1. Fresh air is your friend
One of the easiest ways to promote a clean living space is to open the windows. Fresh air is a natural filter that can help prevent mold, stop pollen build up, and push out pet dander. This doesn’t require much effort and it helps your home stay clean. If it’s a hot summer day where air conditioning is a must, try to open the house for 30 minutes early in the morning or late evening. Doing so helps your home stay fresh. Plus, listening to the birds is a bonus!2. Baking soda is good for more than just baking
Perhaps you’ve heard about using baking soda as a cleaning agent, and we’re here to tell you that it lives up to the hype. From deodorizing a musty carpet to removing nasty oven build-up, baking soda is a powerful force. Simply mix it with water (or even vinegar) and you have a concoction that can remove excess gunk and kill germs at the same time.
3. Leverage the lemons
Another well-known natural cleaner can be found in your fruit bowl. Lemons have antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, making them a must have for your green cleaning regimen. Rub a slice of lemon on kitchen surfaces to remove germs. For a more powerful cleanse, add lemon peels to a bottle of vinegar, and let them soak for a few days. You’ll have a chemical-free solution that can kill some forms of bacteria. NOTE: This kind of natural cleaner is not effective against COVID-19 and other viruses.
4. Invest in microfiber cloths
Sometimes when it comes to cleaning, less is more. For certain everyday jobs, you don’t necessarily need a specified cleaning agent. In many cases, hot water and a good microfiber cloth will do the trick. From wiping down the table after meals to cleaning kitchen surfaces at the end of the day, water and a cloth go a long way. There are many eco-friendly cloths made from recycled materials that are worth the investment.
5. The power of plants
Another cleaner that requires very little effort is a houseplant. In addition to providing natural beauty, plants have been found to improve homeowners’ moods, and certain plants also improve indoor air quality. Here are several healthful ones to cultivate: English Ivy, Bamboo Palm, Peace Lily, Chrysanthemum, Dracaena, Gerbera Daisy, Lemon Button Fern, and many others. If you are curious about which indoor plants would be best for your space, talk to an expert at your local gardening center.
6. White Vinegar is a must-have
White vinegar is a versatile, highly effective cleaning agent. When diluted with water (typically a 50/50 ratio is sufficient), it can remove stubborn stains and bring a sparkle to dirty windows. Further, white vinegar has antibacterial properties that can kill some germs without the use of chemicals.
7. Buy green-cleaning products (but do so thoughtfully)
Green-cleaning products are a dime-a-dozen nowadays, and naturally, some are better than others. Do your research (see this guide) and check what’s actually in the product before you purchase. Unfortunately, some companies market their products as “green” without doing much to ensure that harmful chemicals are removed. That said, there are many out there that are good and reputable. Depending on what type of product you’re looking for, there’s likely an eco-friendly solution that will meet your needs.
Originally published by MNR News on 06-07-2022
