Open the windows and let in the fresh air. It is time for spring cleaning. With Earth Day just around the corner, My Personal Valet has a few eco-friendly spring cleaning tips for you.
Many people are concerned about cleaning products that contain strong chemicals, artificial colors and are harmful to the environment, while others are allergic to fragrances and other ingredients. Fortunately, finding eco-friendly cleaning products is not hard to do. Many supermarkets carry eco-friendly cleansers, paper towels and other cleaning products.
Green Spring Cleaning Products
Whole Foods Market has a huge selection of products made with earth-conscious ingredients. These cleaners contain no sodium laurel sulfate, phosphates, phthalates or chlorine. Their containers are even made from at least 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials and are recyclable. In addition to their own 365 Whole Foods Market Brand, they also carry Ecos, BioKleen and Better Life cleaning products;
Target Stores carries several eco-friendly cleaning product lines, including Method, Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyers.
Kitchen: Ecover Kitchen Cleaner
Bathroom: Method Tub and Tile. Bon Ami
Furniture & Dusting: Method Daily Wood Spray, Method Almond Scented Wood for Good Wipes
Laundry: Seventh Generation Natural Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender Liquid Laundry Detergent, Mrs. Meyer’s Lavender Laundry Detergent
Floors: Method Squirt + Mop Wood Floor Cleaner, Ecover Floor Cleaner
All Purpose Cleaning: Ecos All Purpose Cleaner, Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner.
Many eco-friendly cleaning products can also be found in your pantry. Your grandmother probably used these handy items to handle everyday household chores.
Lemons
The acid in lemon juice removes dirt and rust stains.
- Dip the cut side of a lemon half in baking soda to scour countertops. Do not use on delicate stone, like marble or stainless steel (it may discolor). Lemons can also be used to bleach tomato stains on plastic containers and other dishwasher-safe items. Simply rub lemon juice on the spots, let dry in a sunny place then wash as usual.
- To remove tough food stains from light wood and plastic cutting boards, slice a lemon in half, squeeze onto the soiled surface, rub, and let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing.
Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar creates an environment that inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and some bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella and is great for cleaning tarnish, soap scum, mineral deposits and more.
- Use ¼ cup vinegar, 2 cups water, and a squirt of liquid Castile soap in a spray bottle to clean windows and mirrors. Spritz windows and wipe with a sheet of newspaper. You will be amazed at how well this works.
Baking Soda
You already know that baking soda absorbs odors and probably have a box in the back of your refrigerator. But did you know that you can also use baking soda to erase crayon marks from walls?
- Apply a baking soda paste (equal parts baking soda and water) to white painted walls (baking soda may dull colored walls). Let dry before brushing off with a clean cloth.
- Dip a toothbrush in a paste of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon water and use it to dislodge gunk from a can opener.
Use our Spring Cleaning Checklist to help you as you clean your home. Get the whole family involved and before you know it you will have a fresh, clean home. When all the cleaning is done, reward yourself… you deserve it!
