Eco-Friendly Cleaning: How to Go Green at Home

When you spend the time and effort cleaning your home, the last thing that you want is to harm the environment, your loved ones or your pets. However, many of the common cleaning products used in homes today contain harsh chemicals that aren’t good for your family or the environment. How can you go green at home and enjoy a cleaner living space?

What Makes a Cleaning Product Eco-Friendly?

Green cleaning products are made with natural ingredients. They are biodegradable and aren’t toxic to people, pets or the environment. Plus, they are just as effective at cleaning your home as chemical-based cleaning products.

An eco-friendly product is one that is made with safe, natural ingredients. You can purchase numerous eco-friendly cleaning products at the store or online.

In addition, you can make your own green cleaning products using ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. When you clean with these natural products, you don’t have to worry about their effects on living things and the environment.

Green Cleaning Essentials for Your Home

As you prepare to make the transition to green cleaning products, there are a few essentials that you should have on hand. Once you learn how to clean your home the green way, you will find that it is just as easy – and perhaps even easier – to do.

Must-Have Natural Ingredients

If you choose to make your own natural cleaning products, you will appreciate the fact that a few ingredients can cover most of your needs. Vinegar, for example, has disinfectant properties that are effective at cleaning everything from drains and toilets to some types of tile, countertops, glass and more.

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can deodorize, remove stains, unclog drains, boost your laundry detergent’s power and deliver other benefits. Lemon is another natural ingredient to have on hand. It has natural bleaching and disinfecting qualities. It also can remove stains, tackle hard water deposits and fight odors. Castile soap, rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are also helpful to have on hand for a green cleaning session.

Reusable Cleaning Tools

While chemically-based cleaning products are unhealthy for people and the environment, cleaning also produces waste that fills up landfills. Rather than using a one-and-done cleaning tool or supply, choose reusable tools. For example, microfiber cloths are better for cleaning. They capture dust and leave glass streak-free and lint-free.

In addition, they can be laundered after each use rather than tossed in the trash. A mop is a smart alternative to a reusable mophead. Just be sure to disinfect it after each use. You also should have several types of cleaning brushes on hand. These include larger nylon and hard-bristles brushes as well as toothbrushes that can be used to clean small spaces.

Recipes for DIY Cleaning Solutions for Different Surfaces

A general-purpose, green cleaning solution is diluted vinegar. Simply combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. You can add 10 drops of an essential oil or a few drops of lemon juice to improve the smell.

A baking soda paste, made with just enough water to make a thick paste, is great for cleaning grout, stains on carpet, dishes and more. You can also combine baking soda and vinegar for a powerful cleaning product. These two ingredients create a chemical reaction that ultimately releases dirt and grime more effectively.

To clean your hard floors, use castile soap, which is made from vegetable oils. Combine 10 drops of the soap in a bucket of warm water, and mop as usual. You can also add vinegar for extra cleaning power.

These are only a few of many eco-friendly cleaning recipes. Before cleaning any surface, research the ingredients to ensure that they are safe for use. For example, vinegar’s acidic properties can etch natural stone.

Tips for Transitioning to Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Some people find it easier to jump right into eco-friendly cleaning. You could toss out all of your chemical cleaning products and invest in new products and supplies. If you prefer a slower transition, wait until you run out of your current products. Rather than replace them, simply start using green alternatives.

Keeping your home clean is a big responsibility, and the methods that you use have far-reaching effects on people, pets and the environment. At Cleanzen, we are proud to be your trusted source for green cleaning in Boston. To schedule your first cleaning service with our pros, please get in touch with us online or by phone today.