A spotless, sparkly kitchen is one of life’s few pleasures. Unfortunately, not all of the cleaning items we use in our Aiea homes are environmentally friendly. The good news is that there are currently more eco-friendly cleaning products available than ever before. In reality, you can prepare effective, safe, natural cleaning products at home for a fraction of the cost of store-bought goods that perform just as well or better with a few simple items you likely already have in your cupboards.
Why Use Eco-Friendly Products?
There are significant benefits to utilizing sustainable cleaning products in the kitchen. Harsh chemicals can be exceedingly damaging to your nose, skin, eyes, respiratory system, and throat. 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.
On the other hand, eco-friendly cleaning products use straightforward, non-toxic, and environmentally preferable chemicals. Unfortunately, not all “natural” or “organic” brands are genuinely eco-friendly. Few federal laws specify which goods can make the “natural” claim. In addition, no restrictions mandate makers of cleaning products to declare the products’ contents on their packaging. This implies that it is the responsibility of the informed consumer to either research the truly eco-friendly cleaning product brands that are available or manufacture their own.
Simple Ingredients = Safer Cleaning
Two basic chemicals, white vinegar and baking soda, are found in many of the best environmentally friendly cleaning products you can manufacture or buy. Utilized in various combinations, these two pantry staples can clean up virtually any kitchen mess. You don’t need to use the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought brands to thoroughly clean your entire kitchen from floor to ceiling with a couple of common cleaning supplies. Below are a few ideas:
- 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 nice, you could simply add a drop or two of your preferred essential oil to make your kitchen smell good.
- Ovens: Sometimes it’s difficult to remove the baked-on gunk from the inside of your oven. But with enough bit of baking soda, water, and perseverance, you can use a baking soda paste to extract all that obstinate muck. Let the baking soda paste set overnight before cleaning for the best results.
- Glass and shiny surfaces: To clean glass or other polished surfaces, combine white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, cornstarch, and water, in a sanitized spray bottle. Next, spray and wipe 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?
If manufacturing your own cleaning products doesn’t sound attractive, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives now. 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 employ 100% recycled plastic in their packaging.
Whether you decide to purchase or produce your own kitchen cleaning supplies, once you experience the advantages of eco-friendly cleansers, you might never go back to using harsh chemicals again. You’ll not only protect your property and yourself, but you’ll also be helping to protect the planet.
Speak with a professional Aiea property manager right now by contacting Real Property Management Honolulu at 808-445-9500 if you are looking for a rental home or seeking aid in managing your rental property.
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