Environmentally-Friendly Spring Cleaning Essentials Under $12

Inside Kitchen Cabinets & Drawers

Crumbs, dust, and mystery smudges often get left behind when previous homeowners move out. Wipe with a gentle all-purpose cleaner, then add drawer liners for a fresh, finished look.

The Fridge & Freezer

It always feels good to start with a clean slate in the fridge; after all, you don't want your groceries mingling with someone else's leftovers. Take out all shelves and drawers to soak in warm, soapy water, then wipe down interior walls with a baking soda and water solution.

Bathroom Fixtures

Faucets, handles, and shower heads can harbor buildup or bacteria. Use a vinegar soak on shower heads and a disinfectant spray on all high-touch surfaces.

Air Vents & Filters

I was living in my home for a year before a friend pointed out that I needed to replace my HVAC filter every 6 months to a year. Now I'm consistent about it. Apparently, dust and allergens can build up fast — especially if the home was vacant for a while. Vacuum vent covers and replace HVAC filters so your new space breathes better.

Light Switches & Doorknobs

These are touched constantly — and rarely cleaned. Go room by room with a disinfecting wipe or spray to wipe down all the switches and knobs.

Baseboards & Trim

Vacuum your carpets and floors thoroughly, then mop using the right cleaner for your floor type (wood, tile, vinyl, etc.). Don't forget baseboards and trim, which collect dust and scuffs — especially during a move-out and move-in. Use a microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water to clean up dust. I'm love a Magic Eraser to remove tougher marks too.

Washing Machines

Lint, detergent buildup, and even mildew can linger in your washer from previous use. Wipe down the inside of the washer drum, clean the detergent drawer, and vacuum out the dryer lint trap and vent. Run a hot cycle with white vinegar in the washer to freshen things up. Do the same for your dishwasher too!

1. Waterproof Shoes

You might have kids who love to explore in their Crocs or dance in muddy puddles while wearing their rain boots. Or maybe you ran through a trail through the woods that really left its mark on your Cloud 5 Waterproof Running Shoes. Plus, plastic flip-flops, a staple in summer footwear, have a knack for accumulating sand, dirt, and other grime during the warmer months.

These waterproof shoes can safely go on your dishwasher's top rack! Just be wary of using detergents that have bleach, as it could lead to material damage or discoloration.

2. Plastic Hairbrushes

Hairbrushes don't only collect stray strands of hair. They can also accumulate dead skin, grease, and other grime.

If you realize your plastic brush or comb has seen better days, put it in your dishwasher's utensil container and let it go through a "normal" cycle. Just keep in mind that brushes or combs made from natural materials aren't safe for the dishwasher.

3. Children's Toys

Kids have no problem using and basically abusing their toys. They get tossed on the floor, chewed on, and even taken outside in the dirt. To get rid of germs, plastic items such as building blocks, pretend play kitchen items, bath toys, and even pacifiers and teething rings can be cleaned in your dishwasher.

However, any toys that have small pieces should be placed in a mesh bag. That way, they don't inadvertently damage your appliance.

4. Baseball Caps

Baseball caps are great for shading your face from the harsh summer sun, but they can quickly get dirtied from sweat. Thankfully, the dishwasher can help get them looking as good as new without ruining their shape.

All you have to do is loosely place your cap in the top rack and let it air dry afterward. Or, for those very concerned about their cap's shape, you can buy a cap frame.

5. Vacuum Attachments

From sucking up dust bunnies under our furniture to tackling crumbs between couch cushions, our vacuums (and, specifically, their attachments) go through a lot.

Instead of handwashing these often-gross items, allow your dishwasher to do the work for you. Plenty of plastic vacuum attachments tend to be dishwasher-safe, but before you throw all of your accessories in for a bath, double-check your owner's manual.

6. Toothbrush Holders

It's recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months to maintain hygiene. But when was the last time you actually cleaned your toothbrush holder?

Moisture and toothpaste residue can accumulate inside or outside this item over time. Just like a cup, simply turn it upside down, place it on the top rack of your dishwasher, and let it run through a normal cycle.

7. Potatoes

Have you ever been tasked with making mashed potatoes or french fries for a large group only to realize just how many spuds you'd have to wash? You may be shocked to learn that you could've been saving a lot of scrub time all these years.

Potatoes can easily be placed on the top rack and washed on a rinse cycle! Never include any detergent, though.

8. Appliance Knobs

No matter how tidy of a cook you are, the knobs on your appliances, like your stove, are bound to get quite dirty after a while. They're constantly touched, often with sticky or oily fingers, and frequently forgotten about during kitchen cleaning sessions.

