Tips for Green Spring Cleaning

Cleaning can be hazardous to your health - and to the environment. Many common household cleaners contain alcohol, ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde and lye, substances that can cause nausea, vomiting, inflammation and burning of the eyes and throat. Some of these ingredients have been linked with neurological, liver, and kidney damage, and asthma and cancer. When buying and using cleaning products, here are some things to keep in mind:

Read labels carefully to make an informed environmental decision regarding your purchases.

Ask questions. If you are concerned about the safety or environmental impacts of certain products, contact the manufacturer for more information.

Follow instructions. When cleaning, remember to use no more than the recommended amount.

Use a scourer or rub harder on problem areas, rather than overusing cleaners. Try earth-friendly Bon Ami cleanser: www.bonami.com

Do not mix products unless instructed to do so by label directions. This can cause unwanted chemical reactions that could harm you.

Make sure containers are kept dry to prevent corrosion. If a container begins to corrode, place it in a plastic bucket with a lid and clearly label it.

Do-It-Yourself Green Cleaners

Some of the greenest cleaners are the ones you make yourself. Here are some sample recipes for simple, effective cleaners:

Drain Cleaner: Pour a half-cup of baking soda down the sink and add at least a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and wait a few minutes, then rinse with a mixture of boiling water and salt.

Window Cleaner: Mix two ounces of vinegar with a quart of water in a spray bottle.

Silver Polish: Put a sheet of aluminum foil into a plastic or glass bowl. Sprinkle the foil with salt and baking soda and fill the bowl with warm water. Soak your silver in the bowl and tarnish migrates to the foil. Dry and buff.

Brass Cleaner: Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle it with salt and rub the lemon on the metal. Buff with a cloth.

Rust Remover: Use vinegar to remove rust on nuts and bolts and other mineral deposits such as calcium deposits.

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Seven years ago, I tried cleaning our tiles with blended onion and ginger. The mixture was able to remove the stains, however, its odor killed my nose.

Posted by: Louise Clark | April 24, 2012 at 02:54 PM