efficiently as possible

Consider switching from dryer sheets to wool dryer balls. They’re reusable and free of harmful chemicals and fragrances

Try air-drying your clothes! This reduces your overall electricity consumption, reduces wear and tear on your clothes, and is even recommended for certain fabrics

Are you ready for spring? Level up your spring cleaning and come and see what we do at Evergreen Credit Union to help people and the planet! Call (920) 729-2999 or stop by to make your appointment today. Membership is open to everyone who lives or works in Outagamie, Waupaca, Waushara, Calumet, or Winnebago counties.