Maintaining a clean green home is a balancing act.
You want to ensure the environment is healthy with sufficient high-quality air and water.
On the other hand, you can’t compromise on cleanliness and sanitary standards.
Green cleaning entails using the right products, schedules, and methods to achieve both goals.
Cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all activity. It varies from one person and family to another.
For instance, if you have pets, young children, older relatives or those with allergies, you have to be more careful and thorough with your cleaning.
The following tips can help in your quest for a cleaner, greener home.
Pay Attention to the Furnace and Other Sources of Air Pollution
Most people overlook the furnace and dryer when scheduling cleaning services. Lint, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores are often trapped in the filters of the furnace and dryer.
Regularly check the ducts in the furnace and dryer to prevent issues.
Schedule a duct cleaning Keller TX service from a professional to remove the debris and allergens from your system.
Carry out this exercise every three to five, but more often depending on your family’s needs.
Also, have the dryer vents cleaned yearly and always clear the lint trip before each load.
Use Less Toxic Cleaning Tools and Products
Traditional cleaning agents have chemicals that can be hazardous to the environment and your health. That’s why you have to look for alternatives.
There are a lot of effective plant-based commercial cleaning products available in the stores. You can also make homemade cleaning products using ingredients from your kitchen pantry, such as baking soda, lemon juice and coconut oil.
Always read the labels of chemicals and cleaning agents before buying them.
Additionally, use multi-purpose products on the surfaces in your home. They will clean, disinfect and deodorize all at once.
More to this, work with cleaning companies that use organic and biodegradable cleaning agents.
Their natural products will leave your home fresh and clean without adversely affecting the environment.
Such companies also use techniques and appliances that minimize water and energy usage.
Use Less Water and Detergent To Wash Dishes
Most dishwasher detergents contain sodium tripolyphosphate, an environmental pollutant.
To avoid using this chemical, soak your dirty dishes in a sink full of water with green dishwasher detergent and then rinse the items after an hour or so.
You can use baking soda and vinegar for a better result. Wash dishes by hand when you have only a few to clean.
Do Not Use Paper Plates and Towels
To reduce paper waste, invest in a few sets of cloth napkins, dish towels, and cloth dinner napkins.
Wash them once a week or when dirty, ensuring you always have a clean set of towels whenever you need. If you decide to use paper, buy towels and napkins from eco-friendly companies.
They are available online and at some department stores.
Use Vinegar as Fabric Softener
Vinegar is a powerful cleaner, especially white distilled vinegar. It is great for naturally removing debris and stains from fabrics and softening clothes.
Pour one-half cup of the liquid to the final rinse in your washing machine to soften clothes naturally.
If the weather permits, air dry the clothes rather than using a machine.
Use Plants To Keep Pests Away
Rather than fumigate using harsh chemicals, a good alternative is to use organic pest control methods.
Repel insects by placing basil plants near windows and doors or plant them in the garden.
Other plants that keep pests away are oregano, peppermint, parsley, rosemary, lavender, spearmint, and lemon thyme. These plants emit strong scents which pests detest.
They’ll voluntarily stay away from areas with these strong aromas.
Naturally Refresh Indoor Air
Instead of using commercial air fresheners, use apples, cinnamon sticks, or vanilla extract to refresh the smell of your home. Put the ingredients in small bowls around the house.
Another way of refreshing the air is boiling water with citrus peels or spices.
Alternatively, use green tea bags. Place a few in different areas to absorb smells and deodorize rooms.
Green Cleaning Saves the Environment
Your home will be cleaner if you follow these simple tips.
You’ll enjoy living in a clean home without feeling guilty about harming the environment.
Your space will also be healthier, safer, and more accommodating to those with health issues such as asthma and allergies.