5 Easy & Efficient Green Cleaning Hacks

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Cleanliness is essential to the majority of people worldwide. To this end, people clean their clothes, houses, offices, cars, and virtually everything else they use regularly. 

Unfortunately, most people don't care about how the cleaning process works as long as it gets rid of the ugly stains and leaves a sparkle. Additionally, many people prefer using chemical-based cleaning products (which they perceive as the best) to make the cleaning process easier. 

Using synthetic and chemical-based cleaning products does more harm than good since a clean environment is just as important as a clean house – after all, the earth is a home to everyone and everything. This is where eco-friendly cleaning solutions come into play. 

Why Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions? 

First, what is eco-friendly cleaning? Understanding the concept makes it easier to understand its importance and benefits. 

Defining Eco-Friendly Cleaning 

Eco-friendly cleaning entails using green cleaning products instead of synthetic ones for your everyday cleaning chores. Synthetic cleaning products are made using chemicals that are harmful to the environment, including plants and people. In contrast, green cleaning products are made using natural or environmental-friendly ingredients. 

The Importance & Benefits of Eco-Friendly Cleaning 

More than 70% of rivers and streams in the U.S. contain harmful chemicals from cleaning products. It is unfortunate but not surprising considering that synthetic cleaning products use about 6.2 billion pounds of chemicals every year. Additionally, it is just one of the many dangers of using synthetic cleaning products. However, using eco-friendly clean products has many benefits to you and the environment.

Benefits of Using Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products:

It is Good for the Environment 

Eco-friendly cleaning products are made using natural ingredients sourced from plants. Additionally, these ingredients are biodegradable, meaning that they will break down and disappear over time. 

In contrast, chemicals can linger around for years and poison the soil, water, and everything else within reach. Additionally, people use synthetic cleaning products every day, and the chemicals from the products contribute significantly to the general pollution. 

The importance of environmental protection cannot be overemphasized, especially considering the ongoing trends around extreme weather. As such, switching to eco-friendly cleaning solutions can help reduce the impact on the environment. 

It is Safe for You 

Did you know that about six percent of janitors across the U.S. suffer work-related injuries from toxic chemicals in their cleaning products? This is not surprising considering that these products are made using toxic chemicals such as methyl chloride and ammonia. Some of these chemicals are corrosive and generally toxic to people and pets. 

As explained earlier, eco-friendly cleaning products use natural and biodegradable ingredients. These ingredients are safe for you and the environment. 

It is also worth noting that many green cleaning products use fragrant ingredients that emit sweet scents and offer a better cleaning experience. Additionally, these products are just as effective as the strongest synthetic detergents, making them reliable. 

It is Cost-Effective 

As explained earlier, some of the chemicals used in synthetic products are toxic. This means that they are also corrosive to inanimate objects such as carpets, furniture, and floors. As such, they accelerate wear and tear over time, eventually ruining whatever you are cleaning. 

However, eco-friendly cleaning products are safe and non-corrosive. As such, they will not ruin whatever you are cleaning – instead, the regular cleaning and maintenance help facilitate the durability of whatever you are cleaning. It is also worth noting that many green cleaning products are more affordable than synthetic ones. 

5 Easy & Efficient Eco-Friendly Cleaning Hacks 

Eco-friendly cleaning is as easy and efficient as cleaning using synthetic products. It is also safer for you and the environment. Here is an overview of five easy eco-friendly cleaning hacks that you can make with household products: 

1. Kill Germs Using Vinegar 

A dirty environment fosters the growth of disease-causing germs and bacteria. This is an increasingly growing concern because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Killing disease-causing germs is one of the main purposes of cleaning. Fortunately, you don't need toxic chemicals to kill these micro-organisms, as distilled vinegar is toxic to most germs found around the house. You can make this germ-killing solution by mixing water and distilled vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. 

2. Remove Stains Using Vinegar 

Stains are ugly and breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Additionally, some stains can be incredibly stubborn and difficult to clean. 

Fortunately, vinegar is effective against tough stains. Additionally, it works quickly and doesn't have negative side effects such as corroding the carpet or causing allergic reactions. This solution is also easy to make, as described below: 

• Mix equal parts of vinegar and water. 
• Sprinkle a small amount of the solution on the part of the surface with the stain and leave it to soak for two minutes. 
• Use a brush and warm soapy water to scrub the stain off. 
• Sprinkle cornstarch on the area and leave it to settle for about 30 minutes before vacuuming. 

You don't have to use cornstarch, but it is recommendable if you wish to prevent more grease stains. Additionally, you can also mix a quarter cup of vinegar, salt, and borax for a stronger cleaning solution to get rid of tough stains. 

3. Vinegar & Baking Powder for Cleaning Toilets 

Stains and streaks on the toilet bowl are ugly and can be stubborn to clean. However, they are no match for vinegar and baking powder solution. Here is a brief step-by-step overview of how to make and use this solution: 

• Mix one cup of vinegar and a quarter cup of baking soda. 
• Pour the solution on the bowl and wait for it to settle for several minutes. 
• Scrub thoroughly using a brush and rinse with clean water. 

It is important to ensure that you pour the solution directly on the bowl and the stains. It is also worth noting that a mixture of lemon juice and borax will also work. 

4. Polish Using Lemon Juice 

Lemon juice can help kill germs, remove stains, and leave your surface sleek and smooth. All you need is a solution of one cup of olive oil and half a cup of lemon juice to polish surfaces made of wood, plastic, metal, and other materials. 

5. Use Plants for Fresh Air 

Synthetic air fresheners may emit sweet scents and fragrances, but they do this by combining multiple potentially toxic chemicals. Plants make for a better and healthier alternative – they are also pretty and will do wonders for your décor. 

Conclusion

There are so many benefits to using eco-friendly cleaning products and it's a simple swap once you run out of the toxic version. Help the environment and keep you and your family safe by switching over to eco-friendly cleaning solutions.