Give your appliances a simple refresh by disconnecting their removable plastic or metal knobs and sticking them in your dishwasher's utensil container.

9. Refrigerator Shelves

From spilled milk (literally) to crumbs and leaking leftover containers, refrigerator shelves can get sticky, grimy, and downright gross to handwash.

Luckily, you don't have to! They can be sanitized in the bottom rack of your dishwasher, along with your other dishware, for an effortless clean.

10. Gardening Tools

Regardless of whether you're a container gardener or prefer growing plants in garden beds, your tools are exposed to dirt, bacteria, and, sometimes, pesticides.

Those with plastic or metal handles can get sanitized on your dishwasher's top rack. Tools with wooden handles, on the other hand, should be washed manually.

11. Microwave Turntable

Similar to refrigerator shelves, microwaves take a beating. This appliance reheats everything from bubbling soups to greasy pizza slices, but you don't want your turntable to look like a graveyard of dinners' past.

Instead of going through the hassle of washing this large, awkward item in the sink, place it in your dishwasher alongside your other plates, bowls, and cups.

12. Shower Caddy

Unless you have a built-in shelf in your shower, you probably have a metal shower caddy that hangs over your shower head or door to hold your shampoo, conditioner, and other bath products.

Over time, mold and soap scum will accumulate on your caddy, giving it a dull or dirty appearance. To help this shower accessory become sparkly again, run it through your dishwasher, and remember to dry it off afterward to prevent rusting.

13. Pet Toys & Bowls

Last but certainly not least are plastic pet toys and bowls. The former is constantly chewed on, dragged around your floor, and sometimes even buried in the yard. Meanwhile, the latter is exposed to the bacteria in your furry friend's mouth, kibble residue, and slobber.

Rather than forcing yourself to hand wash these pet accessories, let your dishwasher handle it. Just check the bowl and toy labels to ensure they're machine-wash-safe and don't have any hollow areas where water can get trapped and grow mold.

1. Coming To Your Appointment After Being At The Gym

I'm thoroughly surprised that people do this because I know how sweaty I get after a workout. But Jorge's had clients who've done this and it's not a good look, according to her. "Yes your service begins with a wash, but seriously," she asks. I don't think you need a reminder, but you might want to take a shower after your gym or pilates session out of courtesy for your hairdresser!

2. Arriving Late To Your Appointment 

Most hairdressers have have a grace period for clients because they understand things happen, but that's not your cue to take advantage of their kindness. For Durante, "being late is the primary issue." Want to know why? He says it's because this "backs up all the appointments and creates a domino effect of issues that can often be hard to catch up on."

3. Acting Like An Armchair Stylist 

Hair appointments should be collaborative, yes, but not to the point where your hairdresser feels like you're trying to do their job for them. Jorge says, "The most nerve-wrecking thing a client can do while they are in the chair is constantly second guess what the stylist is doing or changing their minds about their service. Clients need to trust their stylist and not back seat drive every snip."

If you're guilty of doing this, try to be mindful of how this makes your hairdresser feels. They're providing a service, but they're still human.

Jorge also says, "Sometimes, I just want to give the client the scissors and let them cut their own hair. J/K.."

It's something Durante doesn't care for either. "We always encourage our clients to give as many details as possible with how they want their hair to be cut, colored, and/or styles, but directing the service and telling the hairstylist exactly how to do their hair in step-by-step format is unnecessary when seeing a professional," he states.

Should you be afraid to talk to your hairdresser? Not at all, but it's unhelpful if you think you're more equipped to do your hair while sitting in their chair. "We appreciate a client's direction as it is their look, but critiquing and instructing us on how to reach the end goal is beyond frustrating. Quite frankly, we have spent years handling requests and know exactly how to achieve your desired look based on the tools we've gathered throughout the years," Durante adds.

5. Waiting To Share Your Dissatisfaction

Another annoying behavior stems from something we've all done at least once. Durante says, "When completing a cut or color based on an inspiration photo, the client says they "wanted to go a different direction" - but only tells us once the service is completed."

At this stage in life, I realize the importance of communicating with my hairdresser throughout my appointment. People can't read minds so it's something to think about if you typically wait until your service is over to complain.

6. Covering Your Hair Once It's Been Styled

According to Jorge, it's annoying when "after receiving a hair cut and styling, the client wears a hat or covers their hair." I'm always excited after a hair appointment because it's a chance to enjoy and show off my new refreshed look, but I guess some people feel the need to "hide" their style.

Her other pet peeves? "Washing their hair with a cheap, sulfate shampoo that ruins their color. Going for a swim after a keratin treatment only to dry their hair afterwards and realize a giant frizz bomb where perfectly straight hair once was."