http://www.care2.com/greenliving/simple-ways-to-detox-your-home.html
Simple Ways to Detox Your Home
A clean home is more than just sparkling countertops and well-vacuumed floors, it’s fresh-smelling and chemical-free too. Here are some easy ways to detox your home from Simply Green Parties by Danny Seo (HarperCollins Publishers, 2006).
1. Instead of using a synthetic air freshener to get rid of a smell, open a window or use an exhaust fan instead. Aerosol air fresheners emit volatile organic compounds, which can irritate your eyes and lead to headaches.
2. If your refrigerator has a drip pan, clean it out every month. The moisture in the pan can breed mold and other bacteria.
3. Use non-toxic cleaning supplies. Eco-friendly, all-purpose cleaners can now easily be found at major discount retailers and supermarket chains. The effectiveness has been improved and the prices have come down. To make cleaning even more appealing, add a few drops of essential oil to the bottle. While you clean, you’ll fill the room with a fresh, natural scent.
4. If you have central air conditioning, wipe down the vents where the air comes out. The dust that collects on the vents could recirculate when the air flows out.
5. Lose the vinyl shower curtain. Most shower curtains (including all liners) are polyvinyl chloride/PVC-based, which release chemical odors and gases into your house almost the second they are taken out of their packaging. They can continue to release these gases for years. A simple solution is to take a cue from hotel chains: Go nylon. These simple, white nylon shower curtains do not need a liner and are easy to clean–just unhook and throw into the washing machine. Good as new!
6. Ditch plastic plants for the real thing. In addition to being unsightly, silk plants are nothing more than dust catchers. A few houseplants–like ivy and even cacti–will help naturally filter the air in your home by absorbing bad gases and by giving back oxygen.
7. Microwave sponges. After washing the dishes, toss the wet sponge into the microwave and nuke it on high for about a minute. This will radiate all the bacteria away and make sure it’s germ-free for the next time you use it.
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26 comments
add your comment »1) Sanitize sponges about once per week by boiling it in a regular pot of water for 5-10 minutes. No need to use the microwave.
2) Just let sponges dry thoroughly in between uses; don't leave them in the sink where they can't dry. No need to sanitize daily if you let them dry thoroughly daily.
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I put sponges in the dishwasher, top drawer. No danger of fire there. It can prevent glasses or cups hitting each other.
I don't like to wash rags in my washer if there is heavy oil or grease on them, they get tossed out. Had a bad experience in the past. I prefer to use paper towels, then toss them when finished. No water or soap or electricity needed, and the paper is biodegradable. Some times I can use the paper twice, by letting it dry out a while.
I remember Watkins products, I really liked Shaklee. I've liked Tom's of Maine products when I can find them. I go to Trader Joe's now for good things. Whole Foods is good but farther away from me.
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Although eco-friendly cleaning products can now be found at large chain stores, sometimes they aren't the most legit products. Many stores offer supposed "green" cleaning products, but really, they aren't much better for the environment than what you were already using.
Fortunately for us, there are companies out there that test and certify the greenest and most efficient household cleaning products. GreenCupboards is a good example. They not only independently test every product, but they have their very own chemist who looks over all of the ingredients in every product to make sure everything they offer is truly green. If the chemist isn't happy, the products won't end up for sale.
Check them out at http://www.greencupboards.com.
I promise you won't be disappointed!
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Something to remember when using vinegar is that it is also used to kill weeds. It can strip granite, wood and others of its protective coating..
And yes please use natural sponges or a sponge or scrubber. made from recycled materials.
Great grease cleaner, chrome, stainless, tile polisher and cleaner that is made from cherry pits. It also does shower doors pots and pans etc. Scour off! by Shaklee
I have used it for 23 years when it was called At Ease.
http://4healthyhome.com
Shawn
Shaklee Independent Distributor
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I've not had luck with the sponge in the microwave trick...and others who I have talked to have had similar situations. I don't recommend it, due to the fact that mine started smoking and if I wasn't watching it, may have started a fire. NOT COOL!!
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I never knew any of that...I am so glad I joined this site, I have really learned alot from some amazing people
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Great tip about the shower curtain. I just heard about that when the plastic bottle stuff was in the news.
I gave up sponges and only use rags and scrubbers as they can easily be washed.
I have been using non-toxic cleaners that I buy for 26 years but I still make some of my own. My favorite drain and toilet cleaner is 1 cup baking soda 2 cups vinegar. Put the vinegar in first and add baking soda. Foam will clean everything. Products I use are at http://4HealhtyHome.com.
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Wow, #3 on the list, non-toxic cleaning supplies makes a huge difference in how your home smells. And getting rid of those toxins really helps me feel better. No more headaches after cleaning the bath. I love my non-toxic cleaning products.
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I use only white distilled vinegar(1/4c mixed with 3/4c water) to clean anything and everything in my home. Works great on windows, mirrors and glass table tops too. I also recently purchased a steam mop (www.thane.com) which uses nothing but water in the form of steam to clean floors & rugs. It also comes with a portable cleaner for counters, stoves, microwaves, etc. I've even cleaned my mattress with it. I no longer buy anything plastic and have increased the number of houseplants in my home. The only thing (ha) left to do is buy a nylon shower curtain. Thanks for the tip.
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LOL!!! Hahahahhaa... Heheheheeeee... This was the cutest comment conversation I ever heard... Ixnay on the Icrowavemay... Muawwww... xoxoxo
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