In my last blog I spoke about how I’ve become more “green” since moving to China. Today I’m going to tell you about the newest way I’ve become “green”. Over the last couple of months I’ve starting cleaning “green” for several reasons. One of course is that I care about the environment. Secondly, I live in China and can’t read the labels of cleaning products, besides who can really read the ingredients and know what they are in English either. We just know that the ingredients are harmful chemicals that we probably don’t really want around our families, which brings me to a third reason. I have an 10 month old baby that loves to crawl and put everything in his mouth. Do I really want him crawling on a floor cleaned with harmful chemicals or mouthing furniture dusted with chemicals.
When I decided that I was going to “clean green” there were some things that I already I knew I could do, for example using vinegar to clean glass. But I also knew that there had to be more ideas. So like most people I looked on line to find more information. I was relieved to find that most household cleaning can be done with a few simple ingredients that, if I was in the US, I would have at home. White vinegar, baking soda, hot water.
Below are several links that I’ve used to find recipes for green cleaning. Some are more advanced, for example, did you know you can make your own laundry detergent or disinfectant?
Word of caution: green doesn’t mean “safe” some cleaning recipes include ingredients like borax that still require caution when being used and must stored away from pets and children. Even when you make your own cleaning products store them in a safe place and make sure they are clearly labeled.
www.wswmd.org/recipes Has a very comprehensive list of green cleaning recipes and it they are in a very easy layout.
www.thegreenguide.com/home-garden/cleaning/diy-cleaners
www.organizedhome.com/pantry-recipes-homemade-cleaning-products
www.sideroad.com/Budgeting/homemade-cleaners.html
www.cozgroovy.com/ Has a great recipe for making your own laundry detergent. I haven’t tried this, but it’s looks simple and an option for those of you who want to up your level of green. (FYI: I’m currently having trouble accessing this website, but I think it’s because I’m in China)
Essentially you can really do all your cleaning using very simple ingredients you probably have in your home. Everything from dishes, dusting (olive oil and lemon juice), to cleaning your oven. Who doesn’t want oven cleaning to be better, if nothing else the noxious fumes from store bought products could kill you.
If you’re interested in cleaning green, but don’t feel you have the time, look for someone in your area who will come to your home and clean green or ask your current cleaning person to “green” their cleaning.
HAPPY CLEANING!
