According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “24% of global disease is caused by environmental exposures which can be averted.” One effective way of limiting harmful ‘environmental exposure’ is using cleaning methods and solutions that are healthy and good for the environment – i.e., green cleaning.
Benefits of Green Cleaning
Making the switch to green products and embracing natural cleaning offers many benefits.
It’s Healthy: Most store-bought household and cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can cause various health problems—including respiratory illnesses and cancer. Green cleaning products are characterized by their lack of toxic substances or harmful additives. (Note: Be careful of greenwashing when purchasing cleaning products. Greenwashing is the process of marketing products as “green” or “natural” when they’re laden with potentially harmful chemicals.) Read all labels before purchasing.
Eco-Friendly: Natural cleaning products are typically recyclable, biodegradable, and sourced from sustainable practices.
Cost Saving: The ingredients needed to make green cleaning products are often available in most people’s pantries—including lemon, vinegar, and baking soda.
Make Green Cleaners at Home
Achieving a healthy, sparkling space free of germs, grime, and potentially toxic chemicals is as easy as ABC. Everyday products in most kitchens or pantries can be combined to create effective cleaning solutions. Here are a few DIY “recipes” to whip up natural cleaning products that get the job done.
All-Purpose Cleaner: Combine 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax), 1/2 cup vinegar, 4-8 cups hot water, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (optional) in a spray bottle. This DIY all-purpose cleaner is excellent for mild cleaning around the house.
Kitchen Cleaner: Combine baking soda (4 tablespoons) and hot water (4 cups) to clean the refrigerator, kitchen counters, and appliances.
Sanitizing Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach with one quart of water. Place mixture in a spray bottle. To use, spray the solution on cleaned surfaces and allow it to air dry.
Glass Cleaner: Mix water (2 cups), vinegar (1/2 cup), 70% rubbing alcohol, and a few drops of natural essential oil in a spray bottle. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe windows or mirrors.
Grease Cleaner: Remove tough grime from grills, oven racks, and other surfaces with a solution of water (1 gallon) and sudsy ammonia (1/2 cup).
Heavy-Duty Scrub: For hard-to-clean rust stains, use borax powder (1/2 cup) and 1/2 lemon. Dip the lemon in powder and scrub the surface, then rinse. (Note: This method is too harsh for marble or granite surfaces.)
Toilet: Pour a mixture of vinegar (1 cup) and baking soda (1/4 cup) into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush and flushing.
Drains: Clean drains the ‘green way’ using baking soda (1/4 cup) and then vinegar (1/2 cup). Finish a few minutes later by pouring some boiling water down the drain. For the garbage disposal, toss in some citrus peels for a pleasant aroma and some ice cubes to sharpen the blades.
Dangerous Ingredient Combination
Please Note! Combining bleach and ammonia releases a deadly gas. NEVER mix two products containing these two ingredients, no matter how small the concentration.
Labeling
Always label all DIY green cleaning products—highlighting the ingredients used.
Nubuildz
Green cleaning is a great way to keep your custom home clean and safe. For more tips on promoting an eco-friendly and healthy home, contact Nubuildz for all your custom home needs.
