Most cleaning products available in the supermarket contain polluting substances and toxic ingredients. Although these products make domestic life easier, it had become a significant issue not only to health but to the environment as well.
In Calgary, one in five people suffers from allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma. Some chemicals that can be found in cleaning products can trigger allergies, asthmas, and other illnesses. That is why homeowners are advised to reduce using synthetic chemicals at home. Many household cleaners are found to be harming our water and air. Some chemicals contribute to smog and are toxic to animals.
The government advises manufacturers to list down all ingredients of their products on the packaging labels. This will help consumers to pick healthier options.
Eco-friendly cleaning has become a trend nowadays. It means using natural ingredients for cleaning, thus avoiding toxic ingredients. Going green is a healthy lifestyle choice that aims to protect human health and the environment. This is the reason why most homeowners prefer to use natural products for cleaning. They also hire home cleaning services such as house cleaning airdrie that specializes in using eco-friendly products for effective home cleaning.
Here are some of the favorite natural cleaning products that are used by many homeowners in Calgary.
- Distilled Vinegar – This is not only an affordable and versatile product, but it is also the most accessible cleaning product you can find. It’s the most loved product by green cleaning affectionate. Vinegar is very acidic, which can make it a powerful cleaner. However, it can be too strong for some type of cleaning, that is why you need to dilute it with water. You can also use milder vinegar like apple cider.
The acidity of the vinegar can treat icky buildups. It can also dissolve the glue left behind by stickers on your wall and remove the soap scum and brines caused by hard water. You can use it for cleaning windows and mirrors for extra clean shine.
Use a combination of water and vinegar and use a newspaper instead of paper towels. This is to avoid streaks.
Be careful though in using this ingredient as it can cause damage. Never use it on marble or granite surfaces as it can scratch it.
- Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) – if you taste it, you’ll find that it is a milder version of the salt you’re using. Baking soda’s pH is higher than neutral that is why it’s such a good cleaner. Using it with vinegar can do wonders in your kitchen. If you have a clogged drain, you just have to pour baking soda and vinegar down your drain to unclog it. When it comes to the filthy oven, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply the paste on all areas that need cleaning then spray some vinegar on top of it. This solution will cut through grease and will leave your oven gleaming.Baking soda can also act as an odor neutralizer. Air freshener and scented candles only mask bad odors in your home while baking soda absorbs smell that causing your area to stink. Most odors are acidic, and since basin soda is basic, it reacts with the acid in the air by neutralizing them. Most homeowners put boxes of baking soda inside their refrigerator to neutralize the smell.
- Hydrogen-peroxide – This compound is basically water with an extra oxygen atom. It is formed when the extra violet rays hit the oxygen in the presence of water. Hydrogen peroxide is also produced by animal and plant cells, thus making it safe for the environment. Although it is a strong disinfectant, it is a non-toxic substance and won’t cause pollution, won’t hurt the environment, and is safe for people.
To use it for cleaning, you can use the three percent undiluted and spray in on your countertops, sinks, doorknobs, and other hard surfaces. Note that it takes time for hydrogen peroxide to disinfect, so you have to let it sit for a few minutes before you wipe it off. Other surfaces that can be cleaned and disinfected by hydrogen peroxide are bathtubs, showers, toilets, cutting boards, appliances, and garbage pails.
You can also use hydrogen peroxide in your laundry. It will act as bleach that will remove stains and disinfect as well. Remember not to use it on colored fabric as it will leave bleach spots and will cause fading. It is best if you’ll test a swatch of the fabric with hydrogen peroxide before using it for your laundry.
- Olive oil – This is not only for healthy cooking. You’ll be surprised that you can use this product for cleaning purposes too. Olive oil is effective and safe to use in many home chores such as cleaning, maintaining, and repairing. It doesn’t contain harsh and toxic chemicals, so it’s very safe for people and the planet.
Use olive oil to polish your furniture to give it an extra shine. You can mix two parts of olive oil with 1 part lemon. Spray the solution or apply it using a cloth.
This will leave your furniture clean and shiny. You can also use olive oil to preserve some items in your kitchen. After washing your wooden cutting board with water and soap, let it dry. Once dry, wipe it with olive oil. You can also use it with your knives. After washing the knives, put a small amount of olive oil in a cloth and lightly oil the blades of the knives. This is the best way to preserve your favorite knives.
Cleaning, disinfecting, and getting rid of stain and grease don’t have to be expensive. And it doesn’t have to be a laborious process too. With a few items that are already available in your pantry and a bit of effort, you can clean just anything in your home. What good about it is you only get to spend a fraction of the cost of those household cleaners you find in the grocery store.
Using the above products for cleaning can save you money as well as keep you safe from health issues. Not only you can easily clean your materials, surfaces, and rooms in your home, you’ll also help protect the environment.
