For any eco-conscious individual who wants to start living a more sustainable lifestyle, there are many things you can change to start living that life. One of the most effortless starts you can take for a greener lifestyle would be based on how you clean your home.
Starting your eco-friendly lifestyle by revisiting how you clean your home and its effects on the environment is simple and quick to do. With that in mind, if you’re looking for sustainable cleaning techniques, here are ten strategies you can try.
1. Switch to Natural Cleaning Agents
According to Companion Maids, maid service Chicago, using natural cleaning agents is one easy way to adopt eco-friendly cleaning practices in your home. It’s one of the easiest and simplest changes you can do at home that can start your shift towards living sustainably.
Back in the day, when the green movement wasn’t at the top of many consumers’ minds, green cleaning solutions were more expensive and more complicated to find. However, nowadays, with the increase in consumers’ awareness of the environment’s state, there are now more reputable businesses providing green cleaning products at an affordable price.
You can also make natural cleaning agents using ready-to-go household products. For example, white vinegar and baking soda are powerful deodorizers and cleaners. You can use those ingredients to clean your home.
2. Homemade Cleaning Solutions
Natural cleaning agents can be created from household products, and homemade cleaning solutions can be used for various purposes.
For example, a very reliable cleaning solution would be a mix of both water and white vinegar. Put that in a spray bottle or any container, and you can use it to clean tons of things if you use them on more delicate materials like fabric or upholstery. Just spot-test.
You can also use baking soda with water to spot stubborn stains on your carpet or similar surfaces. Again, make sure that you spot-test. You want to eliminate the stain and not create one of your own.
3. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tools
If you plan on replacing your cleaning tools, consider more sustainable ones. A good indication would be the materials the tools are made from. They should be made from natural materials, like wood and bamboo.
Of course, think twice before throwing out perfectly usable cleaning tools to make space for eco-friendly ones. Don’t add more waste; wait until you need to replace these tools.
4. Green Laundry Practices
Reducing your environmental impact can start with simple changes to your laundry routine.
One simple change you can make is washing clothes in cold instead of warm water. Washing clothes in cold water can significantly reduce energy usage compared to hot water cycles. Also, modern detergents are designed to work effectively in cold water.
Speaking of detergents, opt for eco-friendly detergents. Look for laundry detergents that are plant-based, biodegradable, and free of harsh chemicals. These gentler formulas are better for the environment.
Also, when using the washing machine, please maximize its capacity by waiting to do laundry until you have a full load. Unless items are visibly soiled, you may be able to re-wear clothes a few times before washing them. It cuts down on unnecessary laundry.
Skip the energy-intensive clothes dryer and hang your clothes out to air dry when the weather permits. Skipping that use saves electricity and is gentler on fabrics.
5. Sustainable Dishwashing Techniques
Aside from laundry, your dishwashing techniques can be more sustainable. Hand-washing dishes instead of using the dishwasher is one way to be more sustainable. This approach can help conserve water and energy, as modern dishwashers often use more resources than necessary.
Just like with the laundry, use warm or cool water instead of hot water for dishwashing. Hot water requires more energy to heat, which can increase your carbon footprint. Allow your dishes to air dry instead of using an energy-intensive drying cycle. This method can save a significant amount of energy over time.
6. Natural Air Fresheners
There are different things you can do to freshen up indoor air naturally. Instead of relying on aerosols, consider making homemade potpourri. You can use dried aromatic flowers, spices, and essential oils. Once you’ve stored and cured the potpourri for two to three weeks, you can use that jar to freshen up the smell of any space naturally.
For a more straightforward solution, orange and lemon peels can serve as natural air fresheners in places like your fridge. Grinding them into your garbage disposal can also reduce unwanted smells from your drain.
7. Tackling Tough Stains Naturally
Using more stringent natural ingredients is great for tackling tough stains. For example, hydrogen peroxide is great for getting rid of tough stains. Just note that it has a bleaching effect, so it’s not a good idea to use it on delicate fabrics as it can bleach it. If you can, dilute it with water til the desired level.
You can also use baking soda to remove tough stains on your carpet. Create a paste with water and scrub at the stain. Sometimes, you can let it soak for a few minutes before washing. Again, remember to spot-test.
8. Eco-Friendly Bathroom Cleaning
While discussing baking soda, you can use baking soda paste to clean bathroom tiles and grout.
You can also use white vinegar to clean bathroom fixtures like faucets and showerheads. It can reduce hard water stains, deodorize, and disinfect these fixtures.
Remember the potpourri? You can also put that in your bathroom to make it smell nice instead of buying air fresheners often.
9. Green Kitchen Cleaning Tips
You can also be more sustainable when cleaning the kitchen. First, wipe surfaces with microfiber cloths, old T-shirts, or newspapers instead of paper towels, reducing waste.
Tackle grime with lemon and salt. For a gentle yet effective scrub, make a paste with lemon juice and salt to clean sinks, stovetops, and other grimy areas.
Spraying the kitchen trash bin with a water and white vinegar mixture can help reduce stubborn smells. That way, your kitchen bins don’t emanate unpleasant smells.
10. Mindful Cleaning Habits
Adopting mindful cleaning habits can have a positive impact on both the environment and your well-being. Using more reusable cleaning cloths, sponges, and containers instead of single-use plastic products is a great start. It minimizes waste and reduces your environmental footprint.
Also, take time to assess the items in your home and donate or recycle what you no longer need. This step creates a more organized living space and reduces the accumulation of dust and dirt. Incorporating these mindful cleaning habits into your routine can create a healthier, more sustainable home environment.
Conclusion
These cleaning techniques let you enjoy a clean home, knowing you aren’t harming the environment. You can enjoy a comfortably clean home that you have made yourself in a green and sustainable way.
