Weekends: Clean Greener

Since Earth Day is coming up on Sunday (April 22nd), I wanted to share a way that I have consciously moved toward being greener.

About a year ago, I got serious about greening my cleaning routine.

I was always uncomfortable with using all the harsh cleaning chemicals around my pets and children, so I started researching ways to eliminate those chemicals.

That’s when I met my two best friends, vinegar and baking soda. Combined with a spray bottle and a pile of old rags, I can clean my house from top to bottom.

Vinegar:
I mix vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and add to the spray bottle. I use this for counter tops, window sills, window, mirrors, and bathroom fixtures. Combined with an old towel, it gets the job done.

I put about 1/2 cup vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for a couple of minutes. When it’s done I let it sit in the microwave for a couple of minutes and then wipe the microwave interior with a rag. All those icky bits of splattered food just comes right off! Plus the warm vinegar will now work wonders on any hard water stains you have around the house.

If you have stainless steel appliances, a rag dipped in vinegar will shine those fingerprints and smudges right off!

Baking Soda:

I keep my baking soda that I use for cleaning in a glass Parmesan shaker I found at the dollar store. It looks cute and I no longer have to deal with a soggy baking soda box! Combined with a rag or scouring pad, it can be a life saver.

I always hated cleaning cookie sheets until I discovered that baking soda combined with dish soap will get all those stuck-on bits off. I just grab my shaker and shake a bit on and then scrub with a scouring pad. It comes right off!

You can also use the baking soda for cleaning sinks and tubs.

Baking soda is also an effective odor remover. Sprinkle on carpet and vacuum it up. Good as new!

Now you’ve seen how I’ve made my cleaning routine greener. Do you have any good green cleaning tips?