Going Green in 2017! Eco Friendly [fresh] Cleaning Solutions

This week on the blog, we will be continuing our Going Green in 2017 series with DIY eco friendly and super fresh cleaning solutions for your home! If you’re new to the CottageCare blog feel free to catch up on our previous Going Green in 2017 posts. You can read about eco friendly air freshener tips and the dirty details and facts on sponges and paper towels!

Many of the multi-purpose cleaning solutions that line the shelves are not only harmful to our environment (and your health) for a multitude of reasons. Even the products that advertise to be “green” and “eco friendly” aren’t necessarily what they claim. Most ingredients in chemical cleaners break down into harmless substances during treatment or soon afterward. Others, however, do not, threatening water quality or fish and other wildlife.* Should you decide to purchase your multi-purpose cleaning solution, opt for brands that list their ingredients and choose products made with plant-based, instead of petroleum-based, ingredients.

A few simple (and safe) ingredients like castile soap, organic distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil and essential oils can take care of most household cleaning needs. While baking soda is often listed as an eco friendly cleaning tool, you should know that there is quite the environmental impact during the manufacturing of baking soda. Here are a few DIY eco friendly and super fresh cleaning solution recipes for those in between CottageCare house cleanings touch ups and spills!

Homemade Germ Killer – 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of castile soap and 20-30 drops of tea tree oil.

Homemade Germ Killer pt 2. – 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 cup of organic distilled white vinegar and a quart of water.

All Purpose Window Cleaner – Combine 1 part organic distilled white vinegar with 4 parts water. Add a little lemon juice if you’d like a fresh scent!

Wood Cleaner for Varnished Wood – Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar, and a quart of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray onto wood and then dry with a soft cloth.

For the deep cleaning and scour power.. leave that to CottageCare! We hope you find this recipes useful, and we encourage you to use your best judgement when using these recipes in your home! Remember, every step we make in going green in 2017 is a step in the right direction!

*source