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Greening Up Your Cleaning Routine
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Like every mom in America, I find myself thinking "there must be an easier way" as I scrub the kitchen and bathroom. And it's tempting to find it in the hundreds of cleaning products that line the grocery store shelves.
But then I picture chemicals spilling into the air my kids breathe in our home. I imagine little skull-and-crossbone particles flowing down our drains into the very ground from which our well pumps water, and down to the ocean -- two miles away -- that we count on for swimming and fresh fish. When I'm tempted to pick up stack of cleaning wipes or a throw-away mop top that would make my chores a few seconds quicker, I consider the extra waste piling up in some landfill. And I think about the additional hit these "convenient" cleaning items will add to my total bill at the checkout. Then I stick with my routine.
Since I became a mom ten years ago, I've gradually greened up my cleaning routine. The hardest part is finding cleaning products that you -- and the earth -- can live with. I'm sure there's an environmentalist or a mom who's a shade darker green than me who could find some weak spots in my regimen, but here are my favorites:
Green cleaning may not take the "work" out of housework, but it sure removes some potentially hazardous chemicals, protecting your kids and the planet. It clears your conscience, too.
Member Comments On…
Greening Up Your Cleaning Routine
These are all great ideas!!! For an all-purpose cleaner, I found the following mixture works wonders!!! And once dry, you only smell the essential oil that you add. If I need an idea for a specific cleaning job that's out of the realm of this cleaner, I just go online and search for "natural cleaners". You can find LOTS of great info!!!! And most of these are items you have in your kitchen already, so there's no added cost!
In a 32 ounce spray bottle (that's an approximate size though)
Mix:
1 Cup white vinegar
4 Tbs lemon juice
10 to 20 drops tea tree or other essential oil (this is only for your smelling pleasure...not essential for cleaning. You may omit if you wish)
Fill the rest of the bottle with water (purified is pretty cheap and does not have all the chemicals of tap water). Mix and there ya go! I use it on everything. I'm also very comfortable allowing my children to use this to help clean!
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These are all great ideas!!! For an all-purpose cleaner, I found the following mixture works wonders!!! And once dry, you only smell the essential oil that you add.
In a 32 ounce spray bottle (that's an approximate size though)
Mix:
1 Cup white vinegar
4 Tbs lemon juice
10 to 20 drops tea tree or other essential oil (this is only for your smelling pleasure...not essential for cleaning. You may omit if you wish)
Fill the rest of the bottle with water (purified is pretty cheap and does not have all the chemicals of tap water). Mix and there ya go! I use it on everything. I'm also very comfortable allowing my children to use this to help clean!
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Clorox has come out with a new line of green cleaning products. I started using them because they cost less compared to the other products I was using. I am very happy with the way they work.
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Seventhgeneration.com has a lot more than just paper towels...they also have a lot of "green" cleaning and hygiene products.
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I buy baking soda in the giant bag at Costco, it is fairly inexpensive & lasts a long time. I use it for everything, it makes a great scrub for a skillet, stain remover on counter tops its a long list. For baked on grime in a skillet or pot, just heat an inch or so of water in it on the stove, all the stuff is softened and released. Because our budget is mostly spent on food, I have never spent much on cleaners. There are websites with make your own cleaner instructions.
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the BEST window cleaner is a couple of teaspoons of cornstarch (yes that's right cornstarch) in a spray bottle with bottled water. (so it doesnt have the impurities of tap water expecially if you are on well water in the country)
Shake and spray then wipe with a terry cloth. Then wipe with a dry cloth.
NO STREAKS and sooooooooooooo inexpensive. BONUS?? no chemicals to add to the environment.
A lemon sliced in a bowl of water and heated in the microwave is a fantastic way to clean a microwave. Just heat and then wipe out the micro. I have no idea why it works but it softens anything in there and it wipes down in a second.
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I also use Melaleuca products in my home. I love them! The products work great, and better than that they are better for my family & home. I also use these products in my childcare business that I have in my home.
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I use baking soda and water to clean the microwave once a week - put it in a bowl, bring it to a boil and then let it sit and steam up the micro. Anything stuck on the sides or top of the inside wipes of very easily. Then I add a little more water to create a paste and use it to wipe down the sink, inside of the fridge - anything else that could use a good claning but won't be damaged by the powder- follow up with a wet cloth and all is clean. I use Method cleaners for countertops and floors - biodegradable, non-toxic; good old fashioned H20 on my hands and knees for my hardwood floor - great exercise! Oh - Microfiber cloths are a must. The are great for wet cleaning, but they are also great to hend to the kids for dusting - not chemicals and they hold on to the dust! Just wash and dry them seperately - no fabric softener! I bought a big pack of them at the local warehouse club and wash a bunch at a time when I wash the kitchen towels.
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my sister introduced me to Melaluca products and I have been using them since. They are not only environmentally freindly, but they are safe around kids and pets and nothing I have found has worked better. Especially the spot treatment and the laundry soap. They also make vitamins, supplements and personal care products all safe for everyone and environmentally friendly.
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