Going Green Cheap – Cleaning Around the House and Outside

Rising awareness of global warming has more people thinking about ways to go green. And simple changes in our everyday routine can help make a difference. Companies are starting to provide products that are more environmentally conscious, but they are often more expensive, and sometimes hard to find. But you don’t have to add more expense to an already strained budget. There are some products available in stores that can help you go green, and save money at the same time. Let’s look at cleaning around the house and outside.

Lemon Juice – Make your own furniture polish by combining Ã?½ teaspoon olive oil and Ã?¼ cup fresh lemon juice in a squeeze bottle. Shake well and squeeze a little onto a cloth and apply to wood surfaces. Cut grease and soil on windows using a solution of 4 tablespoons of lemon juice to 1 gallon of water.

Baking soda – Pouring about a cup of baking soda down any drain or toilet is good for freshening and avoiding clogged drains. Rinse through with water afterwards. Hairbrushes and combs can be cleaned by placing them in a solution of 3 tablespoons baking soda in a sink full of water. To remove stubborn stains from most surfaces, make a paste from 3 parts baking soda to one part water and apply. Let it sit a few minutes, and then wipe clean. Replace powder carpet deodorizers with baking soda by sprinkling on your carpet, waiting for 10-15 minutes, and then vacuuming as usual. Clean children’s toys by using Ã?¼ cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Either soak the items or wipe with a cloth, then rinse. The same solution can also be used to clean lawn furniture and children’s pools. Oily stains on the deck wood can be absorbed by sprinkling with baking soda and letting it sit for 1 hour, repeating if necessary. For light oil spills in the garage mix equal parts baking soda and cornmeal and sprinkle on the stain, let dry, and then sweep or vacuum. For tougher spots, sprinkle baking soda, let stand, and then scrub with a wet brush. Clean your window and door screens by scrubbing them with a damp wire brush dipped in baking soda, then rinsing off.

Vinegar – White distilled vinegar can be used to remove stickers on furniture and other surfaces by applying to the surface, waiting at least 10 minutes, then rubbing off. Help get rid of carpet stains by spraying with a mixture of half vinegar, half water. Let stand for about 2 minutes, and then blot. Repeat if necessary. Soak shower heads in vinegar overnight to remove corrosion or chemical build-up. You can also spray it in places where mildew is likely to help with prevention. If mildew is already a problem, use a paste of equal parts salt and vinegar to scrub on the affected areas. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar to make a streak-free window cleaner, especially if used with newspapers.

Eco-friendly cleaning doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Chances are you already have these products in your home for other uses. And every little change you make can end up making a difference.