Your home is crying out for a non-toxic fall refresh! 5 seasonal cleaning tasks pros tackle without harsh chemicals

As the temperature drops and the holidays draw near, we naturally begin spending more time indoors with friends and family.

That’s why fall is the perfect time to give your home a deep clean, sticking to non-toxic solutions to leave your space feeling refreshed while maintaining healthy indoor air quality as we hunker down for winter.

With that in mind, here are five non-toxic cleaning steps to help you reset your home for fall and create a fresh, healthy space to enjoy all season long.

The ultimate non-toxic fall cleaning guide

Swapping out your traditional cleaning supplies for non-toxic alternatives when preparing a home for fall is one of the simplest ways to create a non-toxic home.

This is more important than ever when doors and windows are kept tightly closed to prevent heat loss, and fresh air ventilation decreases.

Many commercial cleaning products can release VOCs, and other toxic elements like chlorine and ammonia, because they act as solvents to dissolve dirt and grease, and as fragrances to provide a "clean" scent.

While effective, these chemicals can cause short-term health effects like headaches and eye irritation, and have been linked to long-term issues like respiratory problems and cancer.

Choosing natural cleaning solutions avoids these hazards, promoting a healthier indoor environment.

Here are the five areas of the home that experts advise you to focus your cleaning swaps:

1. Use vinegar for the fireplace

Cleaning a fireplace is essential before lighting it for the first time, and then throughout winter to protect your home from common fire risks. You don't need harsh chemicals to tackle the tough task of cleaning fireplace glass, however.

Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare, suggests starting by gently sweeping out the bulk of the debris, followed by the best vacuum with a good HEPA filter to remove any remaining ash residue. Do not vacuum all of it as the fine dust may impact the motor or filters.

Then, 'wipe the surfaces down with a vinegar-water solution to try and cut the soot film that accumulates.'

For the best results when cleaning with vinegar, opt for specialty cleaning vinegar, such as the 30% concentrated vinegar from Walmart. You may wish to wear cleaning gloves, also from Walmart, to avoid any skin irritation, as it can be drying.

2. Change HVAC filters

Sometimes, non-toxic fall refreshes aren't technically about cleaning at all, but fall home maintenance, especially when it comes to HVAC systems, which are a vital cog for maintaining clean air.

Michael Rubino, a mold and air quality expert, environmental wellness advocate, and founder of HomeCleanse, explains, 'Dirty and clogged filters do not effectively eliminate particles from the air, resulting in them blowing back into your home and building up over time.

'This lowers your indoor air quality, harming your family's health. Dirty filters also put a strain on your HVAC system, which can lead to costly repairs down the road.

'Upgrade to the highest MERV-rated filter the system can handle and set a calendar reminder to change them on time based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.'

You can also improve air quality indoors in the fall by choosing the right air purifier for your home.

3. Deep clean the fridge and freezer

Ahead of the peak hosting season, it's best to clean your kitchen, prepping the oven and food storage for big dinners, snacks, and leftovers.

Alicia Sokolowski, non-toxic cleaning expert and owner of Aspen Clean, suggests starting with cleaning a fridge and freezer.

Turn the appliances off, and empty everything, decluttering anything that has expired or you will not use. It's the perfect time for a full expiration sweep.

While they are empty, Alicia recommends removing all the detachable items and shelves to clean in the sink, 'soaking them in warm water with a non-toxic dish soap, such as the AspenClean unscented dish soap from Amazon. Dry them thoroughly. Wipe down the fridge’s interior with a non-toxic all-purpose spray and a microfiber cloth (from Walmart). Be sure to clean door seals as well.'

Next, and with the freezer defrosted, repeat the above steps before turning everything back on.

'Reorganize your food on the shelves and place an open tub of baking soda in the fridge for natural deodorizing,' Alica says. The Arm & Hammer Fridge-N-Freezer odor absorber, available at Walmart, is ideal for this.

With this dealt with, try cleaning your oven without harsh chemicals.

4.Wash windows

According to Scott, cleaning windows is one of the essential fall cleaning jobs everyone forgets.

Luckily, it is a simple task to turn toxin-free, ditching the ammonia-based cleansers to boost natural light in the darkest months of the year.

He says, 'They really benefit from a streak-free wash after the summer dust and pollen, and you'll enjoy the view that much more before you are staring out of them all winter. A microfiber cloth and a basic vinegar solution work wonders!'

For this DIY cleaning solution, combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle from Walmart. You can add a few drops of dish soap, such as the EWG-approved Attitude dish soap from Walmart, to help fight grease.

Shake to combine before spraying directly into the window and buffing away with a dry cloth.

You can also use our essential oil DIY window cleaning spray, which is brilliant for wiping off grime with ease, leaves a streak-free finish and smells luxurious

5. Freshen up the sofa

Before inviting your friends and family over for holiday get-togethers, clean your sofa to remove odors.

The quickest way to do this without harsh chemicals is by using the best steam cleaner to steam clean your couch, checking the care label first to ensure the fabric is suited to heat treatment. The Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, from Amazon, is one of the best options for this.

Otherwise, Alicia recommends cleaning with baking soda.

'Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda [from Target] over the cushions and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This will naturally absorb odors. For a natural fragrance, you can also add a few drops of your choice of organic essential oils to the baking soda. Vacuum the baking soda off completely with an upholstery vacuum attachment.

'Remove all detachable couch components and use a crevice vacuum attachment to thoroughly clean seams, corners, and crevices where dirt and crumbs tend to accumulate.

'To clean the entire couch, dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and non-toxic laundry detergent, such as AspenClean 100% natural detergent from Amazon, and wipe down each of the cushions, paying particular attention to any stains.

To finish, she suggests airing out the cushions in a well-ventilated area, helping them to dry out before sitting on them to prevent musty odors returning.

Meet the experts

Scott Schrader

Scott is a cleaning expert at CottageCare, which is a leading home cleaning company with over 41 locations nationwide. He's a big believer in using eco-friendly cleaning solutions like baking soda.

Michael Rubino

Michael Rubino is a mold and air quality expert, Author of The Mold Medic, an Expert’s Guide on Mold Removal, and founder of HomeCleanse, a revolutionary company with the vision to end the worldwide health epidemic caused by poor air quality and toxic indoor environments. Michael is a council-certified Mold Remediator by IICRC and ACAC and a contributing member, sponsor, and speaker for the Indoor Air Quality Association.

Alicia Sokolowski

With over 17 years of experience, Alicia specializes in creating a healthier, green alternative to chemical-based cleaning products and services. AspenClean provides all-natural, chemical-free cleaning services that have revolutionized the cleaning industry and changed the way people clean their homes.

With your home clean and toxin free, work through our fall decluttering checklist to clear space for guests with ease.