The windows are open, the jasmine is out and the days are finally stretching into the evening. There's something about an Aussie spring that makes you want to throw everything out, wipe everything down and start fresh.
But a spring clean doesn't have to mean a cupboard full of harsh chemicals, stinging eyes and that heavy "clean" smell that lingers for hours. With a few thoughtful swaps, you can get your home sparkling using plant-based, Australian-made products that are kinder to your family, your waterways and the planet.
Here's our room-by-room guide to a natural spring clean.
Before you start: set yourself up for success
Open everything up. Spring is the perfect excuse to let the fresh air do some of the work. Open windows on opposite sides of the house to get a cross-breeze going while you clean.
Declutter first, clean second. It's much quicker to clean a bench with nothing on it. Grab three boxes — keep, donate, recycle — and clear surfaces before you reach for a cloth.
Swap out the disposables. Paper towels and plastic sponges add up fast. A set of Skipper Swedish Dish Cloths can replace a mountain of paper towel, and they're compostable at the end of their life.
Set the mood. Pop a few drops of ECO. Essential Oil – Energy in your diffuser, put on a good playlist, and you've turned a chore into a bit of a ritual.
The kitchen
The kitchen works hardest all year, so it deserves the most love.
- Benchtops and splashbacks: A plant-based spray like Koala Eco Kitchen Cleaner cuts through grease without leaving a chemical residue where you prepare food.
- Appliances: Fingerprints on the fridge and dishwasher? Koala Eco Stainless Cleaner leaves stainless steel streak-free. Wipe with the grain for the best finish.
- Sink and stovetop: For baked-on marks and a dull sink, a gentle scrub with Lil Bit Cream Cleaner brings the shine back without scratching.
- Dishes: If your dish brush has seen better days, spring is the time to retire it. The Ever Eco Coconut Dish Scrubber and Koala Eco Dish Brush are both plastic-free alternatives that last.
- Dishwasher: Give it a deep clean with Skipper Machine Cleaner to clear out built-up grease and residue, then switch to Skipper Dishwasher Tablets — they come in a refillable kit, so there's no plastic tub to throw away each time.
Tip: Spring means fresh produce season. A quick soak in Koala Eco Fruit & Vege Wash helps lift dirt and wax from your farmers' market haul.
The bathroom
Bathrooms are where conventional cleaners tend to be at their harshest — and they're usually small rooms with little ventilation. That's exactly why it's worth going gentler here.
- Mirrors and shower screens: Lil Bit Chrome & Glass Cleaner or Koala Eco Glass Cleaner for a streak-free finish. Buff dry with a microfibre cloth.
- Tiles, basin and bath: A dab of Lil Bit Cream Cleaner on a damp cloth tackles soap scum and water marks.
- The toilet: Drop in a Lil Bit Toilet Cleaning Tablet, let it fizz, give it a quick brush and you're done. For ongoing freshness between cleans, try the Skipper Toilet Block Kit.
- Hand wash: Swap single-use pump bottles for a refillable system like the Skipper Hand Wash Duo Kit — buy the bottles once, then just top them up with refills.
The laundry
Spring is the season for washing doonas, swapping winter woollens for linen and bringing out the summer wardrobe.
- Everyday washing: Laundry sheets are a game-changer — lightweight, pre-measured and plastic-free. Try Lil Bit Laundry Sheets or the Skipper Laundry Sheets Kit.
- Packing away winter knits: Give your woollens a gentle wash with Koala Eco Laundry Delicate Wash before storing. Clean wool is far less appealing to moths.
- Stains and whites: Pre-treat marks with the Lil Bit Stain Remover Soap Bar or Koala Eco Laundry Stain Spray. For greying whites and tea towels, a soak in Koala Eco Oxygenated Bleach brightens without chlorine.
- Let the sun help: The Aussie sun is one of the best natural fabric fresheners going. Hang whites in direct sun and colours inside-out to stop them fading.
Floors, last of all
Always do floors last — everything you've dusted and wiped will have ended up down there anyway. Sweep or vacuum first, then mop with a diluted natural floor cleaner like Lil Bit Concentrated Floor Cleaner or Koala Eco Floor Cleaner. Concentrates are a smart buy — one bottle goes a long way, which means less packaging and fewer trips to the shops.
Don't try to do it all at once
The best spring clean is the one you actually finish. If a whole-house blitz feels like too much, pick one room this weekend and another next weekend. The same goes for the swaps: you don't need to replace your entire cleaning cupboard today. As each conventional product runs out, replace it with a natural alternative. Before long, your whole home will have made the switch — without the waste of throwing out half-used bottles.
Spring clean the kinder way
Every product mentioned here is something we've chosen to stock because it works, it's gentler on your home, and wherever possible it's Australian-made and refillable. Browse our full range of eco cleaning products and refills, and if you have any questions about which swap is right for your home, just reach out — we're always happy to help.
Happy spring cleaning! 🌿
— Claire xx