Green

I've been thinking about going green for a while, but have been very uninformed about it. All I've noticed is that green products tend to be more expensive than regular cleaners. I was reading on WebMD.com today, one of my new favorite past times, and found this article about green cleaning products.

Did you know that combining chlorine bleach with toilet bowl cleaner can produce a poisonous gas? Since green cleaners are more expensive, the article provided some great insight in cleaning products that are safe and effective:

Some people may choose to make their own cleaning products. It's surprisingly easy, cheap, and for most ordinary household jobs, do-it-yourself cleaning products can be as effective as anything you'd buy at the store. It’s easy, inexpensive, and for most ordinary household jobs, do-it-yourself cleaning products can be as just as effective.

General Non-toxic Solutions:

• Use a reusable microfiber cloth to dust -- it picks up dust particles without needing any chemical help.
• White distilled vinegar can be used to clean windows; kill mold and mildew; get rid of soap scum; and sanitize kitchen counters and cutting boards.
• Use baking soda and a few drops of soap to scour kitchen counters and bathtubs. For tough stains, use borax.
• For fresh scents, use lemons or essential oils like lavender.

Try these recipes for homemade cleaners:

Household Cleaner	Instructions
All-Purpose Disinfecting Cleaner	2 cups water (preferably distilled water) 1 1/2 to 3 tsp. liquid castille soap 1 tsp. tea tree oil Mix ingredients above to store and keep. Add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to give it a pleasing scent.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner	1 cup borax Pour into toilet bowl before going to bed. In the morning, scrub and flush.
Rust Remover	1 lime Salt Sprinkle a little salt on the rust. Squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked. Let the mixture set for two to three hours. Use the leftover rind to scrub the residue.
Glass Cleaner	1/4 cup white distilled vinegar 1 quart warm water Mix ingredients above. Pour into a spray bottle or apply with a sponge. For lint-free results, wipe dry with crumpled newspaper instead of paper towels. Buff to a shine.