Beginners Guide to Green Cleaning
The Beginner’s Guide to Green Cleaning, a blog post by EcoGoodz, credential clothing suppliers
Some of the household cleaners on the market contain harsh chemicals that you want to avoid. Some cause environmental harm and you’re not OK with that. Perhaps you’re allergic to some of the ingredients. Whatever the reason, you can still clean your home without commercially-produced cleaning agents.
Most commonly-used “green” cleaning chemicals:
- Vinegar- Due to a pH of 2.0 and the acetic acid content, vinegar is an inhospitable environment for many microorganisms, so it is the perfect cleaner for your home!…Studies have been done testing how effectively it kills bacteria and viruses. For example, a 2010 study showed that a 10% malt vinegar solution was just as effective as commercial cleaning wipes in killing the Human Influenza A/H1N1 virus. (source)
- Borax- Borax has chemical properties that contribute to its cleaning power. Borax and other borates clean and bleach by converting some water molecules to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The pH of borax is about 9.5, so the alkaline solution increasing the effectiveness of bleach. It also softens hard water. (source)
- Washing soda- Sodium carbonate is called washing soda because of its many household cleaning properties. It can be found in many commercial washing detergents, but you can buy it on its own for cleaning jobs around your house and yard…Washing soda is fantastic as a basic all-purpose cleaner…and it can be used on nearly any surface except aluminum and fiberglass, which will be scratched by it.
- Lemon juice- A natural disinfectant with a smell that most people find quite pleasing. Lemons are inexpensive, plentiful, and eco-friendly.
- Tea tree oil- Tea tree oil (sometimes abbreviated to TTO) is extracted from leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia which is native in Australia and New Zealand. This oil is a common ingredient among beauty and skin care products, and it has a variety of practical and convenient uses. It’s also economical in comparison to other essential oils. (source)
Armed with this basic knowledge, you’ll be able to clean your home without harming the environment or your wallet!
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