ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CLEANING
If you are reading this you are probably thinking about moving or are in the process of packing of your cardboard boxes or have just finished moving. No matter what phase of the process you are in, you now know that moving and cleaning go together and in that spirit we offer you some earth-friendly tips for your next seasonal cleaning or simple day to day maintenance.
Seasonal cleanings are supposed to brighten up the house and make things cleaner but the irony is that often times the cleaning process actually inadvertently pollutes the air and water with noxious chemicals. Consider these ideas:
• Avoid phosphate based cleaners. They do biodegrade quickly but when they break down and enter our rivers and lakes, they cause massive algae blooms, which takes away the water’s oxygen and blocks sunlight from reaching deeper into the lake, killing marine life and also making the water less enjoyable for humans. If you ever see a sudden increase in algae in a local lake, now you know why.
• Use as little bleach as possible or none at all. Also avoid ammonia, the other most common chemical used in household cleaning. Just so you know, combining bleach and ammonia causes a severely toxic gas reaction, and this seems appropriate because both of these common household cleaning products give off noxious fumes.
Most bleach is chlorine derived, which ends up forming toxic compounds in the sewer systems. Non-chlorine bleaches are gentler on the environment but require hot water to be effective.
Also, we all know bleach has a potent, pungent odor. You probably want your new home to smell fresh and inviting.
• Use concentrates that can be refilled simply by adding water, this will save plastic and storage space.
• Vague claims like "biodegradable" or "nontoxic" are not legally defined. Seek to substantiate a company’s environmental claims.
• If you are unsure about a product, do an internet search or check with the local Poison Control Center to learn more about the chemical’s potential hazards.
The Five Great Green Products
Some simple and environmentally friendly cleaning compounds have been around for over a century. Your grandparents probably used them before there ever was such a thing as Clorox or Ajax.
Armed with the following five products you will probably have success cleaning just about anything. Be sure to stock your new home up with these serious items.
1. Baking Soda. Plain and simple and highly economical baking soda was introduced into the market in 1846. It is a mild abrasive famous for absorbing bad odors and getting out stains. It also can remove all those scuff marks you have created in the moving process. It can clean off building on your hairbrush, unclog drains and much, much more.
2. Bon Ami Polish Cleanser. This product has been around since 1887. It is also a mild abrasive and contains no phosphates, dyes or fragrances. It is an excellent polisher of potential housewarming presents such as stainless steel cookware. It also works on glass-top ranges, marble, fiberglass and porcelain, butcher-block tops, woks, food processors, shoes, luggage, boats, cars and swimming pools.
3. Fels Naptha. Who knew a bar of soap invented in 1894 could help with your insect problems and poison ivy. Wash the affected portion of your skin with it immediately after contact with the weed and you will be in good shape. It has also been used as an insect repellant in gardens. Shred and sprinkle it around plants.
4. Dr.Bronner's Pure Castile Soap. This biodegradable and extremely versatile soap lists 18 possible uses. Bronner invented the product in 1935 to relieve the odor from baby diapers. Its other uses include shave and shampooing, treating athletes and purifying water.
5. 20 Mule Team Borax. This disinfectant, sold since 1890, is known as a very effective mold killer and as generally being an inexpensive option for household cleaning.
Some uses for the strange named cleaner are toilet cleaning, steel polishing, fabric whitening and softening and stain removing; especially for blood, chocolate and grease.
You can also kill fleas with it; sprinkle it on your carpet and then vacuum it up.
Other Products
There are many natural cleaning products now on the market. For every task there is a green alternative. One of the big names in the industry is Sun and Clean. They, and others, offer vegetable and fruit based window cleaners, laundry detergents and drain cleaners. Check it out!
top
of page
All wording, html coding, text, phrases, type, designs and information are Copyright © DirectMovingBoxes.com NO Copying Allowed. If you find this information useful, Link to direct moving boxes
Direct
Moving Boxes is your source for guiding you with helpful
packing tips. Easy to understand information on packaging
supplies, moving boxes and tips all can be found on DirectMovingBoxes.com.
|
