Earth Update: Cleaning Supplies Part 2

Several days ago, I posted about the importance of using eco-friendly cleaning supplies. I got some awesome reader feedback and some new, super-smart ideas! I totally took them to heart and I think you will too. Check them out:

Cincinnati Femme said- I'm so glad you mentioned bleach. Some folks actually mix bleach with other chemicals and can end up with chemical pneumonia. Really dangerous! Plus, my son has asthma, so I know how important it is to use natural products. I'll take a look at Green Works. Here's a tip: Use rubbing alcohol to clean the scum in your tub. It also works on mirrors, too. The vinegar and water combination works too, as you said. That's a great tip. Thanks!

Natalie said- I like your blog!

Here are a few tips for all-natural cleaning, the next step after natural cleaners:
Clean your windows and mirrors with water or vinegar (water really works well).
Use your vinegar as a cleaner/deodorizer in the bathroom and kitchen.
Fill a bowl half with water and a generous amount of vinegar. Put it on high in the microwave for a few minutes. The steam it generates should make any messes inside easy to wipe off and deodorizes it too!
Use baking soda to get baked on stains off of glassware/Corningware.
Used coffee grounds also can be used as a scrubbie.
Clean stained mugs by making a paste of water and baking soda (also works well).

I don't know about you but seriously, these readers went to the next level on earth-friendly cleaning!! I am SO impressed and best of all, I learned some new things too!

A special thanks to Natalie and Cincinnati Femme, you rock!

Earth Update: Cleaning Supplies

Some cleaners that you may use to clean your house are pretty hard on the environment. For example, bleach, phosphorous, and sprays that eliminate odor are actually filling the air we breathe with chemicals. Spraying something when the air smells funny is actually just covering up the smell with another chemical!

You can also replace your bleach based cleaners with products made with plant or mineral based ingredients. Try Green Works cleaners, they work amazingly well and are made with 99% natural ingredients!! They can be found at a local supermarket.

Thanks a bunch and have an "earthy" day!!

Earth Update: Paint Problems

Painting things yourself is a good way to save money but do you know how to dispose of it properly? Most people use latex paint today, which is good because oil paint is highly toxic, but everyone still must be aware that paint isn't very environmentally friendly. Instead of washing your paintbrushes outside, rinse them in a sink. If you wash them outside, this will contaminate groundwater. Bring your extra paint to a place that disposes of hazardous waste as opposed to rinsing it all down a drain.