Green Cleaning

For a Healthier Home & Cleaner Environment

cleaning supplies

Why Clean Green?
Many commercial cleaners contain substances that may be toxic and harmful to our environment. Green cleaners help keep potent toxins out of the home, away from family and pets, and out of our water sources.

Here are two ways to clean greener: purchase green cleaning products or if you are a do-it-yourself type, make your own!

Purchasing Green Cleaning Products

The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice program helps consumers identify products that perform well, are cost-effective and are safer for the environment.

Make your own Green Cleaners

Homemade recipes may require a little more elbow grease and take a little longer to work but help keep harmful chemicals out of the house.

Mirror and Glass Cleaner
Ingredients: vinegar and water
Mix 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray onto surface and wipe with a lint-free rag or washable, reusable cheesecloth.

Drain Cleaner (for minor clogs)
Ingredients: baking soda, white vinegar, boiling water
First, pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain followed by ½ cup vinegar. Let it fizz for about 10-15 minutes. Then pour a teakettle full of boiling water down the drain. Repeat as needed.

Furniture Polish
Ingredients: lemon juice and olive oil
Combine ¼ cup lemon juice and 1/8 cup olive oil. Pour small amount on lint free rag.

Air Fresheners & Deodorizers
Everyone loves a fresh, clean smelling house. However, some commercial air fresheners can be harmful. Some natural alternatives are:

  • Blend cloves, cinnamon, allspice or other scented spices into a pot of water. Simmer for 1-2 hours.
  • Steep leftover orange or lemon slices in a pot of water and simmer for 1-2 hours.
  • Place baking soda in an open container in the refrigerator, closet or other enclosed space to absorb odors.
  • Pour vanilla extract into a bowl and set it in an out of the way place.
  • Mix lemon juice and baking soda to 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle. Spray into air to freshen.
  • Pour vinegar in a cup or bowl to rid a room of odors.

 

Green Cleaning Web Sites

Eartheasy.com – Non-toxic home cleaning
Sierra Club (PDF)

Other things You Can Do

Dry cleaning: When purchasing new clothing avoid garments that require dry cleaning. For items that need to be dry-cleaned, locate an eco-friendly dry cleaner that uses non-toxic methods such as wet cleaning or carbon dioxide systems.

Carpet cleaning: Locate a carpet cleaning service that uses environmentally safe products.

House cleaning services: Find out what products are used by the cleaning service and request that environmentally safe products are used. If necessary, provide all the cleaning products yourself.