Sustainable cleaning practices provide a variety of financial benefits that make going green well worth the investment for households and businesses alike. As someone passionate about green living, I have discovered that small changes can lead to big savings when it comes to sustainable cleaning. In this article, I will explore the various ways you can save money by using eco-friendly cleaning products and implementing green cleaning methods.
Reduce Expenses on Cleaning Supplies
One of the best ways to save green by going green is to switch to sustainable cleaning products. Conventional cleaning supplies often contain harsh chemicals that are taxing on the environment and our health. By swapping out conventional options for natural, eco-friendly cleaning products, we can reduce expenses in multiple ways:
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Eco-friendly cleaners are often concentrated so you need less product per use. A little goes a long way, so you save money by having to buy fewer cleaning products less often.
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Many green cleaners can be used for multiple purposes around the home. For example, I use the same eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner on countertops, floors, windows, and more. Having an effective multi-use cleaner saves me money.
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DIY cleaners made from common household staples like vinegar, baking soda and lemon can be even more affordable than store-bought green cleaners. I make my own DIY solutions which provides cleaning power at a fraction of the cost.
By making simple swaps to sustainable cleaners, households can save a substantial amount on cleaning costs each year.
Increase Furniture and Appliance Longevity
Another way to save green by going green is to use cleaning methods that will increase the lifespan of furnishings and appliances. Here are a couple of examples from my own experiences:
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I used to use conventional cleaners when mopping my hardwood floors which ended up dulling the finish over time. Now I use a gentle eco-friendly hardwood floor cleaner and my floors stay looking brand new even with pets and kids in the home.
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For cleaning stainless steel appliances, I swapped out harsh chemical sprays for a simple DIY spray made with vinegar and water. The appliances clean up beautifully without any streaks or residue buildup.
By being more conscious about using green, non-toxic cleaners, I have been able to keep my furnishings and appliances looking their best for longer. This saves money by delaying the need for replacements or costly repairs down the road.
Lower Water and Energy Consumption
Implementing green cleaning practices can also lead to savings on utility bills. Here are two prime examples:
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Cold water laundry – Washing clothes in cold water rather than hot can reduce the energy needed to do a load of laundry by up to 90% according to EnergyStar. I switched my laundry settings to cold water and have seen noticeable savings on my energy bill.
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Microfiber mops and rags – Microfiber cleaning tools use just water for cleaning, no harsh chemicals needed. This eliminates product costs and also significantly reduces the amount of fresh water needed for cleaning floors, counters and more.
Small behavior changes like these around the home quickly add up, playing an important role in lowering monthly utility expenses.
Improved Wellbeing from Reduced Toxins
Going green with cleaning can also lead to financial savings indirectly by improving your family’s health and wellness. Conventional cleaning products often contain toxic ingredients like ammonia, bleach, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate eyes, skin and lungs.
I have noticed less issues with allergies, asthma, headaches and other ailments since using more natural, non-toxic products in my home. We have had fewer doctor visits and sick days. This improved wellbeing translates into saving green by spending less on medication and healthcare costs.
Increase Home Value with Eco-Friendly Features
With sustainability being an increasing priority for home buyers, green cleaning practices can actually boost your home’s value. Simple upgrades like installing energy efficient appliances, implementing water conservation measures and maintaining a toxic-free living environment are appealing features that add resale value.
I plan to highlight my use of green cleaning products and utilities savings when it comes time to sell. Promoting these sustainable living features to prospective buyers is a great way to see a return on my eco-friendly investments.
Save Time and Hassle with Simplified Cleaning
Going green has also helped me save money in a more precious form: time. Simplifying my cleaning routine by using multi-purpose cleaners and reusable microfiber cloths has reduced my weekly cleaning time significantly.
I also find non-toxic ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and plant oils to be more user-friendly. No more having to wear gloves or mask to protect myself from harsh fumes and residue. The cleaners are safe and effective with minimal effort.
Saving time on household tasks gives me more time each week to focus on family, hobbies and other priorities. For busy families, simplifying sustainable living provides financial value by freeing up precious personal time.
Embracing green cleaning provides measurable savings in multiple areas: reduced expenses on supplies, lowered utility bills, improved health and home value, plus time savings. The financial benefits of sustainable cleaning products and methods make going green incredibly worthwhile, both for the environment and your wallet. I encourage you to consider swapping out a few conventional cleaners for eco-friendly options – you may be surprised just how much green you can save!
