Green Cleaning Tips: Eco-Friendly Hacks for Every Home

It is essential to change the world starting from small actions, and one of the best places to start is with the cleaning products that are used.

Common cleaning products are produced with the help of chemicals that are dangerous to the environment and our health.

Choosing green options helps to reduce waste, improve the quality of air in the house and make the environment in the house more healthy.

Here are some sustainable cleaning hacks to keep your home fresh and green.

Use Natural Ingredients for All-Purpose Cleaning

You should not use store bought cleaning products but rather go for natural products that can clean just as well. Some of the most effective and easily available natural cleaners include:

White vinegar – It has cleansing properties, removes stains, and kills bacteria.

Baking soda – This can scrub surfaces, eliminate odors, and remove adhesives.

Lemon juice – It has antibacterial properties and has a pleasant smell.

Castile soap – A very mild yet effective cleaner for different surfaces.

Essential oils – Have antibacterial actions and give a pleasant scent.

To make a multipurpose cleaner, put equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil to make the cleaner smell better.

Use it to clean the countertops, sinks, and glass surfaces.

Swap Paper Towels for Reusable Clothes

One of the significant problems with paper towels is that they are made from wood and, therefore, contribute to deforestation and environmental pollution through dumping in landfills.

Instead of using disposable products, it is better to use reusable options.

It is recommended that you use the following:

Microfiber cloths – They are very efficient in trapping dust and dirt without using chemicals.

Old cotton t-shirts – You can cut them into rags for an environmentally friendly cleaning option.

Sponges made from natural fibers – These are compostable and biodegradable options that will help reduce plastic waste.

This is because when you do this, you will reduce the number of waste that you generate and also save some money in the process.

Make DIY Air Fresheners

Most store-bought air fresheners are made to use artificial fragrances, which, when used, will release toxins into the air. Make your own natural alternatives at home with the following ingredients:

Simmer potpourri – This is done by boiling citrons, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in water to produce a fresh scent.

Baking soda air freshener – Put some baking soda in a jar and add a few drops of essential oil. Just shake to release the scent!

Homemade room spray – This is made from water, alcohol (vodka), and essential oils in a spray bottle.

These freshening hacks will help you make your home smell fresh without the use of synthetic chemicals.

Clean Your Windows the Eco-Friendly Way

Window cleaners are often made with ammonia, which is not suitable for your health when inhaled. Here is an all-natural approach:

Apply vinegar and water in a spray bottle, mixed equally.
Use a newspaper or a microfiber cloth to remove the streaks.
Add a small amount of cornstarch for an extra shine.

This method is as effective as commercial window cleaners without the environmental cost.

Use Lemons for Hard Water Stains and Rust

Lemons contain citric acid, a natural substance that removes stains and rust. You could also use these solutions:

Hard water stains – Rub a cut half of a lemon on the faucets and shower heads and then rinse.

Rust removal – Apply salt on the rusted area, apply lemon juice, and then leave it for me to scrub it off.

Microwave cleaner – Place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside the microwave and heat for 2-3 minutes. The steam will help loosen the dirt to be wiped off easily.

Lemons are an affordable and effective way of removing stains.

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Regular laundry detergents contain phosphates and synthetic fragrances that end up in waterways. A DIY detergent is a safer alternative:

Ingredients:

1 cup washing soda
1 cup baking soda
1 bar of grated castile soap
10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)

After mixing all ingredients, store them in an airtight container. One or two tablespoons per load should give your laundry a fresh, clean smell without the harmful chemicals.

Freshen Carpets with Baking Soda

Carpets can draw in dust, odors, and allergens, therefore it is crucial to freshen them on a regular basis.

In this case, you should not use chemical sprays, but instead, try this simple hack:

Put the baking soda powder on the carpet.
Leave it to settle for at least 15 minutes (for a stronger odor, leave it overnight).
Use the vacuum cleaner to clean the surface and remove the dust and debris accumulated on the surface.
For extra scent, combine baking soda with lavender or tea tree essential oil and sprinkle it on the carpet. It will also prevent the development of bacteria.

Use Vinegar for Sparkling Dishes

Dishwashing detergents are often sulfate, and other harmful substances contain products. You should not use chemical-based rinses but use vinegar:

Dishwasher rinse aid – Add white vinegar to the rinse aid compartment for spot-free dishes.
Handwashing solution – Warm water with a spot of vinegar is a good grease-cutting cleaner.
Cutting board disinfectant – Wipe wooden cutting boards with vinegar to kill bacteria naturally.

Vinegar is a powerful yet safe alternative for keeping your dishes spotless.

Clean Grout Naturally

Grout stains can make your floors and walls look very untidy. Instead of using harsh bleach-based products, you could use this natural method:

Create a cleaning paste by combining baking soda and water.
Apply it to the grout and leave it there for 10-15 minutes.
Use a toothbrush to scrub, then rinse with warm water.
For extra stubborn stains, put vinegar on top of the baking soda paste before scrubbing.

Reduce Plastic Waste with Refillable Cleaners

Many cleaning products are available in containers that are made of plastic and are used once and then thrown away. Stop contributing to the problem and choose refillable or concentrated cleaning products:

Purchase cleaning concentrates and dilute them in reusable spray bottles.
Refinish your bathroom with glass or metal instead of plastic.
Support those brands that offer refills and sustainable packaging.

This step will help to reduce plastic pollution while still allowing your home to be clean.

Opt for Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tools

Changing the sustainable cleaning tools will reduce environmental impact and support zero-waste living. You should also try to avoid the following:

Bamboo scrub brushes – A compostable version of plastic brushes.

Silicone dish scrubbers – Last longer than sponges and are very easy to clean and sterilize.

Compostable sponges – Sponge made of natural fibers that will decompose over a period of time. That is why you can create an environmentally friendly cleaning regimen with no waste when you select sustainable tools.

Start Your Journey with These Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

Changing to green cleaning is a perfect way to change to a healthier world.

Using natural products, reusable items, and environmentally friendly tools when cleaning means keeping your house clean with minimal environmental impact.

Understanding that every little helps; therefore, a green cleaning regimen is a good investment.

If you are searching for a house cleaning service, NW Maids has a professional and green-friendly touch.

A sustainable home starts with conscious choices – why not start today?

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