A Good, Green, Clean
April 28th, 2008 categories: The Greener Side
Better living through chemistry, right? Maybe not. Some folks are taking a “Back to Basics” approach to things because so many of our modern conveniences are choking us to death. It seems to be the right time to re-evaluate our habits and our actions and measure their effectiveness considering their long-term consequences. That’s where the Green Movement is coming from and many recognize it’s time to bring it home.
Which is the topic of our discussion today. Green cleaning products.
In an effort to create a clean and comfortable environment, we have often polluted the very space that we call home. Yes, this is true of our planet but I mean our actual homes. Pesticides cover our fruits and vegetables and harmful chemicals reside in our cleaning products. Not only is this not a healthy choice for the planet, our families could be better cared for as well. Today there are a plethora of Green cleaning products on the market and we will list some websites that offer Green cleaning alternatives. But, here are few ideas that may surprise you in their simplicity and affordability.
The Kitchen
Countertops and sinks- Good old baking soda and water will help keep counters clean. Sprinkle baking soda on the counter then scrub with a damp cloth or sponge. If you have stains, knead the baking soda and water into a paste and let set for a while before you remove. The method also works well for stainless steel sinks, cutting boards, refrigerators, stove tops and more.
If you need a tougher abrasive, Kosher salt and water work well on cast iron pans. Be careful using this on stainless steel as it can scratch.
For a natural disinfectant, mix 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. Spray or rub on countertops and other kitchen surfaces.
For Ovens, coat the inside of your dirty appliance with a paste made from water and baking soda. Let stand overnight. Then, wearing gloves, scour off that grime! Make spotless with a moist cloth.
To rid your fruits and vegetables of pesticide residue and germs, sprinkle a little baking soda on wet produce then gently scrub and rinse.
The Bathroom
For porcelain and tile, again, baking soda and water will keep the bathroom clean and odor free. Dust surfaces with baking soda and scrub with a moist sponge or cloth. Kosher salt can be added for tougher grime but again, careful not to scratch that tile.
Lemon juice or White Vinegar attack stains, mildew and any grease streaks. Just spray on lemon juice or white vinegar and scrub with a stiff brush.
Instead of using bleach as a disinfectant, make your own by mixing 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil.
Mirrors and Windows
For streak free windows and mirrors, mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water. Dispense into a reusable spray bottle and spray on windows and mirrors, then wipe with newspaper (paper towels cause streaking and deforestation).
If you can’t stand the smell of vinegar, you can substitute straight lemon juice or club soda (don’t dilute either in water).
Clogged drain? Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the problem drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water. If that doesn’t do it, chase the baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and cover tightly. This allows the vigorous fizzing of the chemical reaction to break up the clog. Then flush with up to one gallon of boiling water.
Underfoot
For spills on carpet, club soda really is your best defense. But you need to attack it immediately. First you need to lift off any solids that may be part of the spill. Then, liberally pour on club soda. Blot with an old, clean and colorless rag until all the color from the spill is absorbed by your cloth. The soda’s carbonation should bring the spill to the surface and the salts in the soda thwart the staining.
You can make your own spot cleaner by mixing 1/4 cup liquid soap and 1/3 cup of water in a blender until foamy. Put into a reusable spray bottle and spray on to stains. Then, rinse with vinegar.
Do deodorize carpets, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on carpet or rug, using about 1 cup per medium sized room. Vacuum after 30 minutes.
These are a few alternative methods of cleaning your home that are easy on the environment and your wallet. As with all cleaning products, test first in a small, inconspicuous area to make sure you get the desired result. It’s a good idea to check the manufacturers recommendations for cleaning before using any products, especially wood floors, granite and marble countertops and wool carpeting.
You can find tea tree oil in many places but also at www.wholehealthproducts.com. The Green Guide is always a great Green source. Go to www.thegreenguide.com and search cleaning products.
Happy (and healthy) Cleaning!
