Seven Cleaning Tips That Are Safe for the Whole Family This Holiday Season

Dust isn't just a collection of forgotten particles — it can carry allergens and other irritants that hitch a ride on it. Regular surface cleaning with a damp rag, plus a vacuum with a HEPA filter, are your best tools. It also helps to ask guests to leave outdoor shoes at the door to cut down on the dust they track in.

Skip the ammonia-laden glass cleaners, which can be harsh on your health and the environment, and use a simple mix of water and vinegar instead for streak-free glass.

A warm water and natural soap solution works well for bathroom surfaces. Skip chemical drain cleaners in favor of a drain snake, and reach for soap, water, and microfiber cloths instead of heavy antibacterial cleaners.

Forget heavy-duty oven cleaners with harsh acids — a baking soda paste handles grease and grime without the fumes. Watch for other strong kitchen products too, and choose gentler options where you can.

Use natural solutions like water and white vinegar for window cleaning in guest rooms. For bedspreads and linens, choose detergents that are gentler on health — the EWG VERIFIED® mark is a helpful guide when shopping for laundry products.

Skip fragranced sprays, which can affect indoor air quality, and crack open a window instead. Natural air fresheners like citrus peels or a bowl of baking soda freshen a room without the added chemicals.

Pre-treat stained aprons and tablecloths before they set, and when it comes to cookware, consider safer alternatives to nonstick, like cast iron or stainless steel. Following these tips helps create a sparkling, safer home for everyone who walks through your festive door this season.