Some commercial household cleaning products contain toxic chemicals as part of their ingredients, and can pose a risk to both individuals and the environment. For many people, the choice to go "green" with their cleaning is an easy one. You know precisely which ingredients you are sloughing all around your home. Following some simple tips will take your green cleaning to the next level.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural wonder substance that will replace a whole army of toxic cleaning products. Use it mixed with water or by itself for mildew, stains, wax buildup, windows, grout, paintbrushes and around your fireplace. Vinegar and water is also an effective floor cleaner.
Baking Soda
Most people keep an open box of baking soda in their refrigerator to tackle unpleasant odors. Baking soda can also be part of a green cleaning system to remove stains, polish steel and silver, soften fabrics and clean carpets and plastic, vinyl or upholstery.
Borax
Borax is also known as sodium borate or sodium tetraborate and it is a natural substance that is mined primarily in the Mojave Desert. Borax does have some toxic elements and should not be inhaled or ingested, but you can use it for green cleaning as an insecticide, urine stain and smell remover and general deodorizer.
Let Your Senses Guide You
Sometimes, your own senses are the best gauge for what you should be using and what you shouldn't. A good tip for green cleaning is that "clean" doesn't mean it should burn your eyes or nose when you go near it, according to the Cleaning Naked website. If you or anyone in your home experience irritation from conventional cleaning products, it is probably time for a change.
Wash and Re-Use
Substituting reusable towels and rags for paper towels will help eliminate waste and save some trees. Start a collection of cloths that you can use for cleaning with your natural cleaning products. Microfiber cloths that won't harbor dangerous bacteria and mold are a good choice.
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