Green Cleaning - How to Clean Your Home Safely

People use chemical based cleaners in their homes every day, but do you realize the potential dangers that lurk in these cleansers? Drain and toilet cleaners, which are very toxic, can enter the groundwater and create harmful fumes. The chemicals in oven cleaners can remain on the oven surface and permeate food that is being cooked within it. Chlorine cleaners can harm the lungs and irritate the eyes, and some cleaners contain synthetic hormones that can negatively effect women's reproductive health. Traditional household cleaners can also cause skin irritations, allergic reactions and can be a grave danger to children.

Not only are chemical based cleaners harmful to human health, they are destructive to the earth by causing pollution to groundwater, damage to plant life and even harmful effects to the ozone layer. But there are safer alternatives to these types of cleaners that are not only better for your health and the earth, but are also less costly. Surprisingly, the ingredients for these earth friendly, "green cleaners can be found right in your kitchen cupboard and do a great job at cleaning your home. Here is a list of some common, safe ingredients and how you can use them in your home.

Baking Soda
A common cooking mineral, baking soda is slightly alkaline in nature and is good at neutralizing odors. Sprinkle a little on your carpeting before vacuuming to freshen your carpets. Add a cup to your laundry to neutralize perspiration odors. Put a little on a damp sponge to use as a mild abrasive cleaner for bathtubs, sinks and countertops. Dilute in water to use as an all-purpose cleaner for walls, counter surfaces and floors.
Baking soda is also good at cleaning ovens. Just apply a paste of baking soda and water with a damp sponge and let it set overnight. Then, using a water bottle, spray it all with a mist of water and wipe clean it off with a sponge or paper towels.