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Last Updated on December 8, 2023
Have you been making an effort to make more eco-conscious decisions in your life as of late? If so, you aren’t alone, as people, in general, are starting to question the products they use, the foods and drinks they consume, and even question the environmental footprint and ethical practices of manufacturers and various companies. While it can seem daunting to save the planet and do your part, it can be helpful to remember that each and every eco-friendly choice you make – both big and small – contributes.
One area you may want to focus on is eco-friendly home maintenance. There are all kinds of products and tips that you can use that will allow you to keep a fresh and clean home, but without doing any sort of damage to the environment. Let’s take a closer look.
Discover All that Baking Soda Can Do
Did you know that one of the most powerful cleaners that you can get your hands on is likely something you already have in your kitchen cupboard? Baking soda or bicarbonate soda is one of those wonder-products whose list of uses seems almost endless. It is able to neutralize odors and do a very thorough cleaning job, all without any toxic chemicals being used.
Some of the ways you can use it around the home include making it into a paste with a little water and then using it with a washcloth to clean sinks, tiles, and your tub. Add it to your dish soap while dishes are soaking in the sink and it will cut right through the grease. It also works as a fabulous tile floor cleaner, just mix a bucket of warm water with 1/2 cup baking soda. Rather than spraying those chemical-filled air fresheners in your home, mix some baking soda in with your favorite essential oil and you’ve got a chemical-free option.
Additionally, it can be used to clean your oven, polish up your favorite silver flatware, help to get your clothes cleaner in the washing machine, and more.
Put an End to Paper Towels and Opt for Re-Useable Cloths and Rags
As you are working on all the cleaning jobs in your house, why not swap out those paper towels and use rags and cloths instead. You can even make your own from clothing you no longer wear or want, just like they used to do. Rags do an amazing job at cleaning windows, walls, and even floors.
Start Drying Your Clothes Outdoors on a Clothes Line
Another tip is to start drying your clothes the traditional way – outdoors on a clothesline. Not only does it mean you don’t have to use gas or electricity to power your dryer, but you’ll also be able to enjoy fresh-smelling laundry.
Invest in Window Treatments
Why not help the environment out by using less energy in your home for cooling and heating. Did you know that by installing window treatments on all your windows, you’ll be able to cut back on your cooling and heating needs/costs? In the winter, you can let the sunshine in to warm up the home naturally, while in the summer, you can close up the window treatments to block out the heat and keep the temperature comfortable indoors.
Place Houseplants throughout the Home
The final tip is to place house plants throughout your home in order to make it healthier. House plants will help you to breathe easier inside the home, they freshen the air naturally and purify the air removing harmful toxins, and they even release moisture vapor to increase the humidity in the air.
Each of these tips will help you where home maintenance, your own personal health, and the health of the environment are concerned.