Easy Changes for Green Cleaning

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Switching over to an eco-friendly life can seem daunting at times. That’s why I recommend choosing one area of your life and focusing on making that one area natural/green/crunchy.

Cleaning is a great area to start with. It’s generally a very simply change and will actually save you money.  Here are a few simple changes to help you clean the green way.

Easy Changes for Green Cleaning

Ditch the Scrubbing Powder
Ditch the scrubbing powder and instead reach for baking soda! Baking soda is an amazing abrasive cleaner and yet not too harsh for cleaning. Use it to scrub your bathtub, sinks, pots and pans, even your oven!

Simplify Your Cleaners
Most of the cleaners you use can be swapped out for just a simply water and vinegar solution. I like to use a 50/50 solution but you could do 1 part vinegar, 2 parts water as well.

You can use this vinegar solution on windows, mirrors, counters, hardwood floors, sinks, tables, and dusting. It may be the only cleaner you need!

Polish Your Wood Naturally
Instead of using a wood polish that is full of petroleum products, use this homemade olive oil cleaner instead! Most recipes call for 1 part vinegar or lemon juice to 2 parts olive oil. It works great and you already have it in your kitchen!

Ditch the Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets can have nasty chemicals on them, which then get transferred onto your clothes. Chemicals aren’t’ great for anyone but this is especially true for those with sensitive skin.

Dryer sheets are also pricey when you consider how many you must go through in a year. Why not buy a few dryer balls instead?

You’ll save money by using a product over and over again, you’ll save money because dryer balls can cut your drying time and you will have a toxin free way of fluffing your laundry.

Switch Out Dish Detergent, Laundry Detergent and Hand Soaps
You don’t have to make everything from scratch. I know that not everyone has the time or inclination to do that.

However, it’s just as easy to pick up a bottle of natural detergent instead of your usual choice. In this day and age, natural products really are living up to the standards of conventional products; I have yet to be truly disappointed in a natural product.

Re-Use
Instead of buying special scrubbing tools and brand new towels, why not make use of your old products you have lying around? Old toothbrushes make great scrubbing tools (especially for those tiny, hard to reach places), old ratty towels make great cleaning rags.

Choose Cloth Over Paper
Paper towels must be one of the most used cleaning items. However, towels can work just as well. All you need are some nice lint free towels (again, old towels work great) and you will save trees and dollars! Here are ten ways to go paper free!

Trade in the Lysol for Vinegar
Lysol might kill germs but it is also toxic to you as well! Vinegar does almost as good of a job (you loose about 1% germ killing power) and it’s completely safe.

Let Plants do the Dirty Work
Did you know that indoor air is worse than outdoor air? All the toxins are basically trapped inside your home. Add a plant and let it help clean your air!