SPRING CLEANING?

Spring has sprung - well, almost! As I've been cleaning and de-cluttering my home and surroundings, I've been trying to come up with more pure and safe ways to do cleaning. I figure every little bit counts.

My first decision was to get the cleaning products I had gathered into one place. I had some under the sink, some above the sink in the garage, some in the pantry, etc.

Once they were all gathered up, I then consolidated "like" items into one where I could. I didn't need several partially used bottles of window cleaner. Empty bottles then went to the re-cycle bin.

I then took an inventory of what was left. The 'every day' use items I put in a carry all style container under the sink. These included the following:

1) Cleanser
2) All purpose cleaner
3) Dusting spray
4) Dish soap - liquid
5) Dishwasher soap

Now I had everything I used on a regular basis in one place. In a small bucket under the sink I keep a set of rubber gloves, bottle brush, tooth brush, a "scritchy" and a larger handled brush for pots and pans and scrubbing the sink.

Under my sink now looks neat and orderly and less like a toxic dump site for chemicals.

The balance of the items (once in awhile cleaners and 'surplus' inventory) were put in the cupboard in the garage above the sink.

My goal now will be to use up the surplus I have (before buying more), recycle empties as allowed. When the time comes to replace a cleaning product, I will be asking the following questions as I purchase:

1. Is there an equal product for my needs that has better packaging or a 'no packaging' option?
2. Is there an equal or better product for my needs that is made from less toxic or non-toxic products (sustainable ones if possible)?
3. Do I really NEED this cleaning product? As in the example of dusting spray - a damp rag does the same trick for general dusting and the rag can be used over and over again.

While on the subject of dusting, there are just WAY to many wasteful products. I nixed by Swiffer along time ago - just more waste! I nixed the 'wipes' - again, just more waste. Same goes for all the toilet bowl cleaning gadgets - yeah, yeah, I know - no one likes to do this chore, but if you do it REGULARLY it's less of a ugly chore and a little elbow grease with a re-usable brush will do the same trick.

Some pure and safe basics for your cleaning arsenal should include:

1) Baking soda
2) White vinegar
3) Borax
4) Liquid castile soap
5) Olive oil
6) Bon Ami cleanser
7) Lemon juice (fresh lemons if you can)
8) Tea tree oil

You're all set now to a 'greener' cleaning (and money saving, by the way!) routine.

With a little online research you can find several formulas for cleaning solutions. The product manufacturers websites are a great place to start for ideas on how their products can be used. I've linked a few above.

HOUSE WARMING OR WEDDING GIFT IDEA - "Green-cleaning Starter Kit"
1. Find a nice basket, bucket, or large glass/ceramic bowl
2. Gather up the items I've listed above along with some colorful microfiber cloths and some 'scrubbies' (made of sustainable products)
3. Arrange in your choice of container
4. Add some 'recipes' (formulas) for cleaning solutions and an "green cleaning" idea list

Happy Spring "Green" Cleaning!