Keeping a tidy, organized, and clean home is important for maintaining your mental health and the ability to remain comfortable in your own space. Unfortunately, keeping your home clean can often come at the expense of the planet, as many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that have negative effects on the environment, and cleaning up often requires the use of single-use paper or plastic products that are quite wasteful. Whether you are a college student or work for inhstl.com, it is important that you do your part to protect the environment from harm; a great way to do this is by practicing sustainability when cleaning your home. Keep reading to learn a few simple but effective tips for cleaning your home in a way that is sustainable and better for the planet.
1. Go Natural
Using natural household cleaners that you likely already have in your kitchen is not only better for the planet but also better for your wallet! Some examples of natural home cleaning products include:
· Lemon Juice
The acidity of lemon juice can cut through grease better than some of the most expensive products on the market, and lemon juice has natural antibacterial properties that kill bacteria and keep your home’s surfaces germ-free.
· White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can also dissolve mold, making it a great cleaning agent for your kitchen and bathroom
· Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used to clean plastic and wood surfaces and can act as a natural carpet cleaner and deodorizer
2. Swap Single-Use Products
Single-use or disposable cleaning products like disinfecting wipes or even paper towels might be effective in cleaning your home quickly and easily, but they are unnecessarily wasteful, therefore causing harm to the environment. Instead of using disposable products, opt for more sustainable options such as washable cleaning cloths or tools made from recycled materials.
3. Repurpose Household Objects
Instead of investing in special brushes, rags, and other various tools for cleaning, try repurposing old household items that can serve the same function without creating additional waste. A great example of this is an old toothbrush that can be used to clean small areas such as bathtub grout, or old t-shirts that can be used as cloths to wipe down dirty surfaces. This is a much better option for the planet, and can save you money on cleaning products and tools as well!
