A guide to green spring-cleaning

It’s a good thing that being eco-conscious is today’s biggest trend, considering all the benefits to the environment and of course, your health. But when trying to scrub the grime off your greasy stove, disinfect your washroom or do a big spring clean, it’s pretty hard to think green. You know that the leading brand of chemical infused cleaning product works, but have you thought about what effects it has on the health of your family? Or how about your four legged friends? Have you considered what sort of harm washing your toilet bowl out with chemicals does to the environment? If you’re like everyone else you have thought about the consequences, but you just don’t know how to start cleaning in an eco-friendly manner -- especially when the traditional way has never failed you.

Jennifer Hicks, president of EcoWorks Cleaning, is an old hand at eco-friendly cleaning. She helped us create a room-to-room spring-cleaning guide to environmentally friendly cleaning that guarantees spotless results.

BEFORE YOU START
Hit the streets to find some environmentally friendly cleaning products. Make sure they’re natural, biodegradable and free of animal testing. Alternatively, you can make your own all-purpose natural cleaner. You also want to find micro-fibre cloths and sponges. These will reduce the amount of waste as they are durable and reusable, unlike paper towel. Micro-fibre cloths are also soft and won’t scratch your mirrors, glass and wood surfaces. Don’t forget to work your way from the top to bottom when cleaning

ROOM TO ROOM
Bedroom
styleathome.com: Where’s the best place to start?
Jennifer Hicks: Using a biodegradable laundry detergent, wash all cloth products in the room. This includes bedding and curtains. Be sure to check manufacturers’ guidelines for specific cleaning instructions!

SAH: How can you give your bed a good cleaning?
JH: Strips your bed and wash all bedding with a biodegradable detergent. To help refresh your mattress, first vacuum and then rotate.

SAH: What’s the most important part of cleaning your bedroom?
JH: Dusting is key! To help pick up dust on the tops of door frames, lights, and blinds, spray a natural all purpose cleaner on a micro fibre cloth and use this to wipe everything down.

Bathroom
SAH: What sort of things can we do on a regular basis to keep the bathroom clean?
JH: It’s a one minute or less job to clean the toilet. Keep your eco-friendly cleaning product and cloth in a handy place. Before you get out of the shower spray the toilet bowl with your cleaning product and let it sit for the duration of the shower, or even the day. Wipe down the outside of the toilet with your cloth.

SAH: What’s the most neglected spot in the bathroom?
JH: Bathrooms are often small and cramped and this makes them hard to clean. Focus on hidden items that might get missed during your regular cleanings. Items like exhaust fans, the space behind the toilet, and light fixtures are good places to start. Use a micro-fibre cloth wrapped around a spoon to clean dirt and grime from small spaces.

SAH: How do you get rid of those persistent water spots on the shower curtain?
JH: Use a biodegradable detergent to clean the curtain and replace the inner lining.

SAH: What other ways can we reduce our ecological footprint in the bathroom?
JH: Don’t leave the water running while cleaning the bathroom. Instead, fill a bucket or sink with water and a dilutable cleaner. While cleaning, look for ways to help the environment throughout the year. To reduce the water flow in your toilet, put a brick or two or a glass bottle filled with water into your toilet tank. Replace your paper products with something that is more environmentally friendly. Look for products that are made with recycled paper or alternative fibres.