Going green with your cleaning habits is easier than you think! Here is a beginner’s guide to green cleaning so you can start incorporating eco-friendly habits into your home.
Why Go Green With Your Cleaning?
There are several benefits to green cleaning:
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Better for the environment: Traditional cleaning products often contain toxic chemicals that are bad for the planet when they go down the drain. Eco-friendly cleaners are biodegradable and less harmful overall.
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Safer for your health: Many conventional cleaners contain chemicals that can aggravate respiratory conditions or cause other health issues. Green cleaners use natural ingredients that are gentler on your lungs and skin.
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Cost savings: Making your own green cleaning products is inexpensive. Plus, you’ll use fewer disposable paper towels and cleaning cloths.
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Peace of mind: There’s satisfaction in knowing you’re caring for your family and the environment with non-toxic products.
Start With These Simple Swaps
Here are some easy ways to start replacing conventional cleaning supplies with greener options:
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar is a versatile cleaner and deodorizer that can be used straight or diluted with water. Keep a spray bottle filled with vinegar handy for cleaning counters, windows, floors, and bathrooms.
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that’s great for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and other surfaces. Mix it with a little water to form a paste. It also deodorizes fridges, carpets, and drains.
Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice cuts through grease and soap scum. Use it as you would vinegar for an easy green cleaning booster. The fresh lemon scent is a bonus!
Castile Soap
Castile soap is plant-based and biodegradable. Dilute it with water to make an all-purpose cleaner, hand soap, dish soap, and more. Dr. Bronner’s and other brands come in scented and unscented varieties.
Microfiber Cloths and Rags
Swap out paper towels for reusable microfiber cloths and rags. These pick up dirt and grease without chemicals. Wash after each use.
Essential Oils
Add a few drops of essential oils like lemon, lavender, or tea tree to your DIY cleaners for natural fragrance and antibacterial properties.
My 5 Must-Have DIY Green Cleaning Recipes
Once you have the basic ingredients on hand, try making these simple green cleaning solutions:
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
- 1⁄2 cup vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup baking soda
- 1⁄2 tsp castile soap
- 20 drops essential oil (optional)
- 2 cups water
Mix ingredients together in a spray bottle. Use on countertops, stainless steel, windows, mirrors, and other surfaces.
2. Bathroom Scrub
- 1⁄4 cup baking soda
- 5 drops essential oil (optional)
- 2 tbsp water
Mix into a paste and scrub on sinks, showers, tubs, and tile. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Glass Cleaner
- 1⁄4 cup vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups water
Combine in a spray bottle. Dry with newspaper or a lint-free cloth for streak-free windows and mirrors.
4. Wood Cleaner
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1⁄4 cup water
Mix well and apply a small amount to a soft cloth. Polish untreated wood furniture and surfaces.
5. Fabric Freshener
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 10-15 drops essential oil
Stir together in a spray bottle. Lightly mist upholstery, carpets, curtains, and car interiors. Let dry completely before sitting.
Going Green Takes Time
Transitioning to green cleaning doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start by replacing one conventional cleaner at a time with a DIY alternative. Build up your staple ingredients over time. Soon you’ll have a whole arsenal of eco-friendly cleaners!
The more you practice, the easier green cleaning becomes. You’ll be protecting your family’s health and the environment in no time – one vinegar spray at a time.
