Green cleaning procedures make the home sparkle without adding more pollutants to the home. Consumers purchase the same chemical-filled cleaners because they are familiar with them. Changing to a green cleaning routine sounds like a difficult task, but many of the cleaning methods simplify the process while making the routine healthier for the whole family.
Homemade Cleaning Products
Making your own cleaning products eliminates the harsh chemicals of commercial cleaners. Many household items work well in homemade cleaners making this option more affordable than specialty cleaners. Baking soda, vinegar, lemons, isopropyl alcohol and cornstarch are a few of the basic materials used for homemade green cleaners. A basic cleaner made from a cup of vinegar, a half-cup of baking soda and a gallon of water works on most hard surfaces. Baking soda deodorizes and works as a scouring agent. Vinegar works well as a general cleaner and also cuts grease, odors and stains. Isopropyl alcohol disinfects various surfaces. Cornstarch works to clean windows and carpets. To clean the windows, mix together water and cornstarch to form a paste. After rubbing the paste on the mirror, wipe it away with a soft cloth. Another way to make glass cleaner is to mix a half-cup of vinegar, 2 tbsp. cornstarch and 2 qt. water. This creates a more traditional spray glass cleaner.
Cleaning Tools
Paper towels and other disposable cleaning materials add to the amount of waste you send to the landfill each week. Replace paper towels with reusable cloths for cleaning purposes. Recycling old clothes into cleaning clothes offers a green and affordable cleaning tool for nearly any task. Choose a soft cloth to prevent scratching of surfaces in the home. Designate certain cloths for cleaning and keep them separate from cloths used for other purposes. When choosing cleaning brushes, sponges and other tools, choose those made with natural materials rather than synthetics that might contain chemicals.
Air Cleaning
Surfaces aren't the only part of the home that needs green cleaning attention. Keeping the air smelling pleasant without filling it with chemicals lets everyone breathe easier. The air inside the home is often more polluted than the outdoor air due to chemicals we use and chemicals emitted from furnishings inside the home. Baking soda can help soak up some odors in the home. Houseplants help absorb odors and chemicals in the home making the air cleaner. Simmering water and spices adds a pleasant aroma to the room, offering a green alternative to commercial air fresheners.
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