Spring Cleaning 2016: Tips and Ideas

Clean in a Truly Green Way and Protect the Environment

Do you know the benefits of spring cleaning?  Taking time to go through a household and clean and organize is an extremely effective way to find clothes, decor, or other supplies that can be donated and re-purposed.  

However, not all cleaning supplies are good for the environment.  In fact, some cleaning products can infiltrate and severely damage grass, shrubbery, and waterways. 

In order to avoid harmful chemicals, it is possible to purchase green cleaners.  It is also easy and economical to create efficient cleaners from everyday supplies...

Some common supplies you can easily make effective cleaners from include:

• Distilled white vinegar (sold in the cooking section of most supermarkets),
• Baking soda,
• Olive oil,
• Microfiber cleaning cloths, and
• Newspaper

With the above supplies, here are some ideas of safe, green cleaners:

• Cleaning Glass: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with one quart of water in a spray bottle. Spray on glass and wipe clean with old newspaper or a lint-free cloth.
• Countertops and bathroom tile: Mix 2 parts vinegar and 1 part baking soda with 4 parts water. Apply with a sponge, scour, and wipe away.
• Floors: Mix 4 cups of white distilled vinegar with about a gallon of hot water. If desired, add a few drops of pure peppermint or lemon oil for a pleasant scent. After damp mopping the floors, the smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, leaving behind only the scent of the oil.

These tips were re-purposed from the article "25 Green Spring Cleaning Tips" at Spark People, located at http://www.sparkpeople.com/.

Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more about Grady Management on our website or Facebook page.