5 Simple Green Cleaning Tips

You may want to adopt a greener lifestyle to cut back on the number of paper products you use. Maybe you want to use fewer chemicals around your children or pets. Whatever the reason, choosing to create a healthier lifestyle and environment is always a good thing. To help you along, we’ve put together a few green cleaning tips that are sure to lead to an eco-friendlier lifestyle.

1. Read Labels

When shopping for cleaning products, look for ones that have “ecolabels.” Cleaners that are eco-friendly exhibit the Green Seal or ECOLOGO, so you know you’re buying a product that’s safe for you, your family, your pets, and the planet.

At the same time, look through the cleaning supplies you have at home and do away with any that don’t fit the green living bill.

2. Do Away With Disposable

If you use a lot of disposable cleaning supplies like paper towels and sponges, try swapping them out for a reusable option instead. Washable cloths and stiff-bristled scrub brushes save money and don’t have such a huge carbon footprint as disposable products do.

3. Make Your Own Cleaning Products

If you’re ready to take your greener cleaning routine to another level, try mixing your own cleaning solutions rather than buying them. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s in them and what’s not.

The Internet is full of homemade cleaning solution and scrub recipes – all you have to do is Google them.

4. Think About Laundry Differently

If you use fabric softener in the wash cycle or dryer sheets in the dryer, it could be a contributing factor to allergies and respiratory problems in your household, not to mention environmental problems with the planet.

Rather than use artificial fabric softeners in your laundry, stock up on wool dryer balls instead. These magical balls decrease drying times and make clothes super soft and static-free.

5. Say “No” To Scents

If you truly want to create a greener household, just say “no” to scents. Artificial scents often contain phthalates, which have been known to trigger asthma symptoms in children.

If you want that fresh, just-cleaned smell when you clean, use more lemons in your cleaning routine or add essential oils to your homemade cleaning solutions.

If you want to go green with your cleaning routine, be sure to adopt the tips listed above.