19. May 2009 by Dean of Clean.

Spring is back.  Do you feel that renewed sense of excitement, and the feeling of wanting to clean up our space we’ve inhabited all winter?  Sounds like Spring Cleaning!  And you’ve probably heard of “green cleaning.”  But what exactly is “green cleaning”?  It’s cleaning in a way that does not cause any harm to you or the environment.

Here are some simple, inexpensive ways you can clean “green” this spring!

You could start by making your own cleaners.  It sounds kind of intimidating but it’s actually quite easy and cost effective.  Just think about your grandmothers and your great grandmothers – they were cleaning green and didn’t even know it!  They didn’t have all these fancy, chemical laden cleaners to choose from.  They had simple, non-toxic recipes to use.   Their homes were clean and non-toxic – “green” before it was the trend.  (And
just think about how long they lived – could there be a connection to
their longevity and their lack of exposure to harmful chemicals in
cleaning supplies and food?)

Recipe for All Purpose Cleaner:

4 Tablespoons Vinegar

2 tsp. Borax

32 oz. hot water

Mix and store in a spray bottle.

Recipe for Window Cleaner:

1 Cup White Vinegar

3 Cups Water

Mix and store in a spray bottle.  Use a cotton rag or newspapers.

Recipe for Cleaning Wood Floors:

¼ Cup White Vinegar

1 Quart Warm Water

Mix in spray bottle.  Use sparingly and be careful not to over wet the wood.  Use a cotton mop. 

A Couple of Notes:  Always test a surface before you clean it with any product.  For a pleasant scent, add a few drops of an essential oil to your homemade cleaning products.  Try lavender, lemon, or tea tree oil.

Also, part of “green” cleaning is reusing your cleaning supplies.  Opt for reusable, washable rags over sponges and paper towels. 

Now clean to your heart’s content – all of the recipes above are non-toxic and are safe for you and the planet.  So clean away! And, if you’d like Professional “Green” Cleaning for your Carpets, Upholstery, Stone, Tile and Grout floors or Oriental Rugs, call 385-8444 and we’ll be happy to give you a complimentary,  no-obligation quote.

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24. March 2008 by Dean of Clean.

Housecleaning…it should make your home healthier, right? After all, you’re taking away the dirt and allergens and germs from your indoor environment. But hold on, Cinderella! Read the ingredient labels on your household cleaners to make sure you’re not doing as much harm to yourself as good!

If they contain 2-Butoxyethanol (as in some window and bathroom cleaners) or Glycol Ether, (ditto) or Nitriloacetates, you’re getting a nose full of nasty when you clean! The first two are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which can cause nasal irritation, aggravate asthma or other breathing problems, and contribute to diseases like cancer. The last one is a suspected carcinogen (almost certainly causes cancer).

That’s bad enough if you’re the only one using them…but what if you’re pregnant? Cleaning with Baby? Or teaching the ten-year-old some responsibility by having them clean the toilet? Their young systems are even more susceptible to damage by these strong chemicals.

There’s good news though - more and more manufacturers are phasing out these types of ingredients, or at least giving you a choice. There are a number of new, “Green” cleaning products around today that work just as well (or better) than the old petrochemicals, and without the nasty smells and side effects. Look for these at your local store:

Seventh Generation has been making “Green” cleaning products for quite a while now. I personally use and like their dishwashing liquid and laundry detergent powder.

Ecover has a similiar line; their laundry prewash has worked well for me.

Clorox had a new line of products on the shelf when I stopped in at the store the other day, and our office now has GreenWorks bathroom and toilet cleaners on trial! (So far, so good…)

And last but not least, Target has a line of environmentally friendly cleaners getting rave reviews called Method. Bonus: the packaging looks really cool, too…kind of like if Apple designed cleaning products!

Don’t forget, you have similiar options with other aspects of your cleaning now. Ultrasteam Professional Cleaning in Durango offers “Green” cleaning for carpets, upholstery, stone, tile and grout. (Website: ultrasteamcleaning.com ) Some local window washers and housecleaning services do, too. Do your research and hire accordingly - for the health of the earth and your family!

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