Nov
20
Green Cleaning
In the world of germs and fears of flu epidemics that we live in, moms everywhere are doing their part to ward of icky bugs from infecting their homes. Stores are flooded with green alternative products, but how can you know which ones are gentle enough for our environment, but strong enough to do the job their intended for?
Here are a few of my top choices for "green cleaning" before the guests arrive for Thanksgiving dinner.
- Baking soda. This miracle component is a great non-abrasive safe cleanser that deodorizes as it cleans. I use it to clean my sink, the bathtub, and even the gunk under the burners on my stove.
- Vinegar. This cheap, clear liquid is so safe, it’s edible. Not only does it get rid of hard water stains on metal fixtures but it also cleans up mirrors and windows without leaving streaks. Worried about the smell? Don’t worry–it fades as it dries and leaves only a clean house behind.
- A Clear Choice. Got stains on your carpet or in your child’s soccer uniform? This miracle spray quickly and easily eliminates the worst stains imagineable. Even old stains are removed quickly with this miracle spray. Both non-toxic and biodegradeable, this magical solution has been the answer to many ketchup and chocolate milk disasters in our house.
- Micro-fiber dish cloths. Instead of using endless paper towels to clean up spills or wipe down bathroom sinks, opt for luxurious and re-usable micro-fiber dish cloths. Be sure to buy a bunch in several colors so you can differentiate which ones will be used in the kitchen and which will be used in the bathrooms. Not only will you save trees you’ll save money each time you wash and reuse these durable cloths.
- Method multi-purpose spray cleaner. These spray cleaners smell as good as they clean. They’re non-toxic and natural and are safe on pourous surfaces like granite. The company offers a full array of products, including hand soaps, and the company’s website offers explanations on the sustainability of each product line.
Originally posted November 20, 2009
| November 22nd, 2009 at 12:54 pm
You forgot borax! It’s naturally sourced and doesn’t harm the environment as much as other detergents, however you should wear gloves when using it. It’s a great abrasive and makes things sparkle!
| November 24th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
I can’t help but be a little skeptical about Method products. They claim full disclosure of ingredients but some of that full disclosure is rather vague - like “preservative”. They don’t say what it is, they just say it is perfectly safe. And the “fragrance oil blend” has no “dirty ingredients”, a list of things they don’t use that is also rather vague. They seem better than a lot of other companies, but there is just something there that doesn’t sit right with me.
I’ll only buy cleaning and cosmetics products that actually say every ingredient on the label. Anything with “fragrance” or “parfum” is automatically out because these are catch-all terms than can actually be anything.
| January 15th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
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