Spring Cleaning Part I

Yesterday was the first day of spring and as we are all accustomed to, this is the time for new beginnings. It's always exciting to see what we can clean out, get rid of, and start anew. Because "Spring Cleaning" is such a popular ritual these days, I've compiled some earth-friendly tips when participating in this renewing activity. Air fresheners, bleach, and other chemical cleaners; believe it or not, these contribute to a large amount of indoor air pollution because the chemicals in these products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through evaporation. Even though you may believe that you are disinfecting your home, you're actually creating a toxic breathing environment, especially if your windows are closed. Vinegar, specifically white vinegar, is nature's magic liquid. This wonderful item can be used to clean just about anything: windows, kitchen floors, sinks, and carpet. If you add some baking soda to the vinegar, you'll create a paste for an effective "scrubbing" effect. A couple quick recipes provided: Spray bottle: mix in 1 cup white vinegar with 1 cup water. Use this to dissolve dirt, soap scum, and hard water deposits. Stronger effect: use undiluted vinegar for things like the inside of a toilet. Use 1 cup for your laundry rinse cycle to replace commercial fabric softener. Natural fiber sponges and rags (you know that collection of t-shirts that never get worn?); these are great reusable resources instead of using paper towels or any other one-time use materials. Air fresheners. Big no-no because it can cause respiratory irritation. Instead use fresh flowers... you can't get more natural than that! Buying cleaning products-choose those that are biodegradable, non-toxic, phosphate-free, and chlorine-free.