As we mentioned earlier this week, it is becoming time for spring cleaning.  Before we talked about getting rid of clutter and recycling more, as well as replacing old bulbs with compact fluorescents.  In this post we're going to talk about how you can green your cleaning materials themselves.

Modern cleaning materials had been considered a god-send for many years.  They cleaned deep and quickly, and saved the cleaner time and effort.  It's taken many years for people to realize that these cleaning materials are often packed with hazardous chemicals, that can be damaging to humans if they are breathed or may contact with the skin.  Something as simple as bleach is hazardous to your body if you inhale a lot of it.  On top of that, most cleaning products that we're used to are petroleum-based.

The first tip for greening your cleaning materials is to be aware of so called "green" cleaning products.  Many of them claim to be green, but when you look further into the materials used to make it, it's just as hazardous as the other cleaners.  Now, there are some green cleaning products that you can purchase, and the good ones are non-toxic, biodegradable and made from renewable resources.  The best way to go, however, is to make your own cleaning materials at home and cut out the middle man.  A mix of vinegar and baking soda is a great astringent cleanser when mixed with a little water.  Also, vinegar is great for washing windows when wiped down with newspaper.

Next, be aware of the smells.  If your house smells like cleaner, that's a bad sign.  Keep your house ventilated while cleaning, so that fresh air can be brought in and you're not overwhelmed by chemicals used.  Another is to avoid air-fresheners that are chemical or oil based, that can release toxic chemicals into your home.  Instead, buy natural air fresheners like clove, cinnamon sticks, and aromatic plants.   Another tip is to use baking soda as a way to get smells out of rugs and carpets by sprinkling some on the floor, waiting a few minutes and vacuuming to collect it back up.

Avoid using paper towels or sponges while cleaning.  After you're done with them you just throw them away, which is not very sustainable.  Use rags that you can wash, or old t-shirts, to wipe down your counters and furniture.

Cleaning is a fact of life, and very few people really enjoy doing it.  Make cleaning a little bit more green, and therefor enjoyable, by cutting out the noxious fumes, hazardous materials, and fake smells.  Keeping your home, and the Earth, clean will brighten up your spring cleaning routine.