Today, we’re going to talk about a topic that is not near and dear to my heart, but we all have to deal with anyway: cleaning. But not just any cleaning, oh no. We’re talking about green cleaning – the kind that won’t make Mother Nature cry, and won’t leave you coughing up a lung.
I’ll be honest. I am not the main cleaner in my household. That’s my husband. He’s an actual cleaner and he knows what he’s doing, and I prefer to do other housy things. But I still have to deal with daily cleaning, no matter how much I try to avoid it!
You’re probably thinking: “Green cleaning sounds even worse than regular cleaning.” But hear me out. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also cheaper, and can be surprisingly effective (meaning, you can spend less time cleaning and more time eating tacos). Plus, it’s a chance to flex your DIY skills and impress your friends with your newfound domestic prowess.
First up: all-purpose cleaner. This bad boy can be used on just about anything (except maybe your ex’s heart). To make it, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, and add a few drops of essential oils (lavender or lemon work well). Voila! You’ve got yourself a natural, non-toxic cleaner that will make your surfaces sparkle. Extra points if you make your own vinegar (it’s not that hard, you should try it!).
Next, let’s tackle the dreaded bathroom. You’ve probably seen those shorts where someone adds all sorts of products to their toilet bowl. A total overkill, a waste of products, and awful for the environment. Instead, combine 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar in the bowl. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then scrub away. Easy peasy! For a shower spray, mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water in a spray bottle, and add a few drops of tea tree oil. This will keep mildew and soap scum at bay, and leave your bathroom smelling like a spa (or at least, like something other than feet).
Moving on to the kitchen, where the real messes happen. To clean your oven, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and spread it all over the inside of the oven (don’t forget the racks!). Let it sit overnight, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. This mix is brilliant to get rid of particularly stubborn labels from jars too. For a dish soap, mix 1/2 cup liquid castile soap (that’s soap that is made from vegetable oil) with 1/2 cup water, and add a few drops of your favourite essential oil (peppermint is refreshing, while eucalyptus is invigorating, and lemon is all-around awesome). Pour it into a reusable soap dispenser, and you’re ready to wash those dishes (or at least, pretend like you’re doing them while you binge-watch Netflix).
And there you have it, folks – your guide to green cleaning. Not only is it good for the planet, but it’s also a chance to experiment with different scents and textures. Who knew cleaning could be so fun (or at least, less miserable)? So go forth, my friends, and clean with confidence.
Embers on the hearth 