It’s Easter weekend and unusually warm where I live. There is something about the combination of opening windows and hearing the “peepers” (chorus frogs) that sets one’s mind to cleaning the house after the long winter. However, an intensive spring-cleaning, with lots of toxic products, can make you sick. While this is an issue for everyone, it’s particularly important for someone who has a chronic or life threatening condition.
Below are some “green cleaning” tips that will not only reduce health risks but they will save you money as well.
• All you need are three ingredients: baking soda, vinegar and lemons.
• A solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar will clean most areas of your home. Vinegar is also a disinfectant and deodorizer. The smell disappears when the vinegar dries. Do not use on marble surfaces. You can use vinegar to clean the ring around the toilet, as well as dirty stovetops. Vinegar is also a natural fabric softener. Use 1/2 cup in the rinse cycle in place of store bought fabric softener. The Vinegar Institute
• Baking soda can be used to clean surfaces much as you would use a cleanser. You can also combine baking soda with liquid soap to form a “soft scrub.” Baking soda is also a great deodorizer.
• Lemon juice will dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. It can be mixed with vinegar and baking soda to make cleaning pastes. Mix 1 cup of olive oil with 1/2 cup lemon juice and you will have a natural furniture polish.
• Have a nasty smelling (and looking) microwave, but a little bit of baking soda in a bowl with water. Put in your microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Let stand. Open and wipe down.
For additional tips on Green Cleaning, check out the following websites:
• Greening Clean Net
• Planet Green (Treehugger)
• Consumers Report
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