Green Cleaning
I’ve been careful for years about the types of cleaning products I use. My care wasn’t prompted by concerns for the environment, but by the skin and breathing reactions I have to harsh cleaning products. Over the past few years I’ve used a series of “green” cleaning products that haven’t bothered either my skin or my lungs, and have done a relatively good job of cleaning.
Last weekend, I did my usual stock-up run at one of the major big box stores, and about went into shock at how much I had to spend on these “green” products. I went online and started doing some research, and discovered that lots of people are questioning just how “green” some of these products really are. Ugh!
So, while I have a full stock of expensive cleansers that at least don’t cause adverse health reactions, I’ve decided to wade into uncharted territory. I’m going to go back to cleaning basics. I’ve found some environmentally-friendly websites that recommend using vinegar and baking soda to clean all kinds of things. Of interest at the moment are the suggestions to combine baking soda and water to make a “soft scrub” paste to clean sinks, tubs, and showers, or to combine vinegar and water to mop the floor.
Have any of you tried these suggestions? Do you have other natural cleaning suggestions?
LinnieGayl
I suggest homemade recipes for cleansers that are 100% green and much healthier. Here are some, would love your feedback. http://waterprocessor.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/pantry-cleaners-recipes-for-homemade-cleaning-products-with-bauer-energy-design%c2%ae-processed-water/
Well I in oz, but we have several earth products, which are heaps cheaper than normal stuff, and are more green if not perfectly green.
But for a general cleaner, nothing beats white vinegar in this house. Though the smell can be a bit much if you forget and put too much in.
But hear your pain, I am asthmatic and allergic to soap, so used to have a booger of a time cleaning. But the vinegar kicks butt and there are a lot of other natural agents or products that are easy to make yourself if you google.
Thanks, Liz, I’ve heard of Shaklee products, and will have to check them out.
Jean, good to know the baking soda works!
Chez, thanks for the tips! I’m going to search for Shannon Lush on the web and check out her other tips.
I have just changed my way of cleaning to these types of products after watching a wonderful show called Lush House over here in Australia. The lady in the show Shannon Lush has written books about this issue and the show is wonderful. She recommends most things be cleaned with a combination of baking soda and vinegar (ovens, tiles, baths). She also recommends using old pantyhose as the cleaning cloth as they are strong and reusable.
Another of her favourites that I find invaluable is 1 teaspoon of lavender oil in 1 litre of water as a general house cleaner. Make this mixture in a spray bottle and you have a great smelling and surprising effective general purpose spray cleaner.
Perhaps you can search the web for more of her tips as they are really effective and cheap as chips.
Baking soda is definitely my cleaning agent of choice. The only down side is the residue it leaves, but that’s a minor thing. It’s also a good deodorant – if you leave an open box in the fridge it takes away odours. Lemon juice and vinegar are also good, and especially the latter. Really really hot water works marvels.
First, let me say that I distribute the product that I am going to share with you, but I also truly believe in the product.
Basic H2, is an organic & natural all-purpose cleaner that was developed by Shaklee over 50 years ago. One concentrated 12-ounce bottle makes over 200 bottles of all-purpose cleaner…that works !!! That equals about .08 cents a bottle and 200+ bottles that don’t go into the landfills.
There are literally thousands of testimonials that tell how well the product works, plus it’s 100% money-back guaranteed, if you don’t agree.
Those prices that I mentioned even beat the big box prices and even eliminate the landfill waste.
Just my thoughts, thanks for listening.
Lee, if I didn’t have the skin and breathing reactions, I’d probably just buy the cheapest cleaners I could find. Now I have to find jumbo sizes of baking soda and white vinegar to try these things out.
Well since I don’t drive I figure I’m contributing a LOT to the environment so I haven’t tried any of those green cleaners or even home made remedies. I’d definitely have to buy most of the ingredients and it’s just easier to use what I can buy at Costco for cheap, or at least lower priced than from the grocery store.