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Natural Awakenings Space & Treasure Coast Florida

5 Tips for Green Cleaners

Apr 06, 2011 02:09AM ● By Ros Lanthorne

One of the easiest ways to make a positive impact on the planet is to "detox" our homes of the harmful, toxic chemicals found in common household cleaning products.

Many household chemicals are not properly handled by the average person in their home. We use too much of a product, do not dilute the chemical with enough water and even mix several products in an effort to get something "really clean."

The indoor air quality of our homes is 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. Recent medical and scientific studies suggest that chronic exposure to low levels of synthetic chemicals and toxins found in indoor air pollution may be linked to numerous health concerns including allergies, asthma, auto immune diseases, cancer, ADD and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. The Environmental Protection Agency has declared indoor air quality as one of the top five most urgent risks to public health.

Take some simple steps to begin to "detox" your home of the harmful cleaning products. Contact your local county to learn how to dispose of the chemicals responsibly rather than tossing the household cleaners in the garbage.

Here is a list of simple, everyday changes to create a healthier and "greener" home:

  1. Replace abrasive powder cleansers that contain bleach by mixing equal parts of borax and baking soda to scour your bathroom sink, tub and the toilet bowl. Rub the mixture dry with a sponge in a stainless steel sink and rise with water. Dry with a cotton cloth. The mixture will deodorize your garbage disposal at the same time.
  2. Clean windows and glass using white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray on a clean cotton cloth and wipe the surface. Wipe one side of the glass in horizontal movements, and the other in vertical movements. You will be able to see which side the streaks are on. Give the surface a final wipe down with a piece of crumpled newspaper.
  3. Use a 1/3 cup of white vinegar to a bucket of water to mop tile floors. Your floors will be clean without soap residue. For wood floors, be sure the mop is wrung out and is only slightly damp. Not recommended for laminate or marble floors.
  4. Replace paper towels with cotton towels and recycle old t-shirts for cleaning cloths. Wash them when they are dirty. 
  5. Use aromatherapy oils to add a natural, fresh fragrance to your home. Choose oils made only from natural plant extracts in carrier oil. Local health food stores usually offer a selection of aromatherapy oils or look for a local supplier who creates handcrafted aromatherapy oils. To give your home and your mood a lift, put a few drops of aromatherapy oil on cotton balls and place them around your home. Remember, the oils are very potent and a little goes a long way. Try different plant essences, the oils can energize you (sweet orange) or relax you (lavender) and the energy in your home.

Ros Lanthorne is the owner of the Zen of Clean, a green and natural cleaning service for your condo, home or office. Evening green janitorial services available for businesses. For more information visit www.zenofclean.com. Call 321-453-9521 to request your free estimate.