A Guide To "Green" Cleaning

April is a month focused on being eco friendly! We’ve got National Environmental Week this week, Earth Day on the 22nd, and Arbor Day on the 29.  To help you get a bit more “green” during your spring clean, we’ve put together guide for cleaning without damaging the environment with harsh, toxic chemicals. As a bonus, many of these methods can also save you money!

Clearing out those closets, basements, attics, and dresser drawers is a great place to start your spring clean, but instead of trashing all of the things you don’t need; swap them! Swap.com is the largest online swap marketplace. Swapping will allow you to de-clutter your home with things you don’t need while getting some the things you do need!

Once you have cleared some space, you can start the down and dirty cleaning. Grab some white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, salt and some essential oils to add to your homemade natural cleaning products for a fresh scent. White vinegar kills mold, bacteria, and germs without any chemicals added! For a list of over 75 ways to clean with vinegar visit www.vinegartips.com.  Baking soda is not only good for deodorizing a room or fridge, but also can replace Drain-o by unclogging drains! (Instructions: http://www.cheaplikemeblog.com/cleaning/clear-a-slow-drain-naturally/)  Lemon Juice is fantastic for fighting countertop stains, whitening shoes, cleaning shower walls and doors, and removing rust from metals. Plus, it makes your home smell great! Salt is great for freshening sponges, cleaning your oven, washing greasy pans and so much more!

All of these natural cleaning products are safe and easy to use, plus cost efficient! Happy cleaning!

To learn more please visit:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2212471_clean-lemon-juice.html
http://www.householdcleaningtips.net/cleaning-with-salt/