What is Green Cleaning
Green cleaning is all about using products and processes that are harmless to the environment and humans. It includes selecting safe cleaning agents for people, animals and the environment whenever possible. Specifically, green cleaning is the practice of minimizing the impact of cleaning on the environment.
What is Eco-Friendly Cleaning
As the name suggests, eco-friendly cleaning is the process of cleaning that is environmentally friendly. This mainly includes the use of organic products. They do not pollute the air, water and soil with damaging chemicals. Eco-friendly cleaning may also be termed as green cleaning or environmentally friendly cleaning.
The Need For Green Cleaning
There are several reasons why households and businesses should adopt green cleaning practices. These include:
1. To Protect Health:
Most traditional cleaning products contain toxic substances like ammonia, bleach and volatile organic compounds. These chemicals can cause skin, eye and lung irritation and some may have potential chronic health effects. Green cleaning products do not contain such substances.
2. To Prevent Pollution:
Corrosive substances wash down the drain, reaching water sources and making them dirty. They are also discharged into the atmosphere during cleaning, impacting indoor air quality. Organic cleaning agents degrade naturally without polluting the environment in any way.
3. To Avoid Waste:
Many cleaning products bought in shops are packaged in single-use plastics such as bottles and containers. It should be noted that all this plastic eventually finds its way into landfills. Another benefit of green cleaners is that they may come in reusable containers or concentrated forms in jugs, reducing plastic waste.
4. To Save Money:
Most of these ingredients, such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice and castile soap, can be purchased and used to produce green cleaners at home. This is cheaper than using commercial cleaners and also saves the cost of repeatedly purchasing new bottles and containers.
How to Adopt Green Cleaning at Home
Switching to green cleaning is simple, inexpensive and healthy. You can start out with these simple tips:
1. For Kitchen Cleaning
- Baking soda and vinegar can be used instead of chemical solutions to clear blocked drains and the drains should be rinsed with hot water.
- Wipe counters with an all-purpose, non-damaging cleaner or use a paste of baking soda and warm water. Next, use water to clean the counters and remove the paste.
- Clean trays and stained dishes using a mixture of baking soda and dish soap.
- Combine vinegar, water and a few drops of soap solution to clean appliances and surfaces.
2. For Bathroom Cleaning
- To clean the toilet bowl, add baking soda and a dash of vinegar. Allow the mixture to bubble for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with water.
- Clean bathroom tiles, floors and walls with a diluted soap solution prepared by mixing soap with water and wiping it down with a cleaning brush.
- Clean the mirrors with diluted apple cider vinegar, eliminating bacteria and water stains.
3. For Floor Cleaning
- Mop with vinegar and water to clean wood, tile and linoleum floors. Use baking soda paste to remove scuffs and marks.
- Carpets should be swept before vacuuming so that you get rid of loose dirt. Sprinkle baking soda and then vacuum the carpet for a fresh smell.
- Dilute some drops of oregano or lavender oil in warm water and mildly wash the floors. This kills all germs and bacteria and also gives the room a light, fresh scent.
4. For Laundry
- Employ hypoallergenic plant-based laundry detergents that do not contain dyes, fragrances or brighteners that may cause skin irritation.
- Pour one cup of baking soda and the laundry detergent to enhance the cleaning power and eliminate odors from your clothes.
- White vinegar used in the rinse cycle softens the fabric and prevents the formation of lint on the washed clothes.
5. Some Additional Uses
- Most dust and dirt can be picked up with microfiber cloths without using liquids like water or ammonia. To clean the surfaces, only a wipe with water is required.
- Open the window as often as possible so that fresh air from outside can circulate in the house. This reduces indoor air pollutants and dust within the building.
- Paper towels should be avoided. Instead, purchase rags, sponges and mops that can be washed for cleaning purposes.
It only takes a small change to follow a green cleaning routine that has a positive effect on health and the environment. Understanding what is green cleaning and what is eco-friendly cleaning can help. The concept here is using natural products that have no adverse effects on the environment to clean the home.