As winter draws to an end, most of us start getting into the spring cleaning spirit. It’s time to clear out all of that winter funk from our homes and start anew, fresh and clean. It’s time to get motivated to clean items in our homes that haven’t seen a cleaning cloth in months.
Below, is a list of household cleaning recipes that can help deep clean your home without the waste and toxicity. These items can all be found package free or packaged in recyclable paper. There’s no complicated concoctions here! Just a repetition of the same few ingredients that will get the job done.
All-Purpose Household Cleaner
To Brighten Carpets
Carpet Stains
Copper Pots and Pans
Glass Cook Tops
Greasy Exhaust Hood/Top of Fridge
Make a paste of baking soda and water – this cuts through grease better than any toxic cleaner I’ve used.
Faucets and Shower Heads
Scrub with vinegar to remove lime build up.
Floors/Baseboards
Fresheners/Fumigation
Oven
Apply baking soda to dirty areas then mist with water and vinegar to create a paste. Leave sitting for up to 30 minutes, then scrub clean. You can also try heating a pan of water and vinegar in the oven on low for a few hours to help get that burnt on food to loosen up.
Toilet
Scrub with baking soda.
Refrigerator/Freezer
Windows
Zero Waste cleaning also goes a little farther than just the products. We also have to reconsider the types of cleaning tools we use. Instead of using disposable sponges, dusters, paper towels, and other throw away products, choose items that are reusable and long lasting.
Zero Waste Cleaning Tools
Disposable | Reusable | |
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Additional Tips
- Use old toothbrushes to clean grout and other small areas.
- If you already own a Swiffer, look for reusable heads. I’ve seen several DIYs online.
- Dryer Lint, vacuum dust, and sweepings can be composted. Don’t throw those into the trash!
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Very nice…now you just need a must have, minimal list of cleaners!
To keep the floor neat and clean is the most important and primary chore of any place, no matters it is your residence or any commercial place. Floor is the first place that accumulates dust and dirt. If you will not clean it properly, it gets very dirty and also contaminates the environment.
http://www.cleansmartsimplestyle.com/2013/10/my-carpet-cleaning-secret.html
I totally agree! My rules of thumb….keep floor clutter to a minimum, remove your shoes, and make sure that furnace filter is cleaned regularly. 😉
I clean my floor every day because I hate to see my hair everywhere around(I have a long hair and I love it) I found here so many of good tips about cleaning other things too. Thank you for sharing!
This is a great list of zero-waste cleaning tips. In particular, the cornmeal and salt tip for carpet: have never heard of it before and will definitely try it out!
I actually just compiled a thorough guide to getting started with the zero-waste cleaning. I think you might find some of the ones not mentioned here useful.
For example, vodka has some surprising advantages over vinegar for cleaning. Take a look if you get a chance: labient.com/zero-waste-cleaning-guide.
Natalie
Awesome post! Such a helpful guide for cleaning zerowaste!
Thanks!
Looks fantastic, Natalie!
This is a great list. I've never heard of cornmeal and salt as a carpet refresher. Any clue as to how it works?
We discovered this great natural product called soap nuts, the come the fruit of a tree in Asia. They release a soap like compound when wet. We found they make a great window cleaner. If your interested in how it works here's how we did it. http://www.thegoinggreencouple.com/soap-nuts-multipurpose-product/
Your cornmeal carpet brightening tip works wonders in my home, I'm now using this method in my clients home, so far so good!
Great blog post.
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What can I use for dish soap? Will a regular body bar do the trick? Or will that leave a soapy residue?
I am very proud for your great information.
Pretty nice post.