Many homes and offices are doing their best to be green. They work hard to ensure their carbon footprint is as low as they can make it. Family members or staff are often taught about sustainability. The concept is a good one. Every little bit counts when it comes to saving the Earth.
The question you should ask is if this awareness extends to the cleaning products you use. You can’t say you’re doing green house cleaning when there are toxic ingredients in your cleaners.
Understanding Green Cleaning
The meaning of green cleaning is hard to pin down. Some people use the term to show they only use natural substances like cleaning products. Others use the term to refer to a cleaning style that won’t add waste to landfills. There are households that consider using manufactured green products as green cleaning. Many cleaning companies like Helping Hands Cleaning Services are using green products in their cleaning regime.
The goal of green cleaning remains the same regardless of the category you fall into. It is using methods and cleaning solutions that are free of toxins. The detergents or cleaning mix used are either organic or will not harm the environment.
Importance of Green House Cleaning
Most consumers don’t think about the harmful side effects of the cleaning materials they buy. It’s vital that people are now educated about the importance of green cleaning. This movement has already made positive changes. Many toxic cleaning products are now pulled out of store shelves. This is thanks to green cleaning proponents. People should also be aware of the following:
- Green cleaners protect people and animals. Many commercial cleaning products contain irritants. You can pinpoint these products by the labels warning you to avoid inhaling its fumes. Some will also tell you to wear gloves. These cleaners can cause breathing problems and other issues. You don’t want these products in your home where your children and pets can become exposed. Green products are safer. They only use natural or organic ingredients.
- It’s good for the environment. The cleaning products we use will find their way down the drain into our water supplies. Some will end up on the ground. The negative effect will be far-reaching. Natural cleaners are better. They reduce the number of toxins in the environment. It also keeps your living space safe and clean.
- They’re cost-effective. Detergents and other cleaning solutions can be expensive. But natural home cleaning products are very affordable. Most green cleaners are often made using ingredients that are easy to find and cheap. It’s safe to say that you probably have some of the needed ingredients in your home now.
Are Your Cleaners Green?
Many manufactured cleaning products are now touted to be green. They’ve met the standards set either by the government or a regulating agency. Some of these products are also certified to be fair trade items. This means they follow labor regulations.
But how can you tell if your house cleaning products are safe for the environment? Your best bet is to look at the labels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires labels on products that meet their standards. These items will have the Design for the Environment (DfE) mark. Others will become labeled as “No VOC” or “Low VOC.” The former means the product has no volatile organic compounds. The latter means its volatile compound concentration is very low.
You can also check out the EPA database of acceptable cleaning products. It’s also a good idea for you to educate yourself. The American Cleaning Institute has material about prevalent chemicals in cleaning agents.
4 Easy to Make Cleaning Solutions
Simple Kitchen Deodorizer and Cleaner
Baking soda is the people’s champion when it comes to all-natural cleaners. This simple recipe needs four tablespoons of baking soda and a quart of warm water. It’s great for stainless steel appliances and fixtures.
- Mix together the water and baking soda until you create a paste.
- Dab some of the paste on a clean but damp cloth.
- Apply it on the surface. Rub in the direction of the surface’s grain.
- Rinse and buff until the surface shines.
DIY Glass Cleaner
You don’t have to buy expensive spray glass cleaners. This is one glass cleaning solution you can do at home. You will need 2 cups of water and half a cup of cider vinegar. You can also use white vinegar. It also needs ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol. Pick one with a 70% concentration. You also need a drop or two of your favorite essential oil. This is optional and only for added scent.
- Combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in a spray bottle.
- Spray on glass windows or surfaces. Wipe dry.
Scrub for Stains
You can also get rid of rust stains using half a lemon and some borax powder. Cut the lemon in half and dip it into the borax. Scrub on the enamel or porcelain surface. Rinse well.
Heavy Duty Grease Cleaner
No one likes a greasy kitchen. It’s unsanitary and unsafe. It can lead to a fire in the home or create slippery surfaces. Cleaning grease is easy. All you’ll need ½ cup sudsy ammonia and a gallon of water.
- Mix the two ingredients together.
- Dip a sponge in the solution.
- Wipe over the greasy surface. Rinse with clean water.
You can use this solution to clean the oven hood and grill grates.
Choose a Cleaner and Safer World
Are you serious about helping the environment? Helping Hands Cleaning Services is right there with you. We are one of the most reliable brands in the cleaning industry. We boast of hardworking and skilled cleaners. Our team is well trained and will always follow standard health protocols. We offer home and office cleaning. We offer move-in move-out cleaning and Covid 19 coronavirus sanitizing. You can reach us at (630) 530-1324 or at info@Hhcleans.com.