Natural Cleaners for Green Cleaning

While planning for cleaning projects, keep in mind there are a lot of alternatives to commercial cleaning solutions. A less toxic, more environmentally friendly cleaning experience is possible with the right products. Substituting certain kinds of commercial cleaning solutions with more natural, environmentally responsible alternatives can reduce pollution, environmental degradation, lessen health risks at home, and save you money. The best part is that you likely have a lot of the necessary green cleaning ingredients around the house already. Here is a look at some of the most effective green cleaning solutions for cleaning the entire house.

General Cleaners

All purpose cleaning solutions are easier to make than you may think. White vinegar, baking soda, and water mixed together make an effective general cleaner. For proportions, you will want to use about a half gallon of water and mix ½ cup vinegar and ¼ cup baking soda and stir well. You can increase this as desired and store for continued use around the house.

Drain Cleaners

Commercial drain cleaners are among the worst substances for the environment, personal safety, and your pipes. These products contain highly toxic, caustic chemicals that can corrode pipes over time, pose a health risk if contacted with skin or ingested, are harmful to the environment upon disposal. For an alternative to commercial drain cleaners, look no further than simple baking soda, vinegar, salt, and water. The exact mixture will have to be adjusted depending on the nature of the drain clog and can range from a heated salt and water mixture to a half and half baking soda and vinegar mixture. This chemical reaction will break down clogs so when you finally flush it with boiling water, the drain should clear easily.

Carpet Stain Cleaner

Carpet stains can be a pain to remove and most commercial carpet cleaners rely on this difficulty and inconvenience to sell caustic chemical cleaning solutions. You can, however, easily concoct a natural carpet cleaning solution from common household items. White vinegar and water applied to the stain and scrubbed with a good brush with some mild soap can effectively remove most moderate stains. For heavier stains and grease spots, you may need to alter the mixture slightly. Combine vinegar, salt, and borax–a similar substance to baking soda–and apply to the stain. Let this mixture set into the carpet for a few hours and then vacuum it up. For grease, apply some corn starch to the spot, wait 30 min or so, and vacuum. If none of the above suggestions work, be sure to check out our carpet cleaning services!

Glass Cleaner

Windows and glass are one the the most common parts of the house that require regular cleaning. Fortunately, you don’t need to rush to the store for commercial glass cleaner when you need to give your windows a scrub. Combine 2 teaspoons white vinegar with a liter of warm water. Spray the solution on the glass and wipe clean with some newspaper. Make sure not to use too much vinegar so as not to cloud the glass. Also, try and clean the glass in the shade to prevent streaking. With this simple solution, you can save a good amount of money on commercial cleaners.