Decorating & Design - Green Living

Go green for your annual spring clean

By: Tara Nolan

From homemade to eco brands, protect the environment and your health with these household cleaners.

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Gone are the days of using a toxic soup of chemicals for all our cleaning needs. These days, consumers are demanding products that are environmentally friendly and that don’t expose their families to any dangerous fumes. “I think people are really concerned about the amount of chemicals and toxins they're exposed to on a daily basis, says Daniela Payne, web editor and The Green Living blogger at CanadianLiving.com. “By using natural and eco-friendly cleaning products, we don't have to worry about being exposed to these nasty things when we're lounging around in the comfort of our safe homes. We know that dogs lick everything and children touch everything, so our surfaces better be as safe as possible.”

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Nowadays most chain stores have a house brand of eco-friendly options or at least carry greener choices for your household needs. “Really, the best is just plain old baking soda and vinegar,” says Payne. “You can clean anything and everything with baking soda.” And if you’re not into the DIY cleaning supplies, when you throw open your windows for a big clean, there are plenty of options on the market that will get you those squeaky clean results—without endangering your health or the environment.

For tough stains throughout the house
If you need to get rid of stubborn residue, like calcium buildup and water scale, this product is safe enough to pour through a coffee maker and strong enough to clean copper and grout. Clean PLANET Lime, Rust & Scale Remover, $6.50, Shoppers Drug Mart.

For your furniture
Give your furniture a healthy glow with this natural olive and orange oil-based non-aerosol spray. Earth Friendly Furniture Polish, $9.99, Grass Roots Environmental Products.

For your floors
Mop with a clean conscience by using this natural soap-based biodegradable cleaner to scrub away spills. President's Choice G.R.E.E.N Floor Cleaner, Loblaws.

For your windows
Enjoy the view through your streak-free windows by using this ammonia-free window cleaner. Natureclean Glass & Window Cleaner, Canadian Tire & Metro.

For tubs and tiles
Use this non-toxic, unscented cleaner to scrub away soap scum and tough stains in the bathroom. Eco Mist Tub & Tile Cleaner, $6.30, Home Depot.

For your delicate nose
If the dust you kick up from your spring cleaning has you sneezing, try Canada’s first-ever 100 per cent recycled premium facial tissue to stifle your sniffles. Scotties EnviroCare facial tissue, $1.25-$1.70, Available at major retailers across Canada.

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