Why Choose Sustainable Cleaning?
The average household is filled with toxic chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances that can negatively impact health, especially for sensitive individuals. Sustainable cleaning avoids these harsh chemicals in favor of natural, eco-friendly ingredients.
Going green has many benefits:
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Improves indoor air quality – Eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) reduces asthma triggers and other health risks. Natural cleaners don’t irritate lungs.
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Protects the environment – Synthetic chemicals get flushed down drains, polluting waterways. Sustainable cleaners break down safely.
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Saves money – Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and soap cost a fraction of conventional cleaners. Reusable cloths and rags also reduce waste.
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Promotes sustainability – Choosing non-toxic, plant-based ingredients supports green businesses and reduces plastic waste.
Getting Started with Sustainable Cleaning
Transitioning to natural cleaning products is easy with a few simple swaps. Here are some beginner tips:
Build a Green Cleaning Kit
Stock your cleaning caddy with these staple ingredients:
- Baking soda – Deodorizes, scours, polishes
- White vinegar – Disinfects, degreases, cuts grime
- Liquid castile soap – Removes dirt, grease and stains
- Hydrogen peroxide – Disinfects and whitens
- Essential oils – Add natural fragrance and cleaning power
Make Your Own Cleaners
DIY cleaners are simple to whip up with basic ingredients:
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All-purpose cleaner – Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Add lemon juice or essential oils for scent.
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Glass cleaner – Combine 2 parts water, 1 part vinegar and a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle.
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Tub and tile scrub – Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces and spray with vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
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Toilet bowl cleaner – Pour 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar into the bowl. Let fizz, then scrub and rinse.
Swap Out Paper Products
Ditch disposable wipes, paper towels and plastic sponges. Reusable options like microfiber cloths, cotton rags and natural sponges eliminate waste.
Read Labels
When buying commercial green cleaners, read labels to ensure they are non-toxic and made with plant-based ingredients like essential oils, citrus extracts and soap berries. Avoid ingredients like methylisothiazolinone.
Room-by-Room Sustainable Cleaning Tips
Tailor your green cleaning routine to each room:
Kitchen
- Use baking soda and vinegar to unclog drains.
- Mix vinegar and water to clean countertops, appliances and floors.
- Remove stains and sanitize cutting boards with hydrogen peroxide.
- Freshen the garbage disposal with lemon rinds.
Bathroom
- Scrub toilets, tile and tubs with baking soda.
- Prevent mold and mildew with hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil.
- Use vinegar to descale showerheads and clean mirrors.
- Freshen the air with essential oils.
Bedroom
- Dust furniture with a microfiber cloth.
- Sprinkle carpets with baking soda, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum to deodorize.
- Wash sheets and towels in cold water with plant-based detergent.
Living Areas
- Clean leather, wood and other surfaces with a mix of olive oil and lemon.
- Remove carpet stains with hydrogen peroxide or diluted castile soap.
- Use vinegar solution to clean windows, walls, floors and furniture.
With some simple swaps and DIY cleaners, going green is easy, affordable and healthier for homes and the environment. Ditch the chemicals and try sustainable cleaning today!
