A spotless, sparkly kitchen is one of life’s few pleasures. Unfortunately, not all of the cleaning items we use in our Foster City homes are environmentally friendly. The good news is that there are now more eco-friendly cleaning products on the market than ever before. In fact, you can produce secure, effective, natural cleaning products for a fraction of the price of store-bought goods that function just as well or better with a few basic items you probably already have in your kitchen.
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 pets and vulnerable household members. Many store-bought detergents include chemicals that are harmful to the environment in addition to their harmful effects on people’s health. Hazardous chemicals can enter groundwater, lakes, and rivers through our kitchen drain, polluting the soil, killing plants, and sickening fish and animals.
Eco-friendly cleaning solutions, on the other end, contain non-toxic, simple components. Although, not all brands that claim to be “natural” or “organic” are environmentally beneficial. Few federal regulations specify which goods can make the “natural” claim. In addition, there are no guidelines that require makers of cleaning products to list the chemicals on the product’s package. 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
White vinegar and baking soda are two of the most straightforward components included in the finest green 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 some suggestions:
- Floors: Tile floors and sealed wood can be disinfected and cleaned using a mop or rag, with some white vinegar, and warm water. 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: Cleaning the inside of your oven when it’s been burned on can be complicated. But with enough bit of baking soda, water, and perseverance, you can use a baking soda paste to extract all that obstinate muck. Before scrubbing, the baking soda paste should be allowed to remain overnight for optimum results.
- Glass and Shiny Surfaces: Use water, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, and cornstarch together in a clean spray container to clean glass or other polished surfaces. Next, spritz and wipe thoroughly with a lint-free or microfiber towel. Utilizing paper towels to wipe the glass and other reflective surfaces is not a smart idea, as they are not eco-friendly and typically leave streaks and paper towel bits behind.
Buy or DIY?
If the notion of creating your own cleaning equipment seems unpleasant, there are now a lot of sustainable options. Solutions from Method, Bon Ami cleansers, and Mrs. Meyer’s brand products are among the most popular names. These and similar brands ensure that their products are harmless, effective, and good for the environment. Some of these brands utilize 100% post-consumer recycled plastic in their packaging.
After you’ve experienced the positives of eco-friendly solvents, you might never turn to harsh chemicals again, whether you decide to purchase or make your own kitchen cleaners. You will protect yourself, your property, and the environment!
Chat with Real Property Management Mid Peninsula at 650-696-1800 to talk to an experienced Foster City property manager today if you’re looking for a rental home or need guidance handling your rental property.
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