It's easy to go clean and GREEN

With all the talk about “going green,” many people are reconsidering their gas consumption, their food choices and their energy usage. But when it comes to cleaning the house, they may still use Earth-unfriendly chemicals.




Cleaning green to help save the Earth needn’t be complicated, though. Homeowners can change the products they purchase or even use some of the staples such as baking soda and vinegar that are likely sitting on their shelves already. Neither contains any harsh chemicals.

And making cleaning products from scratch will effectively clean and freshen without creating harmful fumes and residue.

“By using a mixture of baking soda, water and some lemon juice (equal parts) you can create a product that can be used the same way a soft scrub would be used for tough rust stains, lime and calcium buildup on tile, grout or cultured stone products,” said Robyn Anglickis Rocco, owner and principal designer of Eco-Spaces.

Eco-Spaces specializes in using Earth-friendly products for paints, flooring, fabrics, furniture, custom furniture pieces or built-ins, as well as art and accessories.

“The best way to clean ceramic/porcelain tile or laminate floors (don’t use it on natural stone as it’s too acidic), is to mix vinegar and water in equal parts,” said Rocco, who recommends that you open windows, or at least use ceiling fans when cleaning, as it helps circulate the air to remove dust and allergens.


“For stubborn stains on carpet or upholstery, try mixing a spoonful of a natural laundry detergent with club soda,” Rocco said. She noted that certain types of furnishings, window treatment fabrics, home goods and carpets promote a cleaner air quality.

“Ado, a company that makes blinds and window treatments, has developed a fabric called ActiBreeze that filters and removes toxins, allergens, mold, and dust mites from the air,” she said.

Visit Furnature.com for a list of certified nontoxic furniture.

For cleaner indoor air, Rocco also recommended adding live plants to your home as they help in promoting a healthier indoor air quality, and making sure that you change/clean your home’s air filter monthly.

Those who would prefer to purchase green cleaning products can look to the “Method” and “Seventh Generation” brands, which offer nontoxic and organic cleaners. They can be found at stores such as Ada’s, Target, Sweetbay and Publix.

“More and more people are becoming aware of the health benefits of using natural cleaning products, and the availability of these products,” said Desiree Alger, manager of the Fort Myers Ada’s Natural Foods & Organic Supermarket.

“Natural cleaning products are great for people with allergies, and those with sinus and lung issues. Plus, you don’t have to worry about having toxins being absorbed into your skin. It’s safe for children and pets, as you don’t have to worry about toxic effects of children getting ahold of it.”

Ada’s offers natural laundry detergent and fabric softeners made by Life Tree, a company that produces a full line of cleaning products, Alger noted.

Homeowners can also purchase green cleaning products from independent distributors such as Betsey Lunsford. The Fort Myers woman owns Wild Treasures, through which she sells Shaklee products.

Founded in 1956 by Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee, the company offers natural, environmentally friendly nutrition, personal care and household products, according a company Web site.

The company launched the “Get Clean” line, which features nontoxic household cleaning products, in 2006, the Web site says.

Lunsford meets with customers to tailor their cleaning needs and wants and whether they want to go “cold turkey” by disposing of their household chemicals all at once.

“I will show you how to reconstitute from the concentrates and learn how to use it properly,” Lunsford said. “It will save you a ton of money because you’re using your water to reconstitute just a few drops of a concentrate to make a bottle of spray cleaner.”

A healthy home package, which is a small starter kit, is just under $90 delivered while the larger Get Clean starter kit runs $175, she said.

“You get reusable bottles and extremely safe cleanser. You don’t have to wear gloves or eye protection,” Lunsford added.

And natural products that contain lemon or orange oils are ideal for cleaning, moisturizing and polishing wood. A good choice is Murphy’s Oil Soap, which can be found at many retail outlets and can be used to safely clean many surfaces, even marble and enameled ones.

You’ll notice on the labels of the green brands that there’s no chlorine, ammonia, harsh acids, caustics or petroleum-based ingredients that are harmful to your air, your fabrics and surfaces, and, especially to all who reside in your home — even your pets.

Source: http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080322/LIFESTYLES/80321035/1013/LIFESTYLES