Spring Cleaning Tips

Cleaner and safer alternatives when doing spring cleaning

It is that time of the Season! The rain is slowing down, the days are getting longer, flowers are blooming and spring cleaning is in full swing. Cleaning out your apartment, room or house is great to keep things clean, tidy and sanitary for you and those who you live with. In this blog, we will be discussing proper cleaning equipment and steps needed for a safe and smooth cleaning as well as alternative cleaning supplies compared to more chemically based products.

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Safety Comes First

When is comes to cleaning safety is no exception. One does not know the dangers await you when cleaning. Their could be mold, dust, bugs, etc. It is best to be prepared for anything. Always have goggles, face mask, and gloves when cleaning. This will protect you from almost anything you encounter when cleaning. From the dust particles to the chemicals you are using. Finally make sure you leave adequate ventilation when cleaning. The last thing you want is cleaning out a room only to kick up particles in the air. Once you believe the room is clean you will leave and the particles will just fall back down. This can be harmful for you as well as you can inhale the particles while cleaning. Keeping the room well ventilated will push the particles away.

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This... Not That

In this part I will be showing you alternative to some cleaning materials compared to other products that are dangerous to you and your family.

All purpose Cleaner

Clean with this...

1 tsp. liquid soap, 1 tsp. Borax, 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 quart warm water.

- Borax makes a powerful disinfectant and softens water to increase soap suds. Borax is ideal for cleaning walls without the risk of damage. It can remove stuck-on dirt and grime from floors.

Not with that...

Branded All Purpose Cleaners

Most all purpose cleaners have one or more of the following chemicals.

- Ammonia Low exposure: Burning sensation in eyes, nose, respiratory tract.

High exposure: Blindness, lung damage, death.

- Chlorine Low exposure: Skin and eye irritation.

High exposure: Lung irritation, pulmonary edema, death.

- Ethylene glycol monobutyl acetate

Low exposure: Cough, headache, nausea, skin irritation.

High exposure: Kidney damage, red blood cell damage.

- Sodium hypochlorite

Low exposure: Eye, skin, throat irritation.

High exposure: Pulmonary edema, stomach perforation, death.

- Trisodium phosphate

Low exposure: Breathing difficulties, cough, throat pain/swelling.

High exposure: Kidney disease, heart disease, death.

Disinfectant

Use this...

Essential oils (Antimicrobial properties), Vinegar, Baking Soda, Lemons

- A study showed certain essential oils having antimicrobial properties and were able to stop certain fungal and bacteria's such as Salmonella and Staph. When creating a DIY solution with essential oils, use the ratio of adding 10 drops (or more) to ever 2-3 cups of liquid to make sure the mixes are strong enough.

Attached is the pdf of the study.

Hammeretal1999

.pdf

Download PDF • 497KB

Not this...

Bleach

Bleach is a strong corrosive substance. Bleach can affect the respiratory system if inhaled. It can also irritate or burn the skin and eyes. Ingesting bleach can cause pulmonary edema or vomiting and coma.

Drainage, sinks and toilets

Clean with this...

Baking Soda and vinegar

Vinegar is naturally acidic giving it clean properties. The combination of vinegar and baking soda causes carbon dioxide gases to be released which can help lift dirt and stains. Plus, it does it without using any harsh chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about breathing it in while you clean. A great combination in removing clogged toilets and sinks.

Not with that...

Drain Cleaners

These dangerous substances contain lye and other chemicals known to cause burns to the skin and eyes, and even blindness in severe cases. Swallowing a small amount of drain cleaner can severely affect the throat, stomach and may even cause death.

Odors

Use this...

Lemons

Lemons can be an effective way of eliminating odors from your home. Slice a lemon in half for a fresh-smelling refrigerator and place it on a saucer in the fridge. The lemon will eliminate any foul food odors. Be sure to change the lemon once a week. For garbage disposal, slice half a lemon into small slices and dump them in the garbage disposal, turn on the garbage disposal with running water. Your garbage disposal will be smelling better.

Essential oils

Not that...

Air fresheners

Air fresheners are known to contain formaldehyde, a strong substance that irritates the skin, eyes or throat. They contain other dangerous chemicals which may cause nervous system damage or pulmonary edema in sensitive individuals.