You can’t always do a complete makeover on your cleaning cabinet to make it 100% eco-friendly, but there are some switches you can make to lessen your home’s impact on the environment.
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Vinegar
Mixing one part water with one part distilled white vinegar is a multipurpose cleaning solution. The dilution is important because straight vinegar can be corrosive and damage surfaces. This solution is great if you just want to give count tops a quick rub down after use, and with a soft cloth, it will leave a streak-free shine on your mirrors and windows.
If you use the solution on wood and furniture, it is important to wipe the area dry, as leaving it to sit may strip away sealant. It is also not recommended to use vinegar on metal or stone surfaces, as it may etch or pit them over time.
Vodka
As with vinegar, you should mix one part water with one part high-proof vodka. Not only can you use vodka as a glass and surface cleaner, but you can also mix in your favorite essential oil and use it as a fabric freshener as well. Many people even chose to replace their personal deodorant with this solution. It dries scentless, so you don’t have to worry about smelling like a bar after applying it.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This solution cleans through the power of oxidation and is the darling of services that specialize in eco-friendly home cleaning Denver. It is as versatile as vodka and vinegar, but should not be mixed with the latter as it can create highly-caustic peracetic acid.
When it comes to cleaning, medical-grade hydrogen peroxide is better than food-grade, as it is gentler. For maximum disinfection, it should be left to sit until it stops bubbling, possibly up to 30 minutes if you need a thoroughly disinfected surface. While it is biodegradable and far more environmentally friendly than bleach, you should still apply the same caution when using it.
Boiling Water
The most obvious way to use this to clean and disinfect is as a bath for glass or metal items. The items should be added to the pot before the water is heated. Boil for ten minutes and remove the pot from heat and allow to cool for another ten minutes before removing the items.
Another use is unclogging drains. First, drip a couple of drops of dish soap down the problem drain, and then slowly pour in boiling water. If the water is slow to drain, follow it up with another pot until the clog is dissolved.
Newspaper
It is very important to use black and white newspapers rather than papers printed in color, as the ink can run. With that said, using newspapers not only gives you a chance to recycle an item that might just get thrown in the garbage, but it also doesn’t leave lint behind on glass and other surfaces like conventional paper towels. Newspapers are both sturdy and absorbent, making it essential for dirtier tasks. Combined with reusable rags, they can eliminate your need for paper towels.
Not only are these solutions just as effective as the standard chemical cleaners and towels, they often cost less too.
