Earth Day may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to go green. Target recently introduced its new household essentials brand Everspring—and it’s filled with biobased, recycled and natural fiber-made products.
Keeping your kiddos safe is priority number one for you. That’s why you look for cleaning and household products that don’t come with a lengthy list of chemical ingredients. Now you have even more options! These products, which are “Target Clean” compliant, are made without phthalates or propyl-parabens.
Everspring features more than 70 cleaning and household use items. And bonus: you won’t need to dig deep into your child’s college fund just to keep your home clean and green. The products in big red bullseye retailer’s new brand sell for $2.79 to $11.99.
Senior vice president and general merchandise manager for Target, Christina Hennington said, in a press release, “Everspring is a great example of how we’re listening—and responding—to the evolving needs of our guests in a way that’s uniquely Target.” Hennington went on to add, “Guests can feel confident they’re purchasing essentials for their home that include ingredients and components they want and have the efficacy they need to get daily routines done. And, at prices nearly 20 percent less than comparable brands and a focus on fresh design, Everspring offers guests another compelling reason to stock up at Target.”
So what can you expect from Target’s new brand? The line includes dish soap, hand soap, paper towels, laundry detergent, household cleaners, candles and so much more. While keeping your family safe from the hidden toxins is a major plus, the “green” doesn’t end with what’s inside the bottle. Everspring’s product packaging is made from up to 50 percent or more recycled content.
Everspring is available now in stores and at Target.com.
Spring is almost here! And besides enjoying everything there is to love about the season, now’s also the perfect time to clean out your drawers and get the grime off your tiles and tubs. Need some simple organizing tips and spring cleaning hacks to help you get there and—even better—keep you there for months afterward? Keep reading!
Clean Out Your Dryer Vent
Karly Wood
Does it take more than one cycle to get your clothes dried? If so, your dryer vent may need a good cleaning. This vent is not the same as the lint trap, and is the path your dryer lint and fuzz usually takes to get outside. If it's clogged, it can result in long dry times and even pose a fire hazard! Head to Frugally Blonde for easy tips on purging your dryer vent.
Wipe Out Window Tracks
Karly Wood
Long winters mean dust and grime can build up in your window tracks, preventing them from properly closing and looking downright disgusting! Spend 10 minutes using the tips from The Intentional Mom and you're on your way to sparkling windows!
Dust Heating & Air Vents
Karly Wood
After a hot summer and long, cold winter, your heating and air vents have probably taken a beating. Use a duster, toothbrush, or a butter knife wrapped in an old towel to get in between all the vents for a thoroughly cleaning. The next time you turn on the heating or AC, you won't be sending excess dust flying around!
This simple act can become a habit and can help a whole room look better in just a few minutes. If you want to go one beyond, try this awesome bedding from Beddy's: your bed and your kids' beds can be made in seconds. The bedding essentially is like a comforter + sheet set that fits any size mattress (there's even a toddler size). You simply zip it up along the sides to make a seamless look. Unzip to give yourself breathing room in the night, or keep it zipped up for coziness. Added bonus? Your partner can't kick the sheet down in the bed. Find out more at beddys.com.
Disinfect Your Dishwasher
Karly Wood
If your dishwasher isn't doing it's job, smells funny or is leaving white residue on your dishes then it's probably time for a clean. It's a good idea to run a cup of white vinegar through your dishwasher to remove build up and odors. Simply pour it in the bottom of your dishwasher (with or without dishes––it won't harm them or leave a smell) and run a regular cycle.
Melt Away Microwave Grime
Karly Wood
Cleaning out your microwave doesn't have to be a hassle. All you need to do is fill a bowl with one cup of vinegar and one cup of water, then microwave for roughly five minutes. When the time's up, carefully remove the bowl (it will be HOT!) then easily wipe down the mess inside that has been loosened from the vinegar and steam. No scrubbing required!
Now that flu season is waning (mostly), it's time to deep clean that humidifier that has been saving your kids' noses all winter long. Anna Mosely from Ask Anna suggests half-filling your humidifier with vinegar and running it outside (so your house doesn't smell like vinegar) for at least 45 minutes. Then, wipe it out with a sponge, fill it up with water and run it for 45 more minutes. Then, let that baby dry out, and put it away until next season.
