Marks Chmidt Remodeling

Maintaining a clean home doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health or the environment. Ditch the harsh chemicals and embrace the power of nature with these effective and eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

Benefits of Green Cleaning:

• Safer for your family: Natural ingredients are gentler on skin and lungs, reducing the risk of irritation and allergies.
• Better for the environment: Biodegradable ingredients won’t harm waterways or pollute the air.
• Cost-effective: Many natural cleaning solutions use common household items, saving you money on commercial products.

Essential Cleaning Powerhouse Ingredients:

• Vinegar: A natural disinfectant and deodorizer, perfect for tackling grease, grime, and mineral deposits.
• Baking soda: A mild abrasive that helps scrub away dirt and stains, also neutralizes odors.
• Lemon juice: A natural bleaching agent and disinfectant, effective for removing grease and stains.
• Castile soap: A plant-based soap that’s gentle yet effective for various cleaning tasks.
• Essential oils: While not essential for cleaning, they can add a pleasant scent and potentially offer additional cleaning properties.

DIY Cleaning Recipes:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
• Add 5-10 drops of essential oil (optional) for a pleasant scent (e.g., lavender, lemon).
• Shake well before using.
• Use on: countertops, cabinets, appliances, floors (except wood).

2. Scouring Paste:

• Combine 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to form a paste.
• Apply directly to the stain and scrub gently.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Use on: ovens, sinks, bathtubs, pots and pans.

3. Glass Cleaner:

• Mix 1 cup water with 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (optional) in a spray bottle.
• Shake well before using.
• Use on: windows, mirrors, glass surfaces.

4. Disinfectant Spray:

• Combine 1 cup water with 1/4 cup white vinegar and 20 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle.
• Note: Tea tree oil can irritate skin, so wear gloves when using this solution.
• Use on: doorknobs, light switches, countertops (after testing in an inconspicuous area).

Additional Green Cleaning Hacks:

• Microfiber cloths: These reusable cloths are highly absorbent and effective for cleaning various surfaces without needing chemical cleaners.
• Washing soda: For tough laundry stains, add 1/2 cup of washing soda to your regular laundry detergent.
• Lemon rinds: Scrub cutting boards and countertops with lemon rinds for a natural disinfectant and fresh scent.
• Coffee grounds: Deodorize your refrigerator by placing a bowl of used coffee grounds in the back.

Remember:

• Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface.
• Store homemade cleaning solutions in labeled containers and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
• Never mix vinegar with bleach, as it can create harmful fumes.

By embracing these green cleaning hacks, you can keep your home sparkling clean while protecting your family and the environment.