May 07 2009
Oregon Environmental Councils way of cleaning greener
After sitting through an instruction class given by the Oregon Environmental Council held at the Oregon Garden, I soon realized that cleaning doesn’t have to be a health risk. I think the hardest thing about cleaning your home is breathing in all the toxic fumes given off by the cleaning agents you are using to clean with. Thanks to the instruction class I now have a better way of cleaning and it’s a greener one at that. Here is a few better cleaning practices I have now adopted thanks to the class.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner: Many all-purpose cleaners on the market contain either a bleach or ammonia and you don’t need either one to get the job done. Instead is you mix 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 tsp. borax, 3-1/2 cups hot water, 1/4 cup liquid castile soap, and a few-20 drops of your favorite essential oil together you can have yourself a great all-purpose cleaner that is better for you and the environment. Mix all the ingredients together and add the castile soap last. Spray in surfaces such as your fridge, counters and even on the kitchen and bathroom sink.
2. Carpet Spot Removers: We all have seen the dreaded spots on the carpet in the most eye catching places in out home, but the cleaners that are on the market don’t’ offer a very planet and lung friendly spray or scrub. Instead is you blot the spot immediately with water and sprinkle a bit of baking soda, cornstarch or borax on the area and let it dry, you will end up treating the stains just as a toxic cleaner would. Rinse the spot with club soda and then vacuum up.
3. Stopped-Up Drain: This one is a tricky one, because many of us are impatient and don’t want to wait for the drain to be unclogged, but if we just gain some patience we can have an unclogged drain and a mixture that isn’t damaging on the environment either. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in and around the drain opening. Follow with a cup of white vinegar, wait about 10 minutes then flush with boiling water. Repeat until the drain is unclogged.
These tips are just a few that were covered in the instruction class. To learn more visit the Oregon Environmental Council’s website here.
