Green cleaning for better air quality

I had received a number of comments about the green cleaning options and better ways to clean. So here is the next part in the green home cleaning section.

To start of, do not throw out all your old products and start with a clean slate. Pouring toxins down the drain or disposing them into the garbage will not help. Instead, finish the old products and replace them with good ones as you go along.

For your cleaning rags, consider upgrading to a Microfiber Cloth. They will completely remove dust and, when used alone or with just a little water, will not leave a chemical film or streaks. Polish and clean the surface in one action and pick up over 97% of the dust and other materials containing microbes, pollen and mold. Microfiber cloths can easily be washed and reused hundreds of time.

When choosing cleaners, you are looking for the following attributes: Non-toxic, phosphate free, free of dyes, chlorine or hypochlorite, bio degradable and has natural fragrances. Look for bulk packaging and packaging that is recycled.

To make your own cleaners, here are a few simple suggestions:

All purpose cleaner:

• ½ teaspoon sodium carbonate (soda ash)
• Dab of liquid soap (like sal suds)
• 2 cups of water
• Combine in spray bottle, shake until powder is dissolved.

Glass cleaner:

• 1 gallon of water
• ½ cup of white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon liquid dish detergent

Furniture polish:

• 1 cup vegetable or olive oil
• ½ cup lemon juice
• Mix in bottle, shake well and apply small amount to cloth

Drain cleaner:

Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow with ½ cup of vinegar. Let sit for 15 minutes (covered). Flush with boiling water.