Go Green with the Library: Green Cleaners
January 24, 2017
As we hunker down in our homes during the winter months, there is one step we can take to keep our homes safe – dispel harsh chemicals from the air we breathe.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), states that many household cleaners we use have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. Some VOCs can also cause cancer in animals and humans.
VOC levels inside the home are usually 2-5 times greater than outdoor levels. However, there are products that you can use to clean your home without the harsh chemicals.
Green America provides a list of the top 10 products you can use, many of which will already be in your homes.
- Baking Soda – Eliminates odors and acts as a gentle scouring powder
- Borax – Acts as an antifungal as well as eliminating odors and dirt. Can be toxic if swallowed by children or animals.
- (Fresh) Club Soda – Stain remover and polisher
- Corn Meal – Can pick up carpet spills
- Hydrogen Peroxide (3% concentration) – Non-toxic bleach, stain remover, and disinfectant
- Lemon Juice – Non-toxic bleach, stain remover, and grease cutter
- Liquid Castile Soap – All-purpose cleaner, grease cutter, and disinfectant.
- Olive Oil – Furniture polish
- Pure Essential Oils – Adds natural, pleasant smells to your all-purpose cleaners.
- White Vinegar – Antifungal and kills germs and bacterial
You can find more information on how to mix your own cleaners at Green America’s website: http://www.greenamerica.org/livinggreen/greencleaners.cfm
You can also find books on how to clean your home with green products at the Library.
- Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home by Linda Mason Hunter and MIkki Haplin
- Greening Your Cleaning by Deidre Imus
To read more articles like this, type “go green” in the search box at the top of the page.
