5 Ways to Go Green With Your Home Cleaning

Most conventional cleaning products are petroleum-based, and studies are showing that many professional cleaning products contain substances that are hazardous to our health as well as to the environment. There is now a growing trend towards natural cleaning products as more environment-conscious consumers shift to plant-based options with natural ingredients. Natural products are popping up in groceries and health stores as people also become more health-conscious. Here are a few ways you can be more environmentally conscious when cleaning your home:

Ditch antibacterial cleansers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website states that “…there isn’t enough science to show that over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial soaps are better at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water.” Antibacterial cleansers contain certain chemicals like triclosan that are supposed to have antimicrobial benefits, but the FDA also says that animal studies have shown that triclosan alters the way some hormones work in the body and raises potential concerns for the effects of use in humans.

Use natural kitchen items

There are some ordinary kitchen items that you may have always had around, but never really considered as cleaning agents, such as the following:

Baking soda: A great odor eliminator for areas such as cupboards and refrigerators. You can also sprinkle it over carpets and vacuum it after a fe hours to keep carpets odor-free.

Vinegar: Great for removing hardened mineral sediments around sinks and toilet bowls. Soak the area with the vinegar, leave on for a couple of hours, and wash away.

Lemon: Lemon juice acts as an effective grease buster and disinfectant.

Olive oil: Use on wooden furniture as a polisher. It also wipes dust away from all types of furniture. You can mix it with lemon juice to make it smell nice, or mix it with white vinegar in equal amounts to polish stainless steel.

Replace paper towels with reusable rags

You can help save trees by reducing your paper towel use and using washable cloth rags instead. If you still prefer disposable towels, consider bamboo paper towels; they are washable, reusable, and make use of bamboo, a sustainable plant.

Clean indoor air with air plants

Instead of finishing up your cleaning task by spritzing a commercial air freshener, consider buying plants as natural air purifiers. Plants around the kitchen and bathroom brighten up the room and help clean the air. Some of the best oxygen-producing plants include the Spider plant, Gerbera Daisy, money plant, Snake plant, and Areca Palm.

Use a green house-cleaning service

If you find that you don’t have time to clean, you can still clean green by hiring a house-cleaning service that uses natural products. All Star Cleaning prides themselves in using products that are safe for people, pets, and the environment.

Green cleaning is a lifestyle change that can save you money by using ordinary kitchen cleaning items. You are also helping to save the environment while keeping you and your loved ones safe from toxic chemicals.