Every once in awhile, we all get the urge to clean. We may be expecting company, or trying to prevent unwanted visitors (insects). Here’s eight ways to go green while you clean.
1. Make Your Own Cleaners
Cleaning products get the job done, but at what cost? They’re typically responsible for around 10 percent of toxic exposures reported to poison control centers, and are difficult to properly dispose. You can most likely find non-toxic alternatives at your grocery store.
You can also make your own cleaning product from supplies you probably already have, such as vinegar and baking soda. These cleaners can be stored in plastic bottles you weren’t sure what to do with, so those are reused as well. Find a place to properly dispose of your existing household cleaners using Earth 911.
2. Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste
The aforementioned household cleaners fall into the general category of household hazardous waste (HHW). You may find the need to dispose of other HHW while you’re cleaning, such as bleach, varnish or rat poison. These products don’t belong in the trash can or down the drain; your community should have facilities or events to accept them. Find one in your area using Earth911.
3. Use Reusable Towels
You can purchase paper towels made of recycled content, but they become unrecyclable once you use them to clean the house. However, you can use and clean towels and sponges until they wear out. This creates less waste and saves you money on supplies.
4. Recycle Your Paper
Much of what you’ll end up “cleaning” in your home is a paper product of some sort. It could be old magazines or pieces of mail or random collateral you’ve picked up (brochures, programs, etc.). Set up a separate pile for paper recycling when you clean; don’t be surprised if this has more volume than your trash.
5. Open a Door/Window
Letting some fresh air run through rooms while you’re cleaning helps dilute some of the toxic material you’re working with. Instead of running a fan or vent that uses energy, open a door or window. It might get rid of some of that “clean house smell,” but your house will still look nice.
6. Embrace Energy-Free Cleaning Supplies
Remember the broom and the mop? These cleaning classics are still pretty effective for getting your rooms to sparkle, and you don’t need to plug them in or charge batteries.
7. Monitor Vacuum Use
Cordless vacuums can be your cleaning friend because of their mobility and use of rechargeable batteries. But instead of keeping the vacuum charged by having it always plugged into an outlet, plug it in an hour before you start cleaning. Otherwise, you’re using what’s known as “phantom power” to keep the vacuum charged while you’re not using it.
8. Investigate Wetcleaning
While you’re cleaning the closet, you may notice some clothes that are due for a trip to the dry cleaner. When you go, ask about wetcleaning, which is a process that uses less toxins and biodegradable soap. Many garments labeled “dry clean only” can be professionally wetcleaned.
This story is part of Earth 911’s “Green Eight” series, where we showcase eight ways to green your life in various areas. Click here to see Earth 911’s “Green Eight” archive.
Trey Granger is a staff member at Earth911.com
Comments
homemade house cleaners