Green cleaning is not a new concept. Learn simple ways to clean and freshen your home the green way.
Green cleaning is not a new concept. Just ask your mother or grandmother and they will tell you about washing windows with white vinegar and old newspapers, cleaning the stove with baking powder, using lemons to make counter-tops sparkle and airing out the house.
What has happened, is it’s now more politically correct to live a green lifestyle and everyone is jumping on the bandwagon.
Green cleaning is defined as cleaning to protect health without harming the environment.
In most homes the air is loaded with toxic and polluting substances designed to make our lives and cleaning our homes easier.
The cost of these products are high not only in price but in the impact on our health and our environment.
According to reports from the US National Center for Health Statistics there are 1 in 3 persons suffering from allergies, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and many other types of respiratory illnesses.
Treatment for these conditions often include changes in their home environment and the use of homemade or organic cleaners.
There are many inexpensive, easy to make and easy to use natural alternatives to commercial household cleaning products.
Homemade and Organic Cleaners
1. Baking Soda : Cleans, deodorizes, softens water and scours.
2. Soap : Unscented soap in any form is biodegradable and will clean just about anything.
3. Lemons : A strong food acid, kills most household bacteria.
4. Borax : Has many of the same uses of baking soda.
5. White Vinegar : Cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some types of stains and is good for wax build-up.
6. Rubbing Alcohol : Is an excellent disinfectant.
7. Cornstarch : Cleans windows, polishes furniture, can be used to shampoo carpets and rugs.
While you are using your new organic cleaning products add to it healthy home cleaning habits.
1. Exchange Indoor Air : Modern homes are so air tight that very little new airs finds it’s way inside. Open your windows as much as possible to allow fresh air inside, place fans in windows on cool days and decrease the cost of your cooling bill.
2. Minimize Dust : Remove clutter which collects dust such as old newspapers and magazines. Try a no shoes policy. Shoes track in a large amount of outside dirt and dust. Sweep or vacuum at least once a day.
3. Cellulose Sponges : Most sponges are made of polyester or plastic and are not biodegradable. Cellulose sponges found at most natural food stories are biodegradable and naturally absorbent.
4. Keep Bedrooms Clean : At least seven to ten hours of your life are spent in the bedroom. Keep these rooms as clean and dust free as possible.
5. Clean From the Top Down : While housecleaning save the floors and carpets for last. This will allow time for dust to settle from your other cleaning.
By using these simple tips and eco-friendly cleaning products you can have a fresh, clean and environmentally safe green home. The choice is up to you.
