Spring Cleaning Tip #4: Safe Sopping

Yes, you are conscious about your cleaning and using rags and sponges instead of paper towels. But are you using the right sponges? Be sure you're using pure cellulose sponges sans synthetic disinfectants. You'll know if has disinfectants if the packaging says is "kills germs" or "resists odors". Yes, you want to be germ-free but you'll have to embrace the fact that sponges naturally harbour bacteria anyway. It's a wet product and obvious breeding ground for bacteria.

But stop to consider that these odor/germ killing disinfectants are pretty much pesticides. No bueno, man. And do you really want to contribute to the evolution of super germs that are resistant to anything and everything we throw their way? Extra no bueno!

Be sure to arm yourself with pure cellulose sponges without the added chemicals (find them at your hardware store) the next time you buy a new pack of sponges. Keep them germ-free by boiling it in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes or microwaving it on high for 1 minute. Weird, I know, but it works.

Spring Cleaning Tip #2

Spring cleaning is probably one of the rare times I tackle my tub, toilet, and sink. Not my favourite cleaning moments but its gotta be done, right?

Instead of using cleansers like Comet and the like try making your own scour cleanser from scratch.

What you will need:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1/8 cup of borax
• 1/4 cup of citrus zest of your choice
  
• Mix well and scrub surfaces with a damp sponge or coarse brush (for the loo)

Wood furniture need dusting?

What you will need:

• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 pint of veg or mineral oil
• mix well and apply a small amount to your reusable cloth or rag to wipe wooden furniture

Happy green cleaning, folks!

Spring Cleaning Tip #1

Spring is in the air! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping (and butting heads? Yeah, I totally saw 2 birds going at it like it was a mini cockfight in mid-air...with 2 spectator birds fluttering close by), and you may already be thinking about your spring cleaning endeavors!

Rather than exposing your home and yourself to harmful chemicals galore why not get your spic-and-span on with some non-toxic cleaning solutions!



Make your own glass cleaner by using the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup of vinegar
• 1/2 cup of water
• 8-10 drops of citrus essential oil or citrus juice (optional but great to add in)
• Combine into a spray bottle. Shake. Spray on glass and wipe off with a clean, dry rag of sorts (which can be washed and reused)

Read more this week for other useful spring cleaning tips