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Cleaning Made Quick, Easy and Green
Keeping a house clean can be a challenge. Especially with all the other chores on our 'to do' lists. To make it easier for you, I'm sharing some simple and efficient cleaning tips to make your life easier. Also, with staying true to the integrity of this site, I will offer economical green cleaning solutions that are easy on your pocket book.
I have reduced all of my household cleaners to 2 squirt bottles. One is for windows and glass and the other is a multi purpose cleaner. And to be honest, I sometimes just use the multi purpose cleaners on my glass, mirrors and windows as well.
For glass items, I mix a solution of one tablespoon of vinegar to a half gallon and put this in a squirt bottle labeled window cleaner.
My other squirt bottle is for my multi purpose cleaner. I recommend Dr. Bronner'al Sal Suds multi purpose because it is economical, works well on hard surfaces, is gentle on the skin, and is derived from natural oils.
To clean the surfaces and avoid extra waste, use an alternative solution to paper towels. One recommendation is to use old newspapers to clean your windows, mirrors and glass. Many find that this eliminates streaks. Another option is to use old wash clothes and rags. I use a combination of old rags and Twist Euro sponge cloths because the company claims that one Euro sponge cloth outlasts 17 rolls of paper towels.1 I also like the fact that you can cut the Euro sponges into smaller pieces for different jobs. I've never been a fan of the one sponge for everything concept when cleaning. I cut a piece for my toilet jobs and another piece for sinks and counters.
For hardwood floors, you can use just use ¼ cup vinegar to a gallon of water. Sometimes I add lavendar oil to my floor bucket to hide the vinegar smell. I use the multi purpose cleaner on my other hard floor surfaces and clean with an old fashion mop.
If you would like to research other home made cleaning solutions, go to http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/eco-friendly/DIY-Toxin-Free-House-Cleaning-Guide.
Supply List:
Twist Euro Sponges, rags, or old wash clothes
white vinegar
2 quirt bottles
multi purpose cleaner (like Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds)
bucket and mop
1Www.twist.com