Green Cleaning Tips

Green Cleaning Products

Is your under-sink cabinet cluttered with dozens of conventional household cleaners?

Sure, they may blast through grease and add a lovely shine to your windows, but take a peek at the labels of these common products. Most are made from hazardous chemicals that may be fatal if swallowed. Scary, huh?

Is there another way, you ask? Of course. Natural, “green” cleaning products offer a safe, effective and environmentally friendly way to make your house sparkle from top-to-bottom.

Here are some quick green cleaning tips to get you started:

•Window cleaner: Instead of suspiciously sweet-smelling toxic blue liquid, try washing your windows with white vinegar. Add ¼ cup to 2-3 cups of water.

•Furniture polish: It may smell like fresh lemons, but you can bet your bottom dollar that there are no lemons involved in the processing of furniture polish. For a natural, non-toxic alternative that cleans, shines and protects, mix 1 cup of olive oil with ½ cup of (real) lemon juice.

•Laundry soap: Forget phosphates and petroleum byproducts. Make your own non-irritating laundry detergent with 1 cup of borax, 1 cup of washing soda and 1 bar of grated soap. Just 1 tablespoon per load is all you’ll need to keep your clothes clean and fresh!