Simple Ways to Green Your Cleaning Routine

Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  Your home cleaning routine comes with a serious health and environmental impact — volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like ammonia, phosphorus, and nitrogen, for example, are found in a wide range of cleaning products and named as the worst environmental hazards by the Environmental Protection Agency. Not only do VOCs pollute the environment, but they’re also associated with health issues like asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Fortunately, by taking simple steps to green your cleaning routine, you can maintain a clean and fresh home without the toxic side effects.

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Focus On Maintenance

Proper home maintenance ensures all your appliances stay in good working condition and don’t need replacing prematurely, which in turn saves money and unnecessary waste. So, be sure to stay on top of your routine home maintenance tasks. The extra few minutes you spend on simple maintenance translates to dollars saved as it’ll stop you from having to purchase new stuff. Also, remember to regularly change filters on your appliances to improve operational and energy efficiency. And, when you do notice something is broken, fix it straight away. Ignoring a problem gives it time to spiral into a worse and more expensive problem or even replacement.

Opt for Natural Cleaners

Conventional cleaning products are packed with nasty ingredients harmful to health. Bleach, for example, harms the respiratory system once inhaled, while glass and surface cleaners typically contain butyl cellosolve, a carcinogenic solvent not safe for humans in any amount. Fortunately, non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning products are just as effective as regular ones, while being so much better for health and the environment. For example, all you need to do is mix baking soda or white vinegar with a little warm water, and you have yourself a great all-purpose cleaner. Hydrogen peroxide can also work as an effective natural disinfectant and bleach. It can be used to clean glass (streak-free), counters, toilets, floors, showers, and bathtubs.

Switch Disposable Products for Reusable Ones

Although using paper towels to clean around the home is the norm in many households, it’s hugely wasteful. Over 13 billion pounds of paper towels are used in the U.S. every year, which equates to over 3,000 tons of paper towels wasted daily. By switching to reusable sponge, microfiber, organic unbleached cotton cloths, you can do your bit to cut down on this staggering waste. Keep in mind, microfiber cloths need to be well-cared for in order to maximize their longevity. Wash them in warm water along with a moderate detergent before tumble- or air-drying. Or, if you don’t want to purchase new cleaning materials at the moment, you can simply reuse old cotton clothing. Cut the material into cloth-like shapes and quickly sew the edges to prevent pesky fraying.

Creating an eco-friendly home doesn’t happen overnight, but by making a few simple, everyday choices, you can easily start living a greener lifestyle. By focusing on maintenance, opting for natural cleaners, and switching disposable products for reusable ones, you can successfully create a safer and more sustainable home.

Click the links below for any posts you have missed:

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5 Ways to Have Good Oral Health

Our New Kitchen – Source List

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Toodles,