Living Space: 7 simple ways to go green with your cleaning routine
As “green” cleaning becomes increasingly popular, more and more eco-friendly products are lining the shelves at retailers. Not only are they better for the environment, but cleaning products sans harsh chemicals and fragrances are also safer to use around children and pets, as well as anyone in your household with sensitive skin (or a sensitive sniffer).
“We know products designed from renewable plant-based ingredients are a sustainable, healthy solution for not only consumers’ homes, but for the community and environment outside of it,” says Brandi Thomas, spokesperson for the eco-friendly brand Seventh Generation. Plus, swapping single-use products and disposable packaging for reusable alternatives can cut down on your household waste and cost less money in the long run.
If you’re ready to dip into the green cleaning movement, try incorporating one or two of these sustainable swaps into your rotation. As you add more eco-friendly habits into your cleaning routine, notice the difference in your household waste, indoor air quality and overall health of your home. Start with these simple strategies to see how easy it can be to go green with your cleaning routine.
1. Swap plastic bottles for glass.
Break the cycle of continuously buying plastic bottles by choosing cleaners packaged in reusable containers. You can now find all sorts of cleaning products in glass spray bottles, many of which come with a silicone cover to prevent any slips or tumbles. Not only does this reduce plastic usage and your household’s carbon footprint, but it can also cost less over time. Because you only have to pay for the glass container once, any subsequent refills are typically less expensive.
2. Opt for reusable cleaning cloths.
Toss your cleaning cloths into the washing machine rather than the garbage can. Consider using reusable cloth rags to wipe down surfaces in place of paper towels or single-use cleaning wipes. Microfiber cloths work especially well for polishing surfaces and trapping dirt or dust. Plus, they dry quickly, too. After wiping down your surfaces, simply throw the cloth into the washing machine so you can reuse it again and again.
3. Try homemade cleaning solutions.
Leave harsh cleaners behind in favor of solutions you can make at home. For many cleaning jobs, you can use ingredients that are already in your fridge or pantry, such as baking soda, white vinegar, salt and lemons. For example, try spraying your showerhead periodically with a solution of one part distilled white vinegar and one part water. This homemade cleaning solution can help dissolve limescale-deposit buildup and restore shine to your showerhead.
4. Switch to eco-friendly laundry detergent.
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