After cleaning the entire house, there's nothing quite like satisfaction. It's rewarding to put your feet up and admire the sparkling clean countertops, spotless floors, empty laundry baskets, and transparent windows that let the sunlight in. However, everyday household products such as laundry detergent and glass cleaners can introduce harmful chemicals into our living spaces.
These chemicals can negatively impact our health by overloading our livers, disrupting our hormones, and increasing the risk of chronic lung disease and cancer. A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed that 21 commonly used cleaning products collectively emitted over 450 chemicals, some of which have been associated with asthma, reproductive harm, and cancer. These chemicals affect our health, contribute to environmental pollution, and harm wildlife.
It's challenging because cleaning product manufacturers are not required to disclose their ingredients. As a result, we often need to find out which chemicals are in the products we use at home. While some companies provide ingredient information, only a tiny percentage offer complete details. Instead, they may use vague terms like "fragrance" or "surfactant" that could represent multiple toxic chemicals.
This article delves deeper into the substitutes and options for green cleaning in your home.
Freshen the Air Naturally.
To improve the air quality in your home, you can start by opening a window or using a fan to help circulate the air. If you want to add a pleasant scent, you can simmer cinnamon, cloves, or other potent spices on your stove. Another option is to create your air freshener by purchasing a natural essential oil in scents like orange, lavender, pine, or peppermint. Add 8-10 drops of the essential oil to a spray bottle with 1 cup of water and spritz it around your house as needed.
Please remember that essential oils can be toxic to animals, so keep them away from your pets.
Choose “Green” Cleaning Supplies.
Creating your cleaning supplies is more straightforward and cost-effective than you imagine. For example, you can make a gentle household cleaner by combining ½ cup of vinegar, ¼ cup of baking soda, and ½ gallon of hot water in a spray bottle. To clean your hardwood floors, add 1 cup of vinegar to a pail of water, then mix, spray, and mop.
When shopping, seek out cleaning products with a blue and green label that says "Safer Choice." According to Brann, "Safer Choice is a voluntary EPA program that certifies cleaning products are made with safer ingredients, use more sustainable packaging, and work as well as comparable products."
To ensure a product does not contain harmful scents, look for a "Fragrance-Free Safer Choice" label.
Must-Have Tools for Clear Drains
Chemical drain cleaners are incredibly harsh and hazardous cleaning products. They contaminate your home and harm water bodies and the environment. Although you might be familiar with the DIY method using baking soda and vinegar, you may want to avoid conducting a science experiment in your bathtub. Moreover, this method needs to deliver the desired results consistently. Thankfully, several safe tools are available that can help you maintain clear drains and unclog them without using any chemicals or experiencing frustration.
Invest in Reusable Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls speed up drying time and save energy! These gentle, tennis ball-sized wool spheres, typically used in sets of 3 to 4, enhance airflow between garments and linens, reducing drying time. Additionally, they minimise static, making them a sustainable alternative to disposable dryer sheets.
Resources:
Here are additional resources to help you expand your janitorial knowledge and stay updated on new trends in facility maintenance.
Distinct Cleaning News and Media Post: Easy to read blog articles on various topics and trends in the commercial janitorial space.
Request An In-Person Appointment Use this link to request an appointment with a representative from our sales team to discuss your facility’s cleaning needs.
Janitorial Coaching Hub: The goal of the Janitorial Coaching Hub is to help cleaning business owners build, grow, and establish their cleaning companies by providing them with the tools to be successful. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to receive this valuable information in real-time.
