I am not a domestic diva by any stretch of the imagination,
although I like a clean house just like the majority of us do! Having a son
that was in the NICU for 11 days after he was born, I know all too well how
careful we are as parents to keep our homes germ free but at the same time, it
seems like a rather risky trade off when we’re using chemicals that can do more
harm than good.
So what are your options then?
1.
Pitch all your traditional cleaning products and
replace them with Green Products
2.
Phase out your current cleaning products and
replace them with Green Products as you go
3.
Phase out your current cleaning products and
start cleaning with items you probably have around the house. Figure out what
works best for you and then purchase Green Products
I’m a huge fan of option #3 since it’s a great way to use
items you already have and save some money. Plus, if you’re not familiar with
the different Green Brands out there, it can be a bit confusing to navigate the
store shelves. (Don’t worry—we’ll be reviewing a brand I love on Monday!).
So #3 involves a little elbow grease but believe it or not,
it’s as easy as it sounds thanks to my new favorite cleaning reference, “The
Joy of Cleaning” by Leslie Reichert.
Leslie ran a commercial cleaning business in Massachusetts for years
using traditional cleaning products and realized what those products could do
to your health over time. Her book is
basically a recipe book for cleaning with simple, straightforward recipes for
cleaning supplies with household ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar
that are inexpensive, fine to use around little ones and pets and really work!
My husband’s first reaction when he saw me with a gigantic
bottle of white vinegar ($2.99 at the grocery store) and even more gigantic box
of baking soda ($2.29 at the grocery store) was “My mom used to clean with
vinegar and baking soda.” My mother-in-law is no slouch when it comes to
cleaning so I think my efforts to start green cleaning will be well received
the next time she visits! And with two little ones under the age of 4, I have
no qualms about letting them play as usual, even if I’ve just mopped the
bathroom floor—with dish soap, hot water and vinegar. The hardwood floor dries
faster, looks better and I’m not exposing my kids or myself to harsh chemicals.
To cut the vinegar smell, I add just a drop of Lemon oil. Simple, easy, green.
For those not quite ready to make the jump to cleaning
exclusively, Leslie’s book does offer some green commercial brand alternatives
which I like. They are brands I already use and I know I’m going to save money
and do my part to help maintain our eco-system by not using the usual suspects
anymore.
To purchase “The Joy of Green Cleaning” visit www.thejoyofgreencleaning.com.
It’s available in printed format for $15.95 and the e-book version is also available
for $10.00. Well worth the money and it’s an easy read and great reference book
for any household. And it's definitely CHIC SIMPLE GREEN!
