Green Cleaning for a Healthier Home

Chemical cleaning products are not only harmful to the environment – during their manufacture as well as their disposal down our drains and in our trash – but they can also be harmful to humans.  Reduce your family’s exposure to chemical cleaners (and save money!) by trying these simple recipes for cleaning products using household ingredients:

• Abrasive scrub:  Baking soda, kosher salt, and a bit of water make a good scrubbing solution for hard surface like tubs, sinks, and counters.


• All-purpose cleaner: For stains, mildew, or grease, douse the area with lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a bristle brush.


• Disinfectant:  Mix 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons liquid dish soap, and around 20 drops of tea tree oil.  Works great in the kitchen.


• Glass Cleaner:  Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with a gallon of water and pour into a clean spray bottle.  Use old newspapers instead of paper towels to clean your windows and avoid streaking.


• Carpet Spot Cleaner: Mix ¼ cup liquid soap with 1/3 cup water in a spray bottle, and shake until foamy.  Spray on affected area, and then rinse with vinegar.  Be sure to test vinegar on an inconspicuous area first if you have darker carpet.


• Hardwood Floor Cleaner:  Pour a simple solution of ¼ cup white vinegar and 30 ounces warm water in your mop bucket.


• Drain Cleaner: Pour ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup vinegar, then cover the drain.  Once the fizzing dies down, flush with boiling water.


• Silver Polish:  Line your sink or a basin with aluminum foil, and drop in your tarnished silver.  Add boiling water, a cup of baking soda, and a dash of salt.  The tarnish will transfer onto the foil.  To polish by hand, make a paste of 3 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon of water, and rub onto the silver with a soft cloth.


• Copper Polish: Rub ketchup into the copper with a soft cloth.


• Odor Elimination:  Baking soda isn’t just for the refrigerator!  Sprinkle it into your carpets before vacuuming, and tuck an open box into the bathroom or the pantry. For smelly garbage disposals, drop a small slice of lemon in and run the motor.  Lemon will kill the bacteria growing inside and make it smell fresh.


• Air Freshener:  Open the windows and let the house air out.  Simple as that!  If you want to fill your house with a nice scent, try flowers, a candle, or and oil diffuser instead of harsh chemical sprays.

Have a mess that just can’t be cut by these cleaning recipes?  Be sure to shop for health- and eco-friendly cleaners.  Look for phosphorus- and bleach-free detergents, cleaners based on natural ingredients that are VOC-free.  Clorox’s Green Works line of cleaners are easy to find, and not over-priced; Method brand, Mrs. Myers, and Seventh Generation are also great products.