Are tank tops taking over your closet? Organize them with this genius DIY tank top hack from According to Noelle. Or, roll up your tops and slip them into a shoe organizer. Bam! Your available closet space just quadrupled!
Ah, the fridge—the place we spend so much time in front of, all year long. It's time to get it back to the clean, cool space your food and drinks once knew. To do this, you'll need to remove everything (and unplug the fridge if you don't want to waste tons of electricity), and then take out the shelves and drawers and wash them thoroughly with mild dishwashing soap. Dry everything thoroughly before sliding back into place.
Use Box Lids or Inserts to Organize Inside Drawers
Do all of your drawers look like a free-for-all of junk? Put box lids or plastic drawer inserts into your drawers and decluttering accordingly. For more tips on organizing your drawers, head to this article from Real Simple.
If you've got wires snaking every which way behind your computer, try this easy hack from Lifehacker that uses binder clips to keep wires attached and organized.
Give Old Bedding and Towels to People or Animals in Need
With spring cleaning in full force, don't just toss old towels and bedding! Give them to an animal rescue organization or a homeless shelter to be re-used by someone in need. To donate to furry friends, call your local animal shelter or go here to find out how to donate to the Humane Society. To donate to people in need, call your local Salvation Army or Goodwill to see if they have any local shelters or shops in need of bedding.
When kids toys start taking over the house, you know it's time for a clean-out. But don't toss all those old treasures in the trash—donate them to children in need! To find worthy places or organizations to take your toys (because some organizations, including hospitals, usually only take new toys), check out this great article from Money Crashers.
Putting all your stuff into bins is the quickest and easiest way to go from total mess to super neat! So head to Dollar Tree and get as many plastic bins as you can fit in your laundry room and use them to organize all your supplies. Get a step-by-step on how to organize a small laundry room (plus a free stain removal printable) from Hey Tonya.
Got a zillion Barbie dolls strewn around your house? A few too many Hot Wheels? Hook a shoe organizer onto your kid's door and start popping toys in the slots. It's an easy way to organize and keep track of your little collector's stash. The organizer shown here is even customized to fit the height of each doll! Get the simple instructions at Girl and a Glue Gun.
Is your tub looking more Bates Motel than Beverly Wilshire? Use a spray bottle filled half-and-half with cleaning vinegar and Dawn dishwashing liquid to scrub stains away (Hint: Some people say you should warm the vinegar in the microwave if you've got really tough stains). Your tub will be ready for a proper bath in no time.
Psst: This cleaning solution works on toilet bowls and sinks, too!
Use Microfiber Towels and Tongs to Clean Blinds
Melissa Heckscher
It's tough to get at the dust that inevitably collects on the length of your window blinds. To reach these hard to get slats, just wrap two microfiber towels around a set of tongs and use rubber bands to tie them in place (you can cut the towels in half if they're too big). Then, wipe away! If the dust has really settled in, spray the cloth with cleaning spray before wiping. Get pictures and details at One Crazy House.
Use Rubbing Alcohol To Clean Microfiber Sofas
Melissa Heckscher
According to this article on Herbs and Oils Remedies, rubbing alcohol is the magic potion that will tackle tough stains on your microfiber furniture. Just put it in a spray bottle and spritz the stains until they're saturated. Then scrub with a sponge until the stain disappears. When the area is dry, scrub it with a bristle brush to fluff up the fibers.
Use Your Washing Machine to Clean Plastic Toys
Gabby Cullen
Let your washing machine do double-duty: Toss all your grimy plastic toys into a mesh bag and throw it all into the wash with some towels or blankets (to prevent the toys from banging into the washer wall). Your toy supply will be squeaky clean!
Don't go buy a new shower head when your water pressure starts to wane, or you notice a few clogged holes. Instead, head over to The Melrose Family to get the simple step-by-step instructions for how to use vinegar and lemon essential oil to get the gunk out.
