If you want to clean up the messes in your home in the eco-friendliest way possible, there are several cleaning methods that you can use that won’t harm the environment. In addition to eliminating your mess, you’ll be doing good for the planet and possibly reduce your carbon footprint when you try any of these green cleaning methods.
Make Your Own Natural Cleaning Products
Certain cleaning products found in stores contain harsh ingredients that can be harmful to the ecosystem. You can do some good for the planet by making your own cleaning products using items like baking soda and vinegar. It’s easy to mix baking soda or vinegar with water and apply the solution to dirty surfaces to get rid of dirt and germs.
Avoid Commercial Air Fresheners
Some store-bought air fresheners contain chemicals like phthalates that not only harm the environment, they could be hazardous to your health. If you want to make your home’s interior smell better, you can try making your own potpourri using cinnamon, orange peels and apple slices. Simply frying some cinnamon in a pan and letting it sit for a while can also eliminate certain odors and give your interior a more pleasant aroma. Another way to freshen the air in your home is by simply opening a window on a nice day.
Pick Up All Yard Waste
Sometimes, getting your property clean the green way is as simple as picking up waste that has accumulated in your yard. Be sure to check in trees, bushes and other areas where trash and other waste may be hiding so that you can eliminate every trace. If you have a lot of waste, you can always rent a dumpster from Eagle Dumpster Rental and have the dumpster hauled away once it’s full.
Dispose of Toxic Chemicals Responsibly
Pouring toxins down drains can be harmful to the water and soil in your area and may even damage your pipes. There may be services in your area that can recycle or safely dispose of oil and other potentially harmful chemicals.
Use Environmentally Friendly Dish Soap
Even your dishes can be cleaned in an eco-friendlier way by using the right kind of dish soap. The best green dish soaps on the market are made with aloe and herbal extracts and are free of phosphates, nitrates and chlorine. Certain brands even feature biodegradable packaging that isn’t made from hazardous materials.
Switch to Cellulose Sponges
The sponges that you commonly use to clean surfaces in your kitchen, bathroom and other areas of your home are likely made out of plastic or polyester, and these materials generally take longer to break down in landfills. A great way to do better for the planet is to switch to using sponges that are made out of cellulose, which is a more absorbent material that breaks down much quicker. You can find cellulose sponges in many natural food stores.
Making your home a greener setting can be achieved by using cleaning products and other methods that are good for the environment. Some of the best methods utilize natural resources and are able to effectively sanitize your living space.