There aren’t many pleasures in life that compare to a spotless, shining kitchen. Yet, not all of the cleaning supplies we use in our Hackensack residences are good for the environment. The good news is that there are now more sustainable cleaning products available 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. Many store-bought cleaning products contain toxins that can harm the environment in addition to having negative impacts on your health. Weakened plants, poisoned fish and animals, and contaminated soil can all result from toxic chemicals that seep from our kitchen sinks into lakes, groundwater, and rivers.
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 regulations specify which goods can make the “natural” claim. Likewise, there aren’t any laws requiring makers of cleaning products to identify the chemicals on the product’s packaging. 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 simplest components included in many of the best environmentally friendly 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 a few examples:
- Floors: By using some white vinegar, warm water, and a rag or mop, sealed wood and tile floors can be sterilized and cleaned. Though vinegar may not have a delightful smell, you can quickly improve the odor of your kitchen by adding a drop or two of your favorite essential oil.
- Ovens: It might be tricky removing the burned-on filth from the inside of your oven. But you can use a baking soda paste to get rid of all that difficult filth if you have a small bit of baking soda, water, and persistence. Before scrubbing, the baking soda paste should be allowed to remain overnight for optimum results.
- Glass and Shiny Surfaces: Combine rubbing alcohol, cornstarch, water, and white vinegar in a clean spray bottle to clean glass and other polished surfaces. Afterward, spray and clean the area with a microfiber or lint-free cloth. 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?
There are plenty of environmentally friendly solutions now if producing your own cleaning products still doesn’t sound tempting. Products from Mrs. Meyer’s, Bon Ami cleansers, and Method brand products are some of the most well-known names. These, as well as other brands, claim that their products are practical, safe, and eco-sustainable. Even the packaging for some of these companies uses only 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.
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’ll not only protect your household and yourself, but you’ll also be supporting environmental preservation.
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