A spotless, sparkly kitchen is one of life’s few pleasures. Unfortunately, not all of the cleaning items we use in our Ammon homes are environmentally friendly. The good news is that there are more environmentally friendly cleaning products accessible 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 numerous benefits to using environmentally friendly cleaning supplies in the kitchen. Toxins can be extremely hazardous to your throat, skin, eyes, nose, and respiratory system. They also seriously endanger domestic pets and sensitive people. Most store-bought cleaning products include chemicals that can damage the environment in addition to having negative health consequences. By entering rivers, lakes, and groundwater through our kitchen sink drains, toxic chemicals can damage plants, contaminate the soil, and poison fish and other creatures.
Eco-friendly cleaning solutions, on the other end, contain non-toxic, simple components. However, not all products that make the “natural” or “organic” claims are eco-friendly. Few federal laws specify which goods can make the “natural” claim. Additionally, there are no laws requiring producers of cleaning products to identify the chemicals on the packaging of their goods. Thus, it is the responsibility of the informed customer to either investigate the available eco-friendly cleaning product brands or create their own.
Simple Ingredients = Safer Cleaning
White vinegar and baking soda are two of the simplest components included in many of the best environmentally friendly cleaning products you can manufacture or buy. These two kitchen essentials, when used in various ways, can handle practically any messes your kitchen may make. With a few more common cleaning tools, you can clean your whole kitchen from floor to ceiling without turning to the nasty chemicals in so many store-bought brands. Here are just a few examples:
- Floors: Tile floors and sealed wood can be disinfected and cleaned using a mop or rag, with some white vinegar, and warm water. While the scent of vinegar may not be particularly pleasant, you may easily mask it with a few drops of your favorite essential oil and get your kitchen smelling clean.
- Ovens: Sometimes it’s difficult to remove the baked-on gunk from the inside of your oven. Nevertheless, you can use a baking soda paste to get rid of all that stubborn grit if you have a little time, water, and baking soda. Let the baking soda paste remain for at least one night before scrubbing for the best 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. Afterward, spray and clean the area with a microfiber or lint-free cloth. Paper towels are not eco-friendly and frequently leave streaks and paper towel remnants behind when used to wipe the glass and bright surfaces.
Buy or DIY?
There are plenty of environmentally friendly solutions now if producing your own cleaning products still doesn’t sound tempting. 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 companies even employ packaging made entirely of post-consumer recycled plastics.
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!
Contact Real Property Management Southeast Idaho at 208-522-2400 to speak with a qualified Ammon property manager if you’re looking for a rental home or need assistance managing your rental property.
Originally Published on February 28, 2020
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