Green Cleaning Tips by Maegen Tabor

Green Cleaning Tips by Maegen Tabor

Cleaning products are found throughout our homes: on dishes, countertops, furniture, clothes, floors, windows, and even in the air. In our effort to eliminate dirt and germs, we may actually be causing more harm than good.

Most conventional cleaning products we’re familiar with are petroleum-based and come with significant health and environmental risks. Instead of using harsh products that destroy everything in their path, there are natural alternatives that can keep your home clean and fresh without the harmful side effects.

Here are some tips to keeping your house healthy and clean in a more natural way:

•   Choose green cleaning products. As we understand more about the health and environmental effects of conventional cleaning products, many healthy, green, and effective alternatives are becoming available. These products are often non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from renewable sources, moving away from petroleum-based ingredients.
•   Be careful with antibacterial cleaners. The antibacterial and antimicrobial ‘cleaners’ that many people think are necessary, do not clean hands better than soap and water.  The FDA has found that antibacterial soaps and hand cleansers do not work better than regular soap and water, and should be avoided.
•   Avoid poor indoor air quality. The air inside homes and offices is often more polluted than outdoor air due to toxic materials and better insulation in modern buildings. Keeping windows open as much as possible allows fresh air to circulate and helps remove toxins, especially during cleaning.

Simple Powdered Laundry Formula

1 bar of shaved bar soap (Ivory, ZOTE, Fels-Naptha)

1 cup of borax

1 cup of washing soda

Stir together for 5 minutes, store in an airtight container.

Each batch yields approximately 32 ounces. Use 1-2 tbsp per load.