Deep Clean Your Oven
Melissa Heckscher
You don't really see the mess that's being made inside the oven when your casseroles are bubbling, or your baked yams are dripping, but the walls and floor of your oven certainly know what's happening. If you're like most sheet pan dinner-loving mamas, we can bet your cooker needs a good deep clean. Try this cleaning hack from Thekitchn.com, which involves coating the whole inside of the oven with a baking soda/water paste then letting it sit overnight before spraying it all down with vinegar.
Pssst: Your kids will love the way the vinegar and baking soda mixture fizz, so be sure your kids help out with this cleaning project.
Dust, Clean & Organize Your Bookshelves
Melissa Heckscher
Books are notorious dust-hoarders, so now's a good time to give your bookshelves more than a simple wipe-down. You'll need to remove all of the books and wipe the tops and spines with a magnetic cloth (or a Swiffer sheet!); then wipe the shelves down with a damp microfiber cloth. While you're at it, organize your collection: Get rid of any books you don't think are worthy. Secondhand stores or local and literacy charities (like Books for Soldiers and Books for Africa) are usually happy to take your hand-me-downs.
Clean the Front of Kitchen Cabinets
Melissa Heckscher
The knobs and doors of your kitchen cabinets are touched so frequently that they're probably covered in grime by the end of a week, let alone a year. Time to scrub the deep-rooted dirt away! Better Homes & Gardenshas a great how-to video on getting the ins and outs of your cabinets squeaky clean, including using a paste of baking soda and water to scrub stains away.
It might be time to rethink your house cleaning strategy. After all, there’s nothing worse than being in the mood to power clean—ready to put those Marie Kondo tips to good use—and realizing you’ve been committing cleaning mistakes that are actually leaving your home dirtier than before. Guilty as charged (we’ve all done it)? Don’t worry, because you’ll also find the best solutions to these cleaning faux pas below!
Solution: Allow chicken to thaw in the refrigerator for up to two days before cooking instead. You should never thaw chicken on the counter at room temperature or in the sink as bacteria will begin to grow when the meat reaches 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Solution: Use a new paper towel each time you clean a surface or your hands. If you’re on a more eco-friendly cleaning spree, consider designating a towel for each task. For instance, a hand-drying towel, a dish-drying towel, a cleaning towel used to wipe down counters.
Solution: When you notice that your vacuum receptacle is full of dust and dirt, empty it! You don’t want to risk the particles blowing back into your home or onto your floors. You’ll also want to remember to change or clean the filter as suggested to ensure your vacuum can still pick up dirt like it should.
Cleaning Mistake: Putting your wet toilet brush back into its holder
Solution: Many of us are guilty of this bathroom cleaning faux pas! You scrub the toilet and then place the brush back into its holder while it’s still wet. Oops! Without letting the brush dry completely before storing it, you allow for germs to stick to the holder and brush where they can then multiply.
Cleaning Mistake: Spraying cleaner directly onto a surface
Solution: Spray onto a cleaning cloth before wiping down surfaces. Not only will your cleaner last longer this way, but you will avoid leaving any residue behind that comes with a build-up of cleaning product.
Solution: Think about it—you wash food particles off your dishes in the sink, but not every last bit makes it down the drain. Your sink is a moisture haven where food particles can easily stick, leading to germ and bacteria growth. So don’t call it a day yet, just remember to wipe out the sink after you’re finished!
Cleaning Mistake: Thinking rinsed sponges are clean
Solution: Sponges can hold oodles of germs and bacteria and rinsing them is simply not enough. Even cleaning a dirty sponge can give bacteria a boost, according to a recent study! It is recommended that you use a new sponge every week, but since that isn't always practical, consider running your sponge through the washing machine and then transferring it to another place in the house. Or instead of a using a sponge at all, switch to a dishcloth that can be washed.
Cleaning Mistake: Washing cutting boards with dish soap
Solution: Did you know that the cuts and grooves made in cutting boards can hold food particles? If not cleaned properly, they can become a cozy home for bacteria! Instead of using dish soap, which will only clean superficial residue from the board, soak them in hydrogen peroxide before rinsing and drying.
Cleaning Mistake: Vacuuming pet fur without a wand
Solution: If your vacuum has a pet hair attachment, don’t be afraid to use it! Regular vacuuming will blow as much pet hair as it collects which will only make more work for you. If your vacuum has an attachment, this can be just as efficient to eliminate rogue hair and fur balls.
