Spring is – finally! – coming.
After a long, hard winter, spring cleaning actually sounds good. So now is a good moment to examine what’s in your cleaning bucket! Cleaning products are a surprising contributor to poor indoor air quality. This is especially true in the winter season when we have much less fresh air – or in an office with a closed environment.
Many commonly used products contain various toxic chemicals, which can have high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Commonly, we think of paint as a source of VOCs, but they are in many products we encounter daily. So what can you do? It’s easier than you think…
First of all, pay attention to what’s on the labels!
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Avoid these: chlorine, alchohols, triclosan, triclocarbon, lye, glycol ethers, or ammonia.
Look for these: petroleum-free, biodegradable, 90% biodegradable in 3 days, phosphate-free, VOC-free, solvent-free.
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You can make your own cleaning products, which is pretty easy and also inexpensive. Here are some basics to get you started:
All-Purpose Cleaner #1: In a spray bottle, mix 80 – 90% water with 10 – 20% of a good quality liquid soap like Dr. Bronner’s or Mrs. Meyer’s. You can use this on countertops and tile, as well as bathroom fixtures and tile floors.
All-Purpose Cleaner #2: In a spray bottle, mix 30% plain vinegar and 70% water with 4 -6 drops of any essential oil you like. This works well for wood floors and painted woodwork.
All-Purpose Cleaner #3: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
For something little stronger: Mix 2 cups water, 1 cup hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup lemon juice. Hydrogen peroxide has stronger cleaning capabilities than vinegar and works much like bleach. You can add about half a cup of this mix into laundry water to whiten clothes. The acidic lemon juice helps break down grime and add a fresh citrus scent.
For more recipes, check out Apartment Therapy and Eartheasy. Both have pretty comprehensive lists of recipes.
If you would rather have the convenience of ready-made, there are many reputable companies which make effective green cleaning products*: Seventh Generation, Ecover, Mrs Meyers, Dapple Baby and Ecos just to name a few…
Happy spring cleaning!
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