As someone who’s been on a 15-year journey of experimenting with green cleaning methods, I’ve learned a thing or two about the power of natural ingredients. Back when my friends threw me that pantry party before my wedding, I had no idea it would spark a lifelong interest in sustainable home care. But once I started exploring the potential of common kitchen staples like white vinegar and baking soda, I was hooked.
The Green Cleaning Balancing Act
In the early days, I was all-in on the DIY approach, making my own all-purpose cleaners from citrus peels and even creating my own laundry and dishwasher pods. I cloth diapered my way through three kids, determined to minimize harsh chemicals in our home. But as time went on, I found that some of those homemade solutions just didn’t measure up when it came to efficacy.
That’s when I had to start striking a balance – embracing the convenience and performance of certain commercial cleaners, while still holding onto my green cleaning standbys. For instance, I can’t deny the mirror-like shine I get on my stainless steel appliances with a dedicated stainless steel cleaner. And as much as I love the idea of making my own detergent, the time and energy required just doesn’t fit my lifestyle anymore.
“In many cases, the choice is for efficacy. For instance, I can and sometimes still do use a mist of oil to polish our stainless steel appliances. But I definitely have some old green standbys that retain a place in my cleaning arsenal.”
Natural Cleaning Heroes
Even though I’ve expanded my cleaning toolkit over the years, there are some natural ingredients that will always have a special place in my routine. Baking soda is my go-to for scouring bathroom sinks, followed by a vinegar rinse. And when it comes to cleaning soap scum off my glass shower enclosures, a vinegar spray followed by Dawn Powerwash is my foolproof method.
Apartment Therapy also notes that Alvin Corn remains my favorite glass cleaner, and I still mix it up myself. These time-tested ingredients may be simple, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to getting the job done.
The Art of “Re-Setting”
Of course, there are still times when I need to reach for something a little more heavy-duty. But rather than seeing that as a failure, I’ve embraced it as part of my cleaning strategy. I call this process “re-setting” – using the “big guns” periodically to get things back in tip-top shape, so I can then maintain with gentler, more natural methods.
“Being open to whipping out the stronger stuff allows me to use more gentle products for maintenance. I call this practice re-setting, and it’s how I reconcile my cleaning identities if there’s such a thing.”
For example, while I still aim to choose mild cleaners that are safe for my kids to use, I’m not afraid to break out the harsher stuff when the situation calls for it. That might mean using a commercial stainless steel cleaner to get my appliances sparkling, or reaching for a stronger bathroom cleaner to tackle stubborn buildup. Doing this “re-set” allows me to then maintain those surfaces with baking soda, vinegar, and other natural solutions.
Embracing the Unexpected
One of the things I love most about natural cleaning is the element of discovery. Just when I think I’ve got it all figured out, I stumble upon a new tip or trick that changes the game. Take the vinegar and salt method for cleaning chopping boards, as highlighted in Little Green Dot. Who knew that simple pantry staples could be such a powerful duo for disinfecting and deodorizing those well-used kitchen surfaces?
“We somehow bought into this idea that we need to use strong chemicals to do a simple job. It’s become normal to us that a cleaning product should have an intense chemical smell and carry so many warning labels – to the point that we’re used to holding our breath to clean our own home.”
And as I learned from that article, the benefits of natural cleaning go beyond just the products themselves. Scientist now believe that the continual exposure to harsh chemicals is a major contributor to the rise in health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, and even cancer. That’s a sobering thought, and it’s one that reinforces my commitment to finding gentler solutions wherever possible.
Keeping an Open Mind
Of course, I’m not a purist when it comes to green cleaning. There are certainly times when I reach for a commercial product, whether it’s for its superior performance or simply because I enjoy the scent. But I always try to balance those purchases with a healthy dose of natural alternatives.
“My personal philosophy is to use the simplest products unless there’s a reason to use something more manufactured or specific. Sometimes this reason is because I like the smell of something else.”
And I’m always on the lookout for new natural cleaning discoveries. Who knows what other pantry superstars are waiting to be unleashed on my stubborn stains and grimy surfaces? By keeping an open mind and a well-stocked cleaning pantry, I’m confident I can continue to maintain a healthy, sustainable home for years to come.
Adam Cleaning Services can help you on your journey to a greener, healthier home. Their team of experts can provide tailored advice and services to ensure you’re using the right natural cleaning methods for your specific needs.