Solution: Get yourself into the habit of rinsing food out of pots and pans right after you use them—or at least after you’re finished eating. If you leave them to sit with food inside, it will only make it harder to remove the remnants later. Soak dishes in warm, soapy water for easier dish-doing!
Cleaning Mistake: Putting dryer sheets in your HVAC vent
Solution: It may seem like a fresh scent would happily disperse throughout your house when dryer sheets are in your HVAC vents, but instead of clean aromas, you'll end up spreading chemicals. You're better off lighting your favorite clean-smelling candle or diffusing an essential oil to give your home's scent a refresh.
Cleaning Mistake: Using wood polish on your furniture
Solution:Unless you're cleaning antique furniture without a finish, wood polish could actually make that coffee table more dull in appearance. There are dozens of non-polish formulas you can mix up right in your kitchen—with magic ingredients like vinegar and lemon oil—to clean effectively without ruining the finish.
Crunchy mamas rejoice: a new line of organic baby products is now at Target, and its products are non-GMO, pediatrician-tested, vegan, gluten-free and dermatologist-tested! Whoa.
The Made Of brand is a fave among moms who favor products that promise ultimate transparency, simplicity and safe, but effective, picks. According to spokesperson from Made Of, Target began selling the baby product line on Jan. 20, 2019 in approximately 450 stores in the United States.
So what does Made Of have for natural product-loving mamas—and their babies, of course? Pretty much just about everything you need! Popular Made Of picks include diapers, wipes, shampoo, hand soap, diaper rash cream, baby powder, lotion, sunscreen, multi-surface cleaner and its bottle and dish soap.
Oh and don’t worry about this organic line of baby products breaking the bank. These organic items from Made Of cost so much less than you could have expected. Made Of’s products are priced in a totally reasonable way, making them much more affordable than other organic, natural, non-toxic options.
Being a pro at parenting has some perks, but it doesn’t always mean it will be easier the second, third or even fifth time around. Although now the mom to five kids, Joanna Gaines is a new mom again at 40 and those long nights with a newborn are still just as rough.
Gaines shared a very familiar photo on Instagram depicting her all-nighter with two-month-old baby Crew. Sunlight streams in on what appears to be a now finally-sleeping baby, surrounded by the evidence of what was clearly a challenging night for mom.
Dish soap, baby wipes, discarded baby clothes and blankets are strewn all over the otherwise picturesque room (I mean who are we kidding, even messy this Fixer Upper’s house looks fab).
The photo caption reads, “Evidence of a late night up with my boy” along with the hashtags “blowouts #allnighters and #thisis40. It doesn’t require many words to explain the feeling that every new—or new again—parent has experienced in those early days.
Gaines has been candid about baby Crew being a surprise addition to the family and that it can be hard to start over with a new baby after so many years away from diapers. In July, Gaines told People what it’s been like to be a “new” mom after 8 years: “I have forgotten almost everything, so it feels brand-new.”
Even so, for Gaines, ages is just a number. “I tell Chip that I feel 25, and in my mind there’s something about it that gives me an extra kick in my step,” Gaines went on. “Forty and pregnant…who would have ever thought that was going to happen? But I’ll take it!”
Mystery stains? They’re par for the course for parents. Tackle them with ease — and without worry — with products formulated with babies and kids in mind. We rounded up some great home cleaning products that are made with organic ingredients or touted as being safe for kids. Click through our album to discover your new favorite counter sprays, floor cleaner, dish soap and other miracle workers.
For Just About Everything: Branch Basics Concentrate
This potion isn't just non-toxic, it's "human safe." Having formulated it as pure soap (fatty acids, coconut oil, plant enzymes), Branch Basics claims it's not harmful if inhaled, absorbed, or accidentally ingested, and it does not sting eyes or irritate skin. Can't get more kid-friendly than that! There is some legwork, though. It's a concentrate, so you must add water. The upside is you can make it as strong or weak as you like (i.e.: less dilution for a super dirty oven, more dilution for easy cleaning like a sink or window).
