Fresh Starts: Spring Cleaning with a Purpose

Spring has always felt like a season of renewal. After a long winter, there’s nothing more energizing than opening the windows, letting in the breeze, and giving your home a fresh start. But for me, spring cleaning has taken on a deeper meaning since my breast cancer diagnosis. It’s no longer just about tidying up—it’s about choosing healthier habits, surrounding myself with meaningful things, and letting go of what no longer serves our home or hearts.

Choosing Safer, Simpler Cleaners

One of the changes I made after my diagnosis was cutting back on harsh chemical cleaners. I became more aware of what I was bringing into my home—what I was breathing, touching, and using around my family. These days, I lean on gentle, natural ingredients that still get the job done without unnecessary toxins.

Here’s my go-to All-Purpose Natural Cleaner:

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 cup water

• 15-20 drops of essential oils (I love lemon, lavender, or tea tree for their fresh scents and natural antibacterial properties)

Just mix it all in a spray bottle and use it on countertops, sinks, and even bathroom surfaces. For tougher jobs, you can sprinkle some baking soda first, then spray and scrub.

Other easy natural cleaner ideas:

• Glass Cleaner: 1/4 cup vinegar + 2 cups water + 1 tsp cornstarch. Shake well and use on mirrors or windows.

• Soft Scrub: Mix baking soda with castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s) until it forms a paste. Great for sinks and tubs.

• Wood Polish: 1/4 cup olive oil + 1/4 cup vinegar + a few drops of orange essential oil. Shake and apply with a soft cloth.

These simple swaps help me feel more in control of my environment and confident I’m doing something positive for my family’s health.

Breathing New Life into Old Clothes

As I sort through closets this time of year, I always seem to find clothing that’s no longer worn but holds too many memories to just toss in a donation bin. Maybe it’s a flannel shirt that belonged to a loved one, or baby clothes that once fit into the palm of your hand.

Instead of letting those memories gather dust, I love turning them into something meaningful.

Here are some of my favorite ways to give old clothes a second life:

• Memory Animals – I can turn cherished garments into soft, cuddly keepsakes like bears, dogs, or whales. Each one is handmade with care and filled with love and legacy.

• Memory Pillows – A comforting way to keep someone close. I can use shirts, dresses, or even blankets to create something beautiful and functional.

• Heirloom Quilts – Pieces from multiple garments can be sewn together into something your family will treasure for generations.

These projects are at the heart of Sewing from the Hart, and each one tells a story. They remind us that even in letting go, we can create space for something new—and often, something incredibly special.

A Gentle Reminder

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be about perfection. It’s about intention. It’s about making your home feel lighter, fresher, and more aligned with who you are today. Whether you're swapping your sprays for something simpler, or turning a worn-out shirt into a forever memory, you're taking steps that honor your health, your family, and your journey.

If you’ve got a pile of clothes you’re not sure what to do with, reach out. I’d be honored to help turn them into something beautiful.

Happy spring, friends. Here’s to fresh starts and heartfelt homes.

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Want to create a memory item with Beth? Browse our custom keepsakes here, or contact us to get started!