6 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips to Help Kill Household Germs
Whether the world is in a pandemic or not, it is always a good idea to have a clean and germ-free home.
However, when we hear “germ-free,” we always think of disinfectants we buy in groceries. The problem with commercial cleaning products is that they are chemically-laden and not safe for the environment.
But what if there is an eco-friendly way to ensure that your house is germ-free?
Here’s how:
Use Eco-friendly Products and Methods
Here’s the thing: Many commercial cleaning products may be excellent in disinfecting your house. But what you do not know is that it can hurt the planet and your health.
If you want to disinfect your house without causing long-term health effects, we suggest that you go for natural products. Meaning, consider using products you can find in your pantry.
Here are some products that can surprisingly kill germs:
Hot Water and Steam
Yes, steam coming from water boiling at 250 degrees Fahrenheit can be a powerful disinfectant.
It can kill as much as 99% of dust mites, E. coli., and salmonella. You can also use boiling water to disinfect objects and fabric. Just be careful not to burn yourself.
White Vinegar
Vinegar is known to be a powerful all-purpose cleaner. That’s because it can cut through grease, mildew, odors, stains, and wax buildup.
It’s all thanks to vinegar’s high acidity. So much so that it can be a safe alternative to bleach.
Lemon
Is your bathroom filled with soap scum? Then you will need to buy tons of lemon.
Why? Because lemons have citric acid that works well on alkaline stains such as soap scums.
You can also use lemons to sanitize non-porous surfaces like glass and your kitchen sink. Plus, lemon juice is the secret behind sparkling old copper pots.
Vodka
Most vodkas are 40% alcohol by volume. Hence, you can use it as a disinfectant and for removing mold and mildew.
If you want to remove stains and grease without leaving a sour odor, vodka can be an excellent alternative.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a known wound antiseptic. However, you can also use it to kill molds and remove stains on white clothing.
You cannot use hydrogen peroxide on colored clothes, though, since it works the same as bleach. This means that it can make the dye bleed. You cannot use it to wipe down stoned surfaces, either.
Baking Soda
Aside from being a leavening agent for baked goods, you can also use it for cleaning.
Often, it is used as an abrasive to remove mold, as a carpet stain remover, and to scrub off the baked-on residue on your pots and pans. It is also known to neutralize odor, so you can put a sprinkle on a small container and place it inside your fridge to deodorize it.
Open Your Windows
Sometimes, indoor air is more polluted than the air outdoors. That’s because the air indoors can have dust, mites, mold, and pet dander.
These elements can lead to allergic rhinitis or asthma attacks.
Luckily, you just need to open the windows so you will not suffer from respiratory issues. It is also an excellent way to let the sunlight, which we all know is a source of Vitamin D.
In case you do not know, we need Vitamin D to keep our bones, teeth, and muscles healthy.
Ditch the Air Freshener
Another benefit of opening your windows is that you freshen the indoor air naturally.
However, we know how you would like the air to smell good. Hence, you would bring out your air freshener.
But the issue with air fresheners is that it is filled with synthetic additives. And while it makes the air fragrant, it compromises indoor air quality.
Hence, we suggest that you try aromatic potpourri. These are commonly made with apples, citrus, cinnamon sticks, and other aromatic spices.
Add these into a pot of water and let it simmer for as long as you like while you enjoy the scent.
Another way to make potpourri is to put everything in a slow cooker or crockpot. Add six cups of water, cover it with a lid, and set it on high. Let it cook for several hours so you can enjoy the scent.
Replace Your Flooring
Often, taking off your carpet than buying too many cleaning products is more sustainable.
That’s because synthetic flooring materials release chemicals called poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAs). This is present at high levels and can compromise your immune system. As such, you should stay away from polyethylene carpeting or vinyl flooring.
Instead, go for eco-friendly floorings like cork, wool carpet, or hard floor. Such flooring materials are easy to disinfect and can help improve indoor air quality.
Get Rid of the Pesticides
If you think that it is normal to see cockroaches at home, think again.
At Maid Sailors Cleaning Services Austin, we believe that pest infestation is due to clutter and mess, usually in the kitchen. And you are also likely to see pests at home if you live in a country with four seasons. That’s because the changes in season can impact moisture and humidity in the air, inviting unwanted guests into your house.
If you want to get rid of critters and other creepy crawlers, the key is to keep your house clean. Luckily, you can now hire professional home cleaners who use eco-friendly cleaning tools and products.
You should also ensure that your house is free of gaps where pests can pass through. And if you need professional pest management, there are service providers that use organic products.
Opt for Reusable Rugs
If you want to clean your house without having to send too much waste to the landfill, we suggest that you use reusable cleaning tools. This includes washable rugs.
After all, they work pretty much the same as your disposable kitchen towel. And all you need to do to wash and disinfect them is to throw them in the washer like you would do with regular laundry.
Conclusion
Having a germ-free home does not mean that you have to spend a significant sum. In fact, the cleaning products you need are in your pantry.
Plus, you can always ask service providers if they offer green cleaning. That way, you can reduce the pollutants in your home, ensure your family’s safety and well-being, and help save the planet.
