There are plenty of factors to promote green cleaning, the obvious being a positive impact on the earth. Eliminating dangerous chemicals from your cleaning routine lessens your family’s exposure to toxins in the home. But if you still need a push, consider your pocketbook.
The cost of household consumer products can quickly add up. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2007), in 2005 the average family spent $611 on housekeeping supplies. People over age 65 spent less on household supplies than average, whereas those between 35 to 64 years of age spent the most. All households with two or more people spent more than average, while single person households spent well below average at $321 yearly. Families with children and two parents spent well over $800.
The annual cost of household supplies is small compared to some expenses, but when combined with other costs like personal care products and food it can really add up.
Simple and Inexpensive Solutions
Spending less on cleaning is easy with natural ingredients. Generations before us, and maybe even our own grandparents, can teach us that the simplest answer is often the best. Nearly every cleaning task at home can be tackled with baking soda, vinegar, olive oil and essential oils. While there are plenty of recipes out there to concoct with numerous ingredients, part of the appeal of natural ingredients is the simplicity, so don‘t overdo it.
Baking soda is an excellent cleaner and deodorizer. Throw a cup in with the laundry, mix with water for a soft scrub, or combine a couple tablespoons in a spray bottle for an all-purpose cleaner - baking soda does it all. Instead of covering up smells with harsh perfumes, set out a small dish of baking soda. Vinegar also serves many purposes: it softens fabric when added to the rinse cycle, it leaves your dishes sparkling in the dishwasher, and it cleans glass to a streak free shine.
More tips to try at home:
* Olive oil moisturizes wood and makes it shine - combine with a little
vinegar or lemon juice and rub on into furniture wiping off excess
* Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide and disinfectant, add to vinegar and water and spray on shower curtain and other mildew prone areas
* Use undiluted vinegar in toilet bowls or add water for an all-purpose cleaner
* Use a sprinkle of baking soda followed by vinegar on clogged drains
The biggest adjustment to cleaning green is the difference in method. Natural products clean just as well, but often require some time to sit. The patience is worth your health and the money you will save.
If you miss the flowery scents of consumer products (although, you may begin to notice the strong essence of chemical those pretty scents mask after going natural) look into the wide range of essential oils available. While essential oils are pricey, don’t let the small size fool you. You only need to add a few drops to your spray bottle to get all the benefit and scent. Most organic markets carry a wide variety and typically put out testers, so you can pick your favorites. Use different attractive spray bottles and cleaning could actually turn into something you like to do.
There are some products you may want to replace but don’t want to make yourself. There are many companies providing safe and natural products, some can even be found in your grocery or department store, but organic markets are way ahead of the curve and provide a wider variety. You can purchase laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, and dish soap with the savings from all the other expensive cleaners you used to buy.
