Some things are better than a squeaky clean kitchen. Unfortunately, not all of the cleaning items we use in our Bauxite homes are environmentally friendly. The good news is that there are currently more eco-friendly cleaning products available than ever before. In fact, you can produce secure, effective, natural cleaning products for a fraction of the price of store-bought goods that function just as well or better with a few basic items you probably already have in your kitchen.
Why Use Eco-Friendly Products?
There are lots of benefits to using environmental cleaning supplies in the kitchen. Harsh chemicals can be exceedingly damaging to your nose, skin, eyes, respiratory system, and throat. In addition, they represent a grave danger to animals and vulnerable people in the household. Several store-bought cleaning solutions contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment in addition to their detrimental effect on your health. Weakened plants, poisoned fish and animals, and contaminated soil can all result from toxic chemicals that seep from our kitchen sinks into lakes, groundwater, and rivers.
Eco-friendly cleaning products, on the contrary, use basic, non-toxic substances that are more beneficial to the planet. Not all companies that market themselves as “natural” or “organic” are, in fact, environmentally beneficial. There are minimal federal laws that determine which items can be labeled “natural.” Furthermore, there are no laws that require producers of cleaning solutions to list the chemicals on the box of their goods. Thus, it is the responsibility of the informed customer to either investigate the available eco-friendly cleaning product brands or create their own.
Simple Ingredients = Safer Cleaning
Most of the best sustainable cleaning products you can prepare or buy involve the same two common ingredients: baking soda and white vinegar. Utilized in various combinations, these two pantry staples can clean up virtually any kitchen mess. Without using the toxic materials found in many store-bought products, you can clean the entire kitchen, from floor to ceiling, with just a few common cleaning equipment. Here are a few examples:
- Floors: By using some white vinegar, warm water, and a rag or mop, sealed wood and tile floors can be sterilized and cleaned. While vinegar may not have the most attractive smell, you can readily add a drop or two of your favorite essential oils to make your kitchen smell wonderful.
- Ovens: Sometimes it’s difficult to remove the baked-on gunk from the inside of your oven. But with just a little bit of patience, water, and baking soda you can use a baking soda paste to dissolve all that dirt and grime. Before scrubbing, the baking soda paste should be allowed to remain overnight for optimum results.
- Glass and Shiny Surfaces: Use water, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, and cornstarch together in a clean spray container to clean glass or other polished surfaces. From there, spray and rub clean with a microfiber or lint-free rag. Utilizing paper towels to wipe the glass and other reflective surfaces is not a smart idea, as they are not eco-friendly and typically leave streaks and paper towel bits behind.
Buy or DIY?
If crafting your own cleaning solutions still doesn’t sound tempting, there are several eco-friendly solutions now. Bon Ami cleansers, Mrs. Meyer’s detergents, and Method products are among the most widely recognized brands. These and similar brands ensure that their products are harmless, effective, and good for the environment. Some of these brands employ 100% recycled plastic in their packaging.
After you’ve experienced the positives of eco-friendly solvents, you might never turn to harsh chemicals again, whether you decide to purchase or make your own kitchen cleaners. You’ll not only protect your property and yourself, but you’ll also be helping to preserve the environment!
Chat with Real Property Management Hometown at 501-701-4702 or 501-303-6870 to talk to an experienced Bauxite property manager today if you’re looking for a rental home or need guidance handling your rental property.
Originally Published on February 28, 2020
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