Spring is in the air. Along with the joyous return of warmer days and sunshine comes the not-so-welcome task of spring-cleaning.
Smart consumers are beginning to rethink using chemical cleaners, and with good reason.
According to a report compiled by the Ralph Nader Study Group, "U.S. drinking water contains more than 2100 toxic chemicals that can cause cancer."
The problem is that water treatment facilities were never designed to remove chemicals. While municipal water supplies are free from bacteria and other harmful organisms, whatever chemicals are flushed down the sink, toilet or drain, ultimately end up in the drinking water.
Using chemical cleaners can also affect air quality. For sensitive individuals, poor indoor air quality can trigger everything from breathing difficulties to migraine headaches.
The alternative to is look for “green” cleaners. With so many companies jumping on the green bandwagon, it can be difficult to find effective cleaners that are not harmful to the environment.
The answer may be as close as your refrigerator’s crisper. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “When life hands you lemons, make furniture polish!”
The Basics
Making your own green cleaners is not only surprisingly easy, the ingredients are much less expensive than commercially produced cleaning products. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
• Lemon juice – great grease cutter and fresh natural scent
• White vinegar – grease cutting acid
• Baking soda – deodorizes and is a gentle abrasive cleaner
• Olive oil – great for polishing furniture and wood floors
• Borax – safe abrasive cleaner for sinks and bathtubs
• Washing soda – a safe chemical relative of baking soda, cuts grease, oil and removes wax and lipstick
• Castile soap – made from vegetable oil
• Water - used to dilute cleaners or on its own
The Recipes
The Clean Calgary Association offers the following recipes for creating your own green cleaners:
All Purpose Cleaner
1 Tbsp. (15 ml) Borax
1/2 cup (125 ml) liquid castile soap
1/2 cup (125 ml) white vinegar
16 cups (4 L) hot water
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle for easy use. Works on multiple kitchen and bathroom surfaces, including shower mildew and baked-on microwave gunk.
Scouring Cleaner
2 cups (400 ml) baking soda
1/2 cup (125 ml) liquid castile soap
1/2 cup (125 ml) tap water
2 Tbsp. (30 ml) white vinegar (add last)
Mix together and use liberally.
Counter Cleaner
4 Tbsp. (60 ml) baking soda
2 Tbsp. (30 ml) lemon juice
Mix into paste and spread on surface. Let sit 30 minutes for ink and other tough stains. Wipe with damp cloth. Great for getting rid of smells!
Glass Cleaner
1 cup (250 ml) white vinegar
1 Tbsp. (15 ml) lemon juice
3 cups (750 ml) water
Combine in a spray bottle.
TIP: Polish using newspapers for a streak-free shine.
Mildew Remover
Combine equal parts of vinegar, salt and elbow grease.
Carpet Deodorizer and Stain Removal
2 cups (500 ml) baking soda
4-5 crumbled bay leaves
125 ml cornstarch
15 ml ground cloves
Mix the above ingredients together and sprinkle on the carpet. Let it sit for up to 24 hours before vacuuming.
Wood Floor Polish
4 Tbps. (60 ml) olive oil
4 Tbps. (60 ml) white vinegar
10 drops essential oil (optional)
Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray liberally on wooden floor and polish.
Toilet Cleaner
1/2 cup (125 ml) baking soda
1/2 cup (125 ml) washing soda
2 Tbsp. (30 ml) white vinegar
Mix washing soda with baking soda. Apply to surface and scrub. Add white vinegar (mixture will bubble up) to deodorize.
Easy Microwave Cleaner
Combine 2 cups (500 ml) water with 1/2 cup (125 ml) white vinegar in a large microwave-proof bowl (glass measuring cups work well). Place on High for 5 minutes (or until boiling). Let sit until liquid cools, remove and then wipe clean. (Condensation loosens caked on food, vinegar deodorizes).
*For more non-toxic cleaning recipes and other environmentally-friendly tips, visit cleancalgary.org
What to look for in Commercial Green Products
The first rule of thumb is to read labels. Look for products that provide a complete list of ingredients. Best bets, products that are:
• Phosphate-free
• Nitrogen-free
• Biodegradable
• Non-toxic
• Contain no added dyes (except when added for safety purposes)
• Designed for use in cold water (to conserve energy)
• Reduced or no skin irritants
• Made from natural cleaners (such as citrus, seed, vegetable, and pine oils)
• Contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Vegetable based surfactants
• Perfume/Fragrance free
• Concentrated (reduces packaging)
• Certified by an independent 3rd party:
EcoLogo (environmentalchoice.com)
Greenseal (greenseal.org)
A 'Scent'sitive subject
• The majority of perfumes and scents used in commercial products are derived from man-made chemicals that contain volatile organic compounds (or VOCs). Some perfumes contain as many as 600 different petrochemical derived compounds including acetones, benzene, benzopyrene, formaldehyde, phenol and toluene – many of the same chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
• Chemically sensitive individuals can suffers a range of symptoms including headaches, dizziness, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty in concentrating and breathing. In the most extreme cases, exposure can result in seizures or anaphylactic shock - a potentially fatal response. Play it safe:
• Buy unscented products.
• Line dry clothes for that “spring fresh” scent (and save energy in the process)
• Clean furnace air filters regularly and have ducts cleaned in the spring to remove lingering odours and perfumes
