Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Intro to Green Cleaning

One reason that parents may choose to cloth diaper their baby is to reduce the number of chemicals that their baby is exposed to.  We want our homes to be a place that is free from all of the chemicals that may be linked to health problems.  However, many of the most popular cleaning products from well-known and reputable brands contain undeclared ingredients, many of which may be toxic to your family.  These products might even have warning labels that merit concern.  Some parents hear horror stories about children swallowing cleaning products, leading to panicked phone calls to a poison control hotline, or having to rush the child to the hospital.  Others may be concerned with the environmental impact of washing these products down the drain.

My second son was born with a skin condition that makes him very intolerant of a wide variety of household products, including laundry detergent, soaps, shampoos, lotions, and household cleaning products.  Prior to his birth, I had no idea just how many chemicals Americans are typically exposed to on a daily basis.  Since many of the ingredients that were causing him the most problems were undeclared, finding things that would work for his skin was a process of trial and error.

What is it?

Green Cleaning methods typically involve ingredients that occur naturally and tend to be gentler on our skin and the environment.  I have found that when I use vinegar and baking soda to clean my house, I don't really need to use gloves to protect my hands.  I also don't need to worry as much about ventilation, and using these kinds of cleaning products does not make me cough or irritate my throat or chest.  Most of the cleaning formulas that I use take only a minute to mix and last for a long time.  Best of all, I have seen a vast improvement in my son's skin since I switched to these methods, so I know that they are gentler on skin than mainstream cleaning products.  Another bonus aspect to this cleaning method is that many homemade cleaning formulas are much cheaper to make than the products you may buy in a store.

How Does it Work?

There are many different ingredients and cleaning formulas available in books and on the internet to help you to clean your house without using synthetic chemicals.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Window Cleaner:

1c        Distilled white Vinegar
1c        Water
2TBsp  Lemon Juice

Pour ingredients into a spray bottle and shake to combine.  Spray onto dirty surface you wish to clean and wipe with a clean, dry cloth (I recommend a lintless flour sack towel).

Soap Scum Remover:

1/4c+     Baking Soda
2TBsp+ Water (HOT!)
1TBsp+ Distilled White Vinegar

Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto the affected tile or counter area, and add enough water to make a paste.  Scrub with a cleaning brush.  For stubborn spots, pour about a tablespoon of vinegar over the paste and allow it to bubble, then scrub until clean.

Cleaner for Mopping:

1/4 c  Borax
2 gal  Water (HOT!)

Pour water into mop bucket or sink.  Add the borax and stir until dissolved.  Use to mop floors or wipe counters to clean and sanitize.


Here are some links to kindle books on green cleaning available for download.  At the time this blog was published, they were available for free, though the offer is for a limited time only.

Natural Green Cleaning: 101 Non-Toxic DIY Hints & Cleaning Tips For Home Cleaning Using Vinegar

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HE5I99S/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=16T1F7C2HYW1&coliid=IF6DSGLW8K7IM

The Green Home Cleaning Guide: Clean Your House the Easy and Natural Way in Less than 30 Minutes a Day (Clean Green Minimalism)


Book Package: The Green Home Cleaning Guide: Clean Your House the Easy and Natural Way in Less than 30 Minutes a Day & Natural Green Cleaning: How to Clean Your Home Naturally


I hope you enjoy using these green cleaning methods.  Please share your experiences in the comments below!

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