How to Switch to Green Cleaning (The Basics)

We all have cleaning routines that we rely on to keep our homes spic and span. However, if you’ve been using chemical cleaners for quite some time now, then you may find that your cleaning strategies aren’t as good for your health (or your wallet) than you thought.

There are many studies on the benefits of removing chemical cleaners from your home. Some people suggest that switching to green cleaning can eliminate respiratory conditions, while others believe that removing chemicals is simply good for the environment.

Whatever your reason for making the change, you’re going to need a strategy to transform your cleaning routine. Fortunately, we can help!

The following 5 steps will give you everything you need to officially “go green.”

Step 1: Stock Up on the Essentials

One of the best things about green cleaning is how easy it can be to make the switch. Usually, you only need a handful of things to get started. Most recipes will use the same handful of ingredients countless times. To begin, build your green-cleaning kit with a few natural options like:

• Liquid castile soap
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Empty spray bottles
• Microfiber towels

You can also grab things like Essential Oils to make your cleaners smell incredible, or lemon juice to deal with particularly stubborn stains. Kosher salt is also particularly useful for when you need a cleaner with some light abrasion to it.

Step 2: Start Small and Work Your Way Up

If you’ve been using the same products and cleaning strategies for quite some time, then switching to a new green cleaning routine can seem daunting. The good news is that you don’t have to commit to doing everything all at once. It’s usually a lot easier to commit to your new routine when you’re doing one thing at a time.

For instance, maybe you could start by creating a natural cleaner out white vinegar and baking soda that you can use for tough stains in your bathroom and kitchen. After you get used to using that, you can play around with new recipes and other safe solutions.

Step 3: Phase Out Harmful Products

Just like you don’t necessarily have to switch completely to green cleaning products in one go, you can also get rid of your conventional solutions slowly too. The aim here is to replace your cleaners entirely in the long-term but start with the ones that are most detrimental to your bank account and your health. Ask yourself:

• Which of these cleaners have the worst reputation?
• Which cleaners emit the most fumes and chemicals?
• Which cleaners cost me the most to buy?

Try and concentrate on getting rid of one dangerous cleaner at a time, until you’ve got nothing but natural products in your cupboards. It doesn’t matter if it takes a little while for you to reach your goal – at least you’re moving in the right direction.

Step 4: Stock Up on the Right Accessories

Getting the most out of your new green cleaning routine isn’t just about making sure that you have the right substances on-hand, like white vinegar and baking soda. You’ll also need to make sure that you’ve got the right accessories too.

Re-usable containers are an excellent investment for people switching to the green cleaning lifestyle. You’ll be able to create dozens of your own cleaners using these bottles, without throwing anything away or contributing to the rising mounds of plastic that we’re struggling to get rid of as a society today. Reusable containers will allow you to give something back to the planet, while you’re improving your cleaning strategies.

Additionally, microfiber towels are some of the most essential necessary supplies you can have in your basket. These towels pick up dirt and dust much easier than their paper counterparts. Plus, you can simply wash and reuse them too.

Step 5: Experiment with Caution

Finally, the more you start to explore the potential of green cleaning, the more passionate you’re bound to feel about it. With that in mind, make sure that you don’t get too carried away. While there’s nothing wrong with some basic experimentation – like adding essential oils to your cleaner for a fresh smell – mixing some substances can be dangerous.

Before you start changing your green cleaning recipes, do some research. Here are some common mistakes that people frequently make:

• Using vinegar and lemon juice on natural stone surfaces – this damages the finish
• Cleaning your garbage disposal with coffee grounds – it clogs the sink
• Using the wrong tool for the job (avoid rough sponges as often as possible)
• Over-using cleaning products – more isn’t always better
• Mixing vinegar and soap – all you get is goo

Good luck with your switch to green cleaning!

For more green cleaning tips & cleaning hacks check out Easyway Maids at https://www.easywaymaids.com.

They have a great blog dedicated to educating home owners in living a lifestyle of keeping an organized clean home as well as provide house cleaning services to those located in Austin area.