Going green with your home cleaning doesn’t have to be time-consuming or require expensive products. With just a few simple swaps and DIY solutions, you can cut down on chemicals and waste while still getting your home sparkling clean. Here are some of my favorite low-effort green cleaning hacks:
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
These two ingredients are a dynamic green cleaning duo. I use baking soda on its own as a gentle scrub for countertops, sinks, bathtubs, and more. Mix it with a little water to form a paste. Vinegar works wonders for shining windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces. I fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and use it to cut through soap scum and mineral deposits.
Together, baking soda and vinegar make an amazing drain cleaner. I simply pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup vinegar. The chemical reaction bubbles away clogs and grease buildup. I let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with hot water.
Opt for Castile Soap
Castile soap is made from vegetable oils rather than animal fats or synthetic detergents. It’s biodegradable and non-toxic. I use a few drops of castile soap diluted in water to clean countertops, floors, and most other surfaces. A castile soap mixture also works great as an all-purpose spray cleaner.
I especially like using castile soap for hand-washing dishes. A couple drops mixed with warm water quickly whisk away grease and food residue from plates. It’s gentler on my hands than dish detergent.
Make DIY Cleaners
With just a few simple ingredients, I can whip up effective green cleaners right in my own home. Here are two of my favorite DIY cleaner recipes:
All-Purpose Cleaner
– 1/2 cup vinegar
– 1/4 cup baking soda
– 10 drops castile soap
– 2 cups hot water
Glass & Mirror Cleaner
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 cups warm water
Making my own cleaners allows me to avoid harsh chemicals and reduce plastic waste from cleaning product bottles. I can customize the scents with a few drops of essential oils too.
Use a Dryer Sheet to Dust
Here’s one of my favorite quick cleaning life-hacks. Instead of using wasteful disposable dusting sheets, I lightly dampen a used dryer sheet and run it over surfaces to attract and trap dust. The anti-static properties of dryer sheets work great to pick up dust and lint from blinds, ceiling fans, lampshades, and more. I toss the dirty dryer sheet after use. This tip saves money on buying dusters and cuts down on waste.
Opt for Microfiber Cloths and Rags
Microfiber cloths are a wonder cleaning fabric. The ultra-fine fibers and slight positive charge enable microfiber to pick up and hold onto dust, dirt, and grime much better than regular rags or paper towels. I use microfiber cloths for nearly all my home cleaning tasks. They clean windows, mirrors, countertops, and appliances streak-free with just water. I simply throw them in the wash after use. This saves money on disposable paper towels and chemical cleaners.
With just a few simple ingredient swaps and reusable products, I’m able to keep my home clean and green. Small changes like using vinegar and castile soap have made a big difference in reducing plastic waste and indoor pollution. Implementing these low-effort hacks has been a easy way to create a healthier home environment.
