Green Cleaning

Phosphate-Free Dishwashing

The Spokane River had a problem with soap-scum build up because runoff from the area’s dishwashers was full of phosphorus. Phosphorus helps give glasses and dishes a sparkling clean appearance, but it was contributing to the growth of algae, which led to the waterways in Washington State turning an unappealing shade of green. The algae was absorbing so much oxygen that they were suffocating other aquatic life that was living in the waterways. Experts believe that 1/3 of the phosphorus at wastewater-treatment facilities came from dishwasher detergent. The other key sources of phosphorus are sewage and fertilizer. Because farmers require fertilizer to grow crops, and it’s rather unpractical to expect people to cut down on their contribution to sewage, a group of environmentalists opted to focus on detergents. The environmentalists were able to get the first statewide ban on phosphates in household automatic-dishwasher detergents in 2006. The ban didn’t go into effect until 2010 due to an industry compromise. Since the ban, 15 additional states have followed Washington State’s lead.  The trade group that represents most detergent manufacturers, American Cleaning Institute, was pushed by the onslaught of state regulations to adopt a voluntary ban in the summer of 2010. Thus, it ...

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Dry Vapor Steam Cleaners and Other Tips for Green Cleaning

Cleaning around the home or office typically involves the use of harsh chemicals that are not only dangerous for the environment, but also dangerous for your health. Making changes in your cleaning habits is a great way to help the environment and your health. Steam cleaning is one method to consider. While traditional steam cleaners are not green, dry vapor steam cleaners are.  These devices only use water to eliminate dirt. They require absolutely no cleaning products because they are solely reliant on water vapor. The dry vapor models use only a small volume of water to operate, much less than a person would use to do cleaning by hand with soapy water and a sponge.  The dry steam vapor cleaner will eliminate large amounts of dirt from nearly every surface in a home, including tiles, curtains, grout, and patios. These devices need little energy because they convert a small amount of water into a powerful jet of steam so there is less need to heat water. While a dry steam vapor cleaner may not replace all your household cleaning products, it certainly is a great alternative to reducing your reliance on those products. Microfiber cloths are another great tool to use ...

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Using White Vinegar as an All-Round Cleaner

If you are looking for a safe, non-toxic cleaner and overall household helper, look no further than white vinegar. This humble substance can be used in a variety of ways to clean and disinfect your home. Here are some ideas for how to use this inexpensive liquid. 1. Deodorizer Vinegar can help remove odors from clothes and drains. For drains, pour about 1 cupful of baking soda into the smelly drain. Then pour in about 2 cups of vinegar and leave overnight. In the morning, flush with hot water. For removing odors from clothes, add 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1/4 cup of baking soda to your laundry. You can add this at the beginning of the wash cycle or during the rinse cycle. This mixture has a fabric-softening effect as well. 2. Drain Clog Remover In addition to eliminating drain odors, vinegar can help unclog drains. Follow the steps in #1 above. The foaming action dislodges many clogs. 3. Toilet Cleaner To clean and disinfect your toilet bowl, sprinkle in about a cup of baking soda. Then pour in 2-3 cups of white vinegar. (You will find your kids more willing to help you clean if it involves a fizzy toilet!) When the fizzing dies ...

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Basic Pillow Maintenance to Avoid Allergies

Your pillow is a source of soft comfort and a good night's sleep. But it can also be a source of allergens, primarily dust mites. Because your face and head rest on the pillow all night, your exposure is inescapable. You spend about 1/3 of every day lying on your pillow. So if you have allergies, it's a good idea to maintain an allergy-free pillow along with the rest of your bedding. * Washing - If you have allergies, you probably already wash your bedding in hot water each week. Include your pillow case in this washing. While hanging clothes out to dry saves energy, skip this step with your bedding if you are allergic. Run your pillow case through the dryer on a hot setting. Wash your pillow itself every month or so (if it is washable - check the tag). Some experts say washing pillows every three months will suffice. Either way, use hot water and the dryer as well. Run them through the rinse cycle twice. * Freeze your pillow - Place your pillow in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for 24 hours. This will kill dust mites. If you have a deep freeze or case ...

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How to Clean Your Jewelry the Green Way

All jewelry becomes tarnished, discolored and dirty over time.  Some of the conventional cleaning options may involve chemicals that are not eco-friendly.  To clean jewelry the green way, here are some tips. 1. Use any of various commercial jewelry cleaning products that are plant-based and non-toxic. 2. In a rubber dish pan or other container (you don't want your jewelry to slip down the drain), soak gold jewelry in warm, soapy water for about 5 minutes.  Use biodegradable liquid dish soap and filtered water, as chlorine can discolor some gold jewelry.  Using a soft brush - an old toothbrush is ideal - gently scrub each piece of jewelry, rinse, and lay on a soft towel.  Then gently rub them dry with a soft cloth. 3. Silver jewelry (without gemstones) can be cleaned by a non-toxic chemical method at home that does not involve a lot of scrubbing and rubbing.  This is especially good for fine chains.  Lay a piece of aluminum foil in the bottom of a pan.  Lay your jewelry on the foil; sprinkle with baking soda. Pour boiling water over the jewelry until it is covered.  Let the jewelry sit for about 5 minutes or longer. Then remove the jewelry, rinse, ...

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