There was a saying I saw once, I think it was on a website, that said, “Don’t mess up this Earth, it’s our only one.”
Which is why at Scrubbi, we try to be as eco-friendly as possible.
But not only is being “green” great for the environment, there are some other benefits too like: saving money, convenient, and being better for your health.
So for those moments when we’re not around and you don’t want to run to the store, here are some tips using safe, common household ingredients to clean your home in an eco-friendly way.
#1 – Replace your store bought air fresheners with natural ones you create yourself.
They’re very easy to make and much cheaper in the long run – not to mention they’re better for your health too since they don’t contain harmful airborne chemicals (see our article for more info on harmful chemicals in store bought air fresheners).
Most natural ‘make-it-yourself’ air fresheners will have some combination of vinegar, water, and essential oils. To find various recipes and more information here.
#2 – Replace your store bought glass cleaners with a homemade option.
Again, this is easy and cheap to make, and amazingly works better than most of the brand name cleaners you find in stores. Here’s one recipe that’s proven to work:
Amazing Homemade Glass Cleaner
¼ cup vinegar
¼ cup rubbing alcohol
2 cups water
1 tbsp cornstarch
**Important: Pour contents into a reusable spray bottle and shake well before using. If not shaken well, the cornstarch may clog the spray nozzle.**
Skeptical? See how well it works HERE.
#3 – Replace your store bought stainless steel cleaners.
One simple option is to make a paste using equal parts baking soda and water, then using a cloth to wipe. Another is to put a drop of olive oil on a cloth and wipe, then wipe with another cloth dabbed with vinegar. Either way, you’ll need an extra cloth to wipe off any excess moisture from the stainless steel to prevent staining and to make them extra shiny.
Click here to see how.
#4 – Remove mold on caulking with vodka.
Vodka? Yes, vodka – although you’ll probably want to use the cheap stuff in this case. Simply fill an old spray bottle with the cheap vodka and spray the areas of your bathtub or shower where mold has started growing. let it sit for about 15 minutes then scrub with a toothbrush. Just like that, your bathtub or shower will look like new. You may want to use an actual disinfectant to completely remove the mold, but this should help it look clean in a pinch.
And don’t worry, the smell dissipates quickly and, after a few minutes, isn’t noticeable.
#5 – Make your own dishwasher interior cleaner.
Remove soap scum and any lingering odours from your dishwasher with vinegar. In an empty dishwasher, fill a glass container with one cup of white vinegar and place it on the top rack. Run the dishwasher through a hot water cycle to get the interior grime free.
OPTIONAL – To get the interior noticeably brighter and stain-free, take out the glass container on the top rack and sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher. Run it once more on a hot water cycle.
Scrubbi is a professional house cleaning company that cleans homes in Calgary and the surrounding Calgary city area.