TIME TO CLEAN UP YOUR ACT

   
Spring cleaning time is here! The longer days and new energy we derive from the sunshine give us an uncontrollable urge to clean. Well, most of us. This is the perfect time to get your house in shape for the entertaining and general awesomeness of the months ahead. How can we do that sustainably?

I am often torn between the speed and efficiency of dangerous chemical cleaners and the gentle safety of greener ones. Contrary to what some companies claim, I find that natural methods sometimes take a little more time and patience. But it is well worth it. 

Instead of using bleach to clean your bathroom grout and toilet bowls, a mixture of vinegar and either baking soda or borax make an effective scrubby cleaner. Make a paste of the mixture for cleaning grout and ceramic tiles, or spray a vinegar and water solution on surfaces. Leave the mixture on for an hour or so and rinse. Some toothbrush scrubbing may be required, but you will be able breath during the cleaning process, as opposed to using bleach, which can irritate the upper respiratory system. Another great product I love is Sun and Earth spray cleaner. It smells like orange peels and is a super general cleaner. Spray and wipe countertops and other surfaces. Between the vinegar and orange scents, your bathroom will smell like the most amazing salad you’ve ever had. I promise you will never want to smell bleach in your bathroom again. If you are concerned about germs, a little rubbing alcohol will do the trick on the toilet seat.

This time of year is a great time to go down in the basement and clear your home of any dangerous chemicals or paints that may be laying around from a home improvement project. These items can leech dangerous VOCs into your home and impair air quality if not properly sealed. Most townships offer a one day opportunity to drop off hazardous waste. Keep your family safe by disposing of them properly. Never, ever pour paint or other chemicals down the drain.

Dust! We tend to keep track of general dust on surfaces, but spring cleaning demands more of us. Baseboards, lamp shades, draperies and electronics attract lots of dust. Vacuuming or wiping these items will improve your indoor air quality. It is always satisfying to unload the vacuum cleaner chamber multiple times after a day of cleaning and see the result of your effort.

Set aside one weekend day this spring to get your house in shape. Then open the windows and take a deep breath. That first breeze of spring air blowing through your clean home is intoxicating!

  

  

This article was submitted by Kathryn Robbins of Kat Robbins Interiors.

 
Kat Robbins Interiors
610-291-4220
Wayne, PA 19087
  
Superior Woodcraft is a local custom cabinet maker from Doylestown, Pa - the heart of Bucks County.
 
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