There aren’t many pleasures in life that compare to a spotless, shining kitchen. However, not every cleaning product we use in our Richardson houses is safe for the environment. The good news is that there are now more eco-friendly cleaning products on the market than ever before. In truth, you can create natural cleaning products that are safe, efficient, and cost a fraction of what store-bought goods do with a few basic items you probably already have in your pantry.
Why Use Eco-Friendly Products?
There are lots of benefits to using environmental cleaning supplies in the kitchen. Your respiratory system, throat, nose, eyes, and skin can all be seriously harmed by harsh chemicals. In addition, they represent a grave danger to animals and vulnerable people in the household. Many store-bought detergents include chemicals that are harmful to the environment in addition to their harmful effects on people’s health. From our kitchen sink drains, toxic chemicals can enter groundwater, rivers, and lakes where they can poison fish and animals, pollute the soil, and kill vegetation.
Eco-friendly cleaning products, on the contrary, use basic, non-toxic substances that are more beneficial to the planet. However, not all “natural” or “organic” brands are environmentally friendly. There are minimal federal laws that determine which items can be labeled “natural.” Likewise, there aren’t any laws requiring makers of cleaning products to identify the chemicals on the product’s packaging. Therefore, it is up to the knowledgeable customer to either investigate the truly eco-friendly cleaning product brands that are available or manufacture their own.
Simple Ingredients = Safer Cleaning
Two basic chemicals, white vinegar and baking soda, are found in many of the best environmentally friendly cleaning products you can manufacture or buy. These two pantry staples, when used in various combinations, can clean up practically any kitchen chaos. Without using the toxic materials found in many store-bought products, you can clean the entire kitchen, from floor to ceiling, with just a few common cleaning equipment. Here are a few examples:
- Floors: You may wash and disinfect sealed wood and tile floors with just a little warm water, white vinegar, and a mop or towel. While vinegar may not have the most attractive smell, you can readily add a drop or two of your favorite essential oils to make your kitchen smell wonderful.
- Ovens: It might be tricky removing the burned-on filth from the inside of your oven. But you can use a baking soda paste to get rid of all that difficult filth if you have a small bit of baking soda, water, and persistence. Let the baking soda paste soak overnight before scrubbing for maximum performance.
- Glass and shiny surfaces: To cleanse glass or other polished surfaces, combine cornstarch, white vinegar, water, and rubbing alcohol in a sterile spray bottle. Next, spray and wipe with a microfiber or lint-free cloth. Using paper towels to clean glass and other sparkling surfaces is not a sensible move because they are not sustainable and tend to leave streaks and paper towel pieces behind.
Buy or DIY?
If manufacturing your own cleaning products doesn’t sound attractive, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives now. Products from Mrs. Meyer’s, Bon Ami cleansers, and Method brand products are some of the most well-known names. These and other brands promise that their goods are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Some of these brands utilize 100% post-consumer recycled plastic in their packaging.
After you learn about the advantages of eco-friendly cleaners, you might never go back to using harsh chemicals in your kitchen cleaning products again, whether you decide to buy them or manufacture them yourself. You’ll not only protect your property and yourself, but you’ll also be helping to protect the planet.
Chat with Real Property Management One Source at 214-721-0727 to talk to an experienced Richardson property manager today if you’re looking for a rental home or need guidance handling your rental property.
Originally Published on February 28, 2020
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