Cleaning your home–and keeping it that way–is a big job, particularly if you have children or pets. It can be hard to find easy ways to keep things tidy that is also good for the environment; however, it’s important to use the right tools for the job and to think about the outside of your home as well as the inside.
Because many cleaning products these days are petroleum-based, you can take a step towards green living by choosing natural products, or even using simple household items like vinegar to do the hard work for you. Making more eco-friendly choices for cleaning will not only help you feel better, it will save you money as well.
It’s important to remember that when getting rid of the harsh, chemical cleaners you’ve used in the past, there are safer ways to do it than simply throwing them in the trash or splashing them down the drain, which means they’ll wind up in a landfill or possibly in your water supply, depending on where you live. Do some research to see if your city will pick up toxic items and dispose of them properly.
Here are some more great tips on how to go green when it’s time to clean.
Use common household items
An easy–and inexpensive–way to clean many areas of your home is to use common items you probably already have, such as vinegar, baking soda, and plain old soap (instead of an anti-bacterial one, which some researchers believe may be responsible for creating bacteria that are resistant to chemicals). These items are great for everything from tile and grout, shower heads, and refrigerators to carpets and window coverings. For more uses, read on here.
Declutter
One of the simplest ways to keep your home clean without using harsh chemicals is to simply declutter. By getting organized and removing unnecessary items from the rooms in your home, you can keep dust and bacteria from getting out of control. It can also be helpful to learn how to properly store books, dishes, and other belongings to keep them in good shape. For some great tips on how to get started, head over to Redfin.com.
Think about the air
Having a well-insulated home means cutting costs on your utility bills, but unfortunately it can also mean trapping in toxic air after using chemicals and substances. Bacteria and mold can grow in homes that are closed up, especially if you have an air conditioning system that needs maintenance or a leaky pipe that’s gone unnoticed. Once a year, have your plumbing, A/C system, heating, and hot water heater checked out to make sure everything is in good working order, and then throw open the windows anytime there’s a nice day. Letting in some fresh air will help circulate it throughout your home and keep the air quality nice.
Plants are another great way to improve the air in your home, so create a green space with potted plants and flowers.
Steam-clean
Having your carpets steam-cleaned once or twice a year will help them stay fresh and clean, especially if you have pets. Just make sure you communicate with the company who does the job to make sure they use only steam and not chemicals, or you can rent a cleaner and do it yourself.
Eco-friendly cleaning is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, save some money, and ensure that you and your family stay healthy and safe. Think about some of the best ways you can add natural cleaning to your daily chore list and talk to your family about how they can help.