Cleaning In a Different Hue.

Earlier today, my mom sent me an e-mail with a link from our local newspaper. The article was about “green” cleaning products. It told a story about a woman who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which consists of joint tenderness and long lasting pain all over the body. In efforts to reduce pain, it was suggested to her that eliminating harsh chemicals from her household would be beneficial to her health. So she began using nontoxic, Eco-friendly cleaners in her home. Not only did her health improve, but also her friends saw what she was doing, and it quickly became a trend.

My goal for this upcoming school year is to transform my dorm room and many other dorm rooms, to “green clean” living spaces. Many people learn by example, so if I can be a capital influence to my dormitory comrades, then that is what I am going to do. If you can make a cleaning supply that does not include harsh chemicals, can get the job done just as well, and be a fraction of the cost, then why the heck not? Yes, it does take a little more work then just grabbing a bottle of scrubbing bubbles off the shelf at Wal-Mart, but it the end your wallet it going to thank you. For a college student such as myself, cheaper is ALWAYS better.

Here are some wonderful recipes for Eco-friendly household cleaners:

Glass Cleaner:
-2 tbsp. white vinegar
-Fill rest of 20-ounce bottle with water.

Multi-purpose surface cleaner:
-1/4 cup lemon juice
-Fill rest of 20-ounce bottle with water

Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
-Baking Soda
-Then proceed to scrubbing.
(But don’t let the baking soda sit too long or else it will get as hard as a rock!)

Mop Water:
-1/2 cup vinegar
-1 gallon water
-Essential oil of choice (Lavender, Tea Tree, Lemon, etc.)
The essential oils, which can be found at your local health food store, mask the smell of the vinegar.

Laundry Detergent:
-1 bar grated fels naptha, or other laundry bar soap.
-Two cups borax
-Two cups washing soda
Use two tablespoons for each load of laundry.


Air Freshener:
-Few drops of essential oil
-Then rest of 20-ounce bottle with water.

Furniture Polish:
-1/4 cup olive oil
-1/4 cup white vinegar
-20-30 drops lemon essential oil.
Shake. Dip a dry, clean cloth into polish and rub in the direction of the grain.

Also, if you’re looking for a great bleach alternative for your laundry:
-Mrs. Stewart’s Liquid Bluing.
This can be found at Wal-Mart.

A special thanks to my sister for these wonderful recipes ;)