It’s been a long, cold winter, but spring will eventually be here. You might be starting to think about doing a little freshening up, disinfecting and cleaning house….
But did you know that indoor air pollution in our homes can be as much as 100 times worse than outdoor air pollution? Most of that pollution comes from the “offgas” from cleaning supplies and air fresheners…so sometimes when we think we’re cleaning and disinfecting our homes, we’re actually loading the air with toxic chemicals!
Here are a few tips for a greener spring cleaning:
- Use natural fiber sponges or old t-shirt rags to do your cleaning instead of paper towels and other one-time use tools.
- Skip the chemical air fresheners, which can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Instead, try fresh or dry flowers, cedar blocks or an open box of baking soda to add natural fragrance to the room.
- Use vinegar. Nature’s cleaning miracle, vinegar can be used to clean just about anything. Use it straight to clean kitchen floors or wash windows, mix it with baking soda and essential oils to clean sinks, and even use it to remove stains in your carpet. Learn More.
- When you make the switch to natural cleaning products, be sure to safely dispose of any dangerous chemical products. Don’t pour them down the drain, into the ground, or into the trash. Drop them off at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Learn More.
- Open the windows. The best way to get dirty air moving out and fresh air moving in is to open the doors and windows and feel the breeze!
*source: Sierra Blogging Post.
For more local green tips sent to your inbox each week, sign up for ONE TIP TO KNOW.
This week’s tips made possible by our friends at Keloland Television.
Filed under: Cleaning, One Tip to Know
