One of the best ways to deter pests from thriving in your home is with a regular cleaning routine. However, if you are environmentally conscious, cleaning can feel practically toxic. So many modern cleaning supplies contain chemicals that are harmful to the ozone and the eco system.
At ABC Home & Commercial Services, we believe in reducing our impact on the environment whenever possible. We’ve done our research and rounded up some green cleaning solutions you can use to keep your home fresh without harming the earth. Here are our five green cleaning ideas:
1. Remove Stains and Odors with Lemon
Ever noticed how often cleaning chemicals are lemon scented? We have a tendency to associate lemons with cleanliness, but not everyone realizes this is founded in the fruit’s natural properties. Lemon juice is very acidic, so it works to deodorize and remove stains from surfaces naturally. Try mixing lemon with baking soda to clean off kitchen items like metal pots and pans or plastic containers.
2. Scrub Away Grime with Baking Soda
Baking soda mixed with other natural ingredients like water or vinegar works wonderfully as an abrasive. You can use it to tackle touch stains and rust, or even to clean your stove and oven. Add backing soda to your next load of laundry in the washing machine, and it will soften fabrics and deodorize clothes.
3. Eliminate Bacteria with Vinegar
Vinegar is lightly acidic, which makes it safe for surfaces but also powerful at cutting through bacteria. Dilute it with water to use it as a stain remover for carpet or fabric, or leave a few cups in the empty dishwasher for a cycle to remove bacteria. Spray a mixture of vinegar and water onto windows and mirrors and gently scrub away stains and dirt with a cloth.
4. Polish Furniture with Olive Oil
Furniture polish has a distinct strong smell for a reason: it is full of hazardous chemicals. To keep your furniture gleaming without exposing yourself to poison, try mixing two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice instead.
5. Polish Metal with Flour Mixture
If you have special antique metal pieces that are starting to tarnish with time, you don’t have to resort to using harsh chemicals. Try this green cleaning idea: mix salt, vinegar, and flour in equal parts, then cover brass or copper items with the paste. After the mixture has dried, rub it away with a soft cloth.
Have you tried these green cleaning ideas?
We hope these five environmentally-friendly green cleaning ideas will help you avoid using chemicals that are harmful to the earth’s ecosystems and to your own health. Have you tried these at home? Have other green cleaning solutions we left out of the list? Leave comments below with your own green cleaning experiences!
If you need any pest control services for your squeaky-clean home, ABC is here to help give us a call or visit our website today.
For pest infestations in your home, count on ABC Home & Commercial Services. We have your summer pest solutions.
