There’s no place like home. And nobody appreciates a clean, fresh smelling home more than we do, but living in an eco-friendly home is also a huge priority for us. That’s why we believe in eco-friendly roofing, eco-friendly products and have put together this list of natural, eco-friendly alternatives to your typical store-bought cleaners.
And while many people think that being friendly to the environment comes at a high financial cost, these solutions will actually leave more money in your pockets!
Use Alcohol to Disinfect Floors & Other Surfaces
When it comes to disinfecting surfaces in your home, we could all learn a thing or two from hospitals and medical clinics, who often turn to rubbing alcohol for eliminating germs and bacteria.
Simply mix seven parts alcohol (70% to 99%) with 3 parts of water. You can then use the solution in a spray bottle to disinfect surfaces like counters, appliances, toilets, and sinks and then wipe off with a dampened cloth. Or apply the mixture with a mop, to disinfect your floors. (Source: eHow.com)
DIY Disinfectant Wipes
While heavy-duty disinfecting calls for diluted alcohol, nothing beats the convenience of a disinfectant wipe for germ fighting throughout the day. Consider re-filling an old container of wipes with paper towels soaked in:
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 8 drops of tea tree oil
- 8 drops of lemon essential oil
Your surfaces will be pristine clean… and smell great too!
Clean Your Garbage Disposal with Lemons
A great way to clean your garbage disposal is to simply throw in two lemon halves, and let your disposal do its thing.
In just minutes, the acid of the lemons will pack a cleaning punch, and your entire kitchen will be filled with fresh scent.
Clean Silver with Baking Soda & Aluminum
Polishing silver can be an onerous task, especially when you’re dealing with ornate utensils with intricate grooves and patterns. Try this ingenious alternative, from WikiHow, which will have you soak your silver pieces in a mixture of boiling water, baking soda, and aluminum paper.
Your silver will be gleaming again in no time!
Clean Glass with Lavender Oil
Looking for an alternative to Windex that is environmentally friendly? The solution is simpler than you think. Simply mix 10 drops of lavender oil – or the essential oil of your choice – into two ounces of water. Fresh-smelling, streak-free shine awaits!
Polish Furniture with Oil & Vinegar
Oil and vinegar isn’t just for salads! Mix equal parts olive oil and white vinegar, then add a generous quantity of essential oil for sent. (We like lemon oil for this purpose.) You will have to shake this solution before you spray it, since it tends to separate. But we think you’ll be pleased to see how far it goes!
Use Cornstarch to Freshen your Carpet
Do you have an old rug that needs freshening up? Try reaching into your pantry for some cornstarch or baking soda, and sprinkle it onto your carpet before you vacuum. Either one will absorb the odors in your carpet and breathe new life into it.
Remove Marker Stains from Wooden Furniture with Toothpaste
Have you had the alarming experience of finding permanent marker stains on your wooden furniture or hardwood floors? For parents with young children, the experience is more common that you might think. Here’s an ingenious solution from MyLifeAndKids.com: Simply dab on some white toothpaste with a damp microfiber cloth and watch the stain disappear!
We hope you’ve found this post useful and that you will try some of our eco-friendly cleaning recipes. If you are looking to make some larger changes in your home, and want to deal with an evironmentally conscious construction company, please contact Keith Green Construction today!