Guide to Green Spring Cleaning

Spring is a time of renewal. It is also a time for cleaning. This spring, as you begin your tasks of cleaning and reorganizing your home, you may choose to try to go green. Green cleaning is a term usually used for cleaning with products that are biodegradable and manufactured by environmentally friendly means. Here are some tips to use this spring to be greener as you clean and renew your home.

Tip Number One For Green Spring Cleaning

If you choose to use commercial products to clean your home, look for eco friendly products marked as being "green". Not all such products are as environmentally friendly as we might like, so check up on your products to see if they are certified as green by checking the eco-labels center at GreenerChoices.org. One product that I have had great luck with and consider to be one of the best for green cleaning is the Seventh Generation Natural All Purpose Cleaner. It is non-toxic and biodegradable and does a great job cleaning.

Tip Number Two For Green Spring Cleaning

Use cloth rags to clean. By using paper towels, you are contributing to the problems caused by deforestation and also to the land fills. Use regular old kitchen towels or cloth towels to clean all of your household surfaces. You can even use old t shirts that have been cut into rags. When you are done cleaning, wash the rags and reuse as needed. Talk about reuse and recycle!

Tip Number Three For Green Spring Cleaning

If you are transitioning to green cleaning and have old chemicals and cleaning products that you will not be using, do not dump them down the drain or throw them in the garbage. Dumping chemicals down your drain or adding them to the landfill increases the chances of the chemicals entering our water. Most communities have a central area for taking in toxic chemicals to be disposed of. Contact your local waste collection center and ask for details on how to dispose of toxic chemicals appropriately.

Tip Number Four For Green Spring Cleaning

If you are cleaning out drawers and getting rid of old clothing and items that you no longer use, do not just set them on the curb for the garbage men to take to the land fill. Take these items to a donation center for a local charity or thrift store.

Tip Number Five For Green Spring Cleaning

Cleaning your windows in the spring is a necessary evil. At least in the spring it is warm! Instead of using a chemical based window cleaner, mix together 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 1 gallon of water. Put the mixture into an empty spray bottle and use to clean your windows. You can also use lemon juice or club soda in place of the vinegar for a more pleasant smell. Instead of using paper towels, use old newspapers. Not only is this using something you already have, this is also a way to reduce streaking on your windows. Use the same mixture on your mirrors and any other glass surfaces. This is an economical and eco-friendly cleaner.

Tip Number Six For Green Spring Cleaning

Cleaning spots and deodorizing your carpets after a long winter is a necessity. Rather than using chemical spot cleanser and carpet cleaners, make your own. Take ¼ cup of a liquid soap or detergent and mix it in a blender with 1/3 cup of water. When the mixture is good and foamy, pour it into an empty spray bottle. Spray on spots, allow to set for a few minutes and rinse with vinegar. The spot should disappear. You may need to scrub tough stains. To deodorize a musty carpet, spread baking soda or cornstarch liberally over your carpet. Allow to set overnight and then vacuum.

Tip Number Seven For Green Spring Cleaning

One of the nastiest and most chemical ridden jobs of cleaning house is cleaning the oven. Many of us choose to overlook this job since it is just so bad. To clean your oven without the use of harsh chemicals, make a paste out of baking soda and water. You want the paste to be fairly thick. Spread the paste liberally over the soiled areas of your oven. Allow this to set overnight and then scrub it clean. Use a scouring pad and wear gloves to protect your hands from the grease and yuck. You can also use this to help clean outdoor grills or very very tough stains on your counters or stove.

Tip Number Eight For Green Spring Cleaning

Many people use chemical cleaners because of their disinfectant properties. To make a natural disinfectant for use in your bathroom or kitchen, mix together 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. Place this mix in a spray bottle and spray on any surface that you wish to disinfect. Rub with a cloth and you are clean and green!

Tip Number Nine For Green Spring Cleaning

A good basic cleanser for any job is to use vinegar or lemon juice. Spray straight vinegar or lemon juice on any stained or greasy spot. Allow to sit for a minute or two and then scrub off. For less stubborn spots, sprinkle baking soda on the area you wish to clean and then scrub with a wet cloth. You can also sprinkle on kosher salt and scrub off to help remove dirt and grime.

Tip Number Ten For Green Spring Cleaning

Combine your spring cleaning with changing your smoke alarm batteries. Make sure to dispose of old batteries in the correct manner. Speak with your waste disposal company about the correct way to dispose of batteries. Then, rather than replace them with regular batteries, purchase rechargeable batteries and a charger. This will save money in the long run and is much better for the environment.

Sources:

Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_cleaning

Seventh generation products

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

GreenerChoices.org

http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=greencleaning&page=RightChoices