7 Best Cleaning Tips for the Tropics

Cleaning and maintaining homes in the tropics requires special considerations. After all, the climate is unique. The sunlight is potent, humidity creates water moisture indoors almost all year round and the verdant foliage attracts creepy crawlies of an infinite variety. 

Most savvy housekeepers know that routine maintenance is important year round. This includes opening and airing out your property on a weekly basis, running the AC for short periods even when you’re not staying there, and using cleaning solvents to combat critters who might otherwise take up residence in your absence. With very little effort your stylish crash pad in paradise is easily maintained until you return. 

Batch-Made natural cleaning solvents are our faves.

Our design team is obsessed with batch-made natural cleaning solvents created from scratch using vinegar, cedar oil, citrus, citronella and pine. Check out our Pinterest for ideas and recipes, including this one from the Life Reflections blog.

There are also many easily available options for purchase that do the job. Take a look at these 7 best cleaning solvents for combatting moths and much more in the tropics reposted from The Spruce:

Best Overall: Household Essentials CedarFresh Value Pack at Amazon

"Comes with 71 solid cedar pieces that can be placed throughout your home."

Best Budget: Enoz Old-Fashioned Moth Control Balls at Home Depot

"A basic, albeit strong-smelling, way to repel moths."

Best Spray: Reefer-Galler SLA Cedar Scented Spray at Amazon

"This water-based spray is non-staining and safe to use on clothing and rugs."

Best Lavender: Enoz Moth Ball Packets Lavender Scented at Walmart

"Contains two lavender-scented tablets that repel moths and dissolve over time."

Best for Pantry Moths: Dr. Killigan's Dr. Killigan’s Pantry Moth Traps at Amazon

"The cardboard traps are easy to fold and place in cupboards, counters and pantries."

Best for Clothes: Moth Prevention Moth Traps at Amazon

"These simple sticky traps will attract the four most common types of clothing and carpet moths."

Best Natural/Herbal: Richards Moth-Away Herbal Moth Repellent at Amazon

"This aromatic blend of herbs smells great and is effective in warding off moths."

We love the opportunity to live, work, design and play in paradise and always happy to learn about solutions for this unique lifestyle. Got something to share? Email us and we’ll repost your ideas. Look for our expert recommendations on recycling and repurposing dryer sheets and other crafty tips, coming soon!