There are many benefits to using all-natural cleaning products in your apartment. Most importantly they’ll keep toxins out of your home, many of which can cause mild to extreme health issues over time. But guess what? They’ll also get your apartment just as clean as the brand-name cleaners you find at the store.
You’ll save money too because you probably already have most of the ingredients you’ll need in your cupboards: white vinegar, baking soda, borax, hydrogen peroxide, club soda, lemon juice, liquid castile soap, corn meal, olive oil, and optional essential oils. If you don't already have these in your cupboard then swing by the store and pick them up. These items will last you and some can even be used in other ways besides cleaning!
The best part is, you can make one or two cleaners to tackle most of the cleaning jobs around your apartment. Wouldn't you rather be carrying less products throughout your apartment for cleaning then be tugging a bucket full of toxins?
If you’re thinking, “who has the time to make their own cleaners” keep reading to see just how easy the cleaning products are to make. They give you the ingredients and directions on how to make all the types of cleaners you'll need to make your apartment squeaky clean!
Ten Simple Ways to Clean Green
Posted by: Green America
The Basic Ten at Work
Now that you know what products you need, grab a few clean, empty spray bottles, some rags and sponges and a bucket of water, and you’re ready to clean your house the green way.
All-purpose cleaners: An all-purpose cleaner is just that—something you can use for just about every surface in your home, from kitchen counters and appliances to bathroom surfaces and walls. Home Enlightenment author Annie B. Bond offers this recipe for an all-purpose spray cleaner: Put ½ tsp. washing soda and a dab of liquid soap (castile soap works) into a spray bottle with 2 cups very hot tap water. Shake to dissolve. The spray will keep indefinitely. For an even simpler solution, try cleaning with two cups of club soda in a spray bottle.
Hard floor cleaner: Author and Care2.com healthy living editor Annie Bond (a.k.a. Annie Berthold-Bond) recommends this solution for all hard floors (except when directed by the manufacturer to avoid even mild detergents): Combine 1/4 liquid castile soap, up to 1/2 cup white vinegar or lemon juice, and 2 gallons of warm water in a large plastic bucket. Use with a mop or sponge.
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How Often to Clean
Now that you've mixed all your cleaners, how often you should you actually clean your apartment?
It's suggested that you do a basic cleaning at least once a week, which includes dusting, vacuuming, toilets, sinks, bathroom floors, and the counters in the kitchen. You'll keep the dust bunnies from starting families and your bathroom from scaring people. Every 2 weeks to a month, clean windows and the tub/shower. Then every 1 to 6 months clean your upholstery, steam clean your carpet, and wash your duvet and blankets. Doing a deep clean every 3-4 months, each time the season changes, will keep your apartment feeling like new.
Download our Seasonal Deep Cleaning Checklist to be able to go down the list and see what needs to be cleaned within your apartment more than when you just move out! It's amazing how many places are missed or forgotten about when there is furniture and other things blocking it. Get your checklist today and use all your green cleaners to accomplish it!
