Spring Cleaning the Healthy, Green Way!

This is great information that gives you permission to throw out the old cleaning products (take them to a toxic waste collection point) and begin to use products already in your pantry!  I've been using 1/2 vinegar/water solution and newspapers to clean windows for the last couple of years and it is just amazing how well it works!
Here are more hints, courtesy of Belinda Large, MDI Mortgage Bankers:

Safe Spring Cleaning for Your Home and Family

Many parts of the country are already warming up to spring...and that means spring cleaning. But have you ever considered what you're using to clean your home...and if it's really safe for your family? The problem with cleaning products is that there is very little regulation and virtually no labeling requirements.

"A lot of cleaning products contain toxic ingredients that aren't properly regulated, disclosed, or in some cases even tested," said Sara Mohs, co-founder of simplyneutral™, a company that promotes sustainable living through non-toxic cleaners.

In fact, most household cleaners are produced using a petroleum-based formula. That's right, petroleum! In addition, they typically include chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can be irritating to your eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

In light of last week's Poison Prevention Week, here's a list of natural alternatives that work great and are probably already in your pantry:

Baking soda - We all know that baking soda absorbs odors, especially in refrigerators, but did you know it's also a simple and effective cleaner? Just mix baking soda with warm water for an inexpensive cleaner comparable to commercial "abrasive" cleaners.

Vinegar - White vinegar is actually a deodorizer and a disinfectant...making it a great all-purpose cleaner. Avoid using vinegar solutions on marble or grout, but it's perfect for all of the other surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom.

Lemon juice - Use lemon juice on hard-water stains, soap scum, even rust stains in the shower, tub, and toilet. Mix lemon juice with salt to remove stubborn stains from coffee pots. Or you can mix lemon juice with baking soda for a softer, paste-like cleaning solution. Add a little to olive oil for an effective wood polish. Blend it with water to make a potent air freshener.

Cornstarch - Cornstarch makes an effective glass and surface cleaner. Plus, you can combine 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 3/4 cup of baking soda for an inexpensive carpet freshener.

Borax - Also known as sodium borate, borax is best known as a hard-water laundry soap, but it also cleans wallpaper, painted walls, and other painted surfaces.

In addition to these natural ingredients, there are also a number of non-toxic cleaners that can be bought in stores. But make sure you consider a couple of points before making your purchase.

First, read the label carefully. "Although a cleaner may contain natural ingredients, it may also include dyes, fragrances, or synthetic preservatives," Mohs said. "For example, if the label says fragrances are added, it may contain up to 150 synthetic chemicals."

Second, you may want to take a quick look at the company itself to see if it is serious about producing natural cleaners that are safe for your family, your home, and the environment.

Let me know what works for you!