According to Planet Green from the Discovery Channel, conventional cleaning products are usually petroleum-based and filled with synthetic chemicals that can harm humans' central nervous systems, especially for babies and young children. Harsh chemicals also pollute the environment, damaging plant life and water supplies. Instead, try some easy green cleaning ideas with everyday household products or specially-formulated cleaners.
Lemon
According to Nicole Sforza from Real Simple Magazine, the acid in lemon juice removes dirt and rust stains. Mix it with salt for an effective scouring paste. You can clean countertops by cutting a lemon in half and dipping it in baking soda, then wiping it on the counters, followed with a wet sponge to rinse. Add half a cup of lemon juice to the rinse cycle to brighten white laundry.
Essential Oils
Sforza reports that some essential oils, which are extracted from plants, can kill bacteria and mold. To clean your toilet without harsh chemicals, mix 2 tsp. of tea tree oil and 2 cups water in a spray bottle, then spritz along the inside rim. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes and scrub. For shiny windows, mix 2 oz. water and 10 drops of lavender or lemongrass oil, spray and wipe off. Wiping glass shower doors with a few drops of lemon oil twice a month will protect against soap scum buildup.
Liquid Castile Soap
According to Sforza, liquid Castile soap, a plant-based cleanser, is effective for cleaning many surfaces. Combine ¼ cup liquid Castile soap and 2 gallons warm water for a green floor mopping solution. Mix 1 tbsp. liquid Castile soap and 1/3 cup baking soda to make a homemade scrub for sinks, showers, tubs and ceramic tile.
Vinegar
Sforza calls distilled white vinegar the champion of natural cleaners, because it inhibits the growth of mold, mildew and some bacteria. To clean your coffeemaker, pour equal parts vinegar and water into the machine's water chamber, then run the brew cycle. Follow with two cycles of plain water. Add ¼ cup vinegar to a bucket of warm water to clean any type of floor except marble or wood. To clean windows, mix ¼ cup vinegar and 2 cups water in a spray bottle, spritz windows and wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks.
Baking Soda
According to Sforza, baking soda is effective for absorbing odors and scrubbing tough stains or grime. Sophie Uliano from Planet Green notes you can deodorize rugs and carpets by lightly sprinkling with baking soda, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and then vacuuming. To clean grimy grills or stove tops, make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water, scrub with a brush, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then rinse.
Green Cleaning Products
Planet Green also recommends using store-bought cleaning products that are free of synthetic, chemical ingredients and petroleum, such as: Biokleen, Method, Mrs. Meyer's, Optionsforlife, Seventh Generation and Shaklee.
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