To many of us, green cleaning is a new thing, and trying to institute environmentally friendly cleaning in the home can be a process of trial and error. Here we’re going to show you what are the most common green cleaning mistakes that people make so you know what to avoid doing if you want your home cleaning to go well right from the start.
Choosing Cleaning Products Just Because They Say They Are Green
The first rule of green cleaning is that you’ll need to do some research to avoid greenwashing when buying green cleaning products. Don’t take product labels at face value. The word “green” on the label don’t necessarily mean much. It could simply mean that it’s less harmful than conventional chemical versions or that it doesn’t contain some harmful components but still contains others. If it’s “100 percent natural,” that also doesn’t mean it’s a harmless product. Arsenic, mercury, asbestos and toxic mushrooms are 100 percent natural as well.
If you know what to look for, then check the labels for parabens, phosphates, chlorine and artificial colors. You may want to research what components fall into these categories so that you know exactly what to look for.
Know that unlike foods and beverage manufacturers, companies that make cleaning products are not required to list the ingredients of their products on the label, so you’ll probably need to do some research to find out what’s in your cleaners.
Keep in mind that the packaging is suspect too. Green cleaning products should come in biodegradable bottles for minimal environmental impact. This is one aspect of the product that manufacturers often forget.
Hiring Professional Cleaners Who Don’t Use Green Cleaning Methods
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Do you ever have commercial cleaners come to work at your home and do house chores for you? If so, be picky about who you hire, so that you’re only using services that will be environmentally friendly. It’s easier than ever to find green cleaning services, so even if you live in a small city, you’ll likely have at least one option.
You can also ask the cleaning company whether they offer a green cleaning service. Many cleaning professionals will not regularly use green cleaning methods but will switch over to green methods if requested. This service may cost a bit more, though.
If you’re concerned about your environmental impact when you clean your house, then why not extend that care to the professional cleaners who come to your home? By asking them for more environmentally responsible services, you will also help spread the message that people want green cleaning.
Using Disposable Cleaning Supplies
When you make the change over to green cleaning methods, you have to assess your cleaning practices on the whole. Don’t just examine the cleaning sprays and chemicals that you use but also look at your cleaning tools.
If you clean windows with paper towels, then you’re wasting resources unnecessarily. If you use disposable cloths of any kind, or you use disposable cleaning supplies that need to be replaced each time you clean, then you could go further to reduce your environmental impact.
Look for cleaning supplies that will last but are also biodegradable, like tough cleaning cloths or wooden brushes, brooms and mops.
Mixing Cleaners
Even if you know for sure what chemicals are in the cleaners you’re using, it’s often a bad idea to mix cleaners together.
Maybe you want the cleaning power of one and the lemon scent of another. However, the chemicals in these cleaners could interact in a bad way, causing noxious fumes or even an explosion. By mixing cleaners, you might create hazardous chemicals, or you may dilute the cleaning power of the solution.
A good alternative is to make your own cleaners at home, using essential oils for the scent and therapeutic benefits and then a powerful base, like vinegar or baking soda.
Using Weak Cleaners
Some green cleaning chemicals are so diluted that they are almost ineffective. Strong cleaners can often be hazardous to the environment or to you or your pets, but you still don’t have to settle for weak and ineffective cleaners to protect the environment.
The very best green cleaners are able to cut through grease and grime and kill germs all while safeguarding the environment and not harming you or your loved ones.
That all may seem like a lot to ask from a green cleaning chemical, but there are some good ones out there. It’s helpful to read reviews before you pick one to make sure it’s been proven to be effective and safe.
Check for the right ingredients, like ammonia, vinegar, baking soda, lemon, hydrogen peroxide or something else that’s strong enough to make a difference when cleaning.
Pay close attention to the packaging and the kinds of guarantees that the manufacturers make. If they’re not willing to back up their product and guarantee its effectiveness, then you may want to go with a different cleaning product.
Avoiding Unscented Cleaners
A lot of green cleaning products have no scent or colour to them, and you may feel like avoiding those simply because they’re not like the traditional cleaning products you would use. You’re not alone, as there are many people who don’t bother to use green cleaning products at all for these very reasons. They feel that the products won’t be very effective.
That’s not true, though, and green cleaners can be tough on dirt and stains and yet have no lingering scent and be completely colourless. If the product is effective, it doesn’t matter how it looks or smells, really.
Don’t make the mistake of passing clear, unscented green cleaners on the shelves for the wrong reasons. Keep in mind that in many cases you could add a little bit of essential oil to give them colour or scent, if you prefer.
Like any cleaning you’d do, green cleaning takes work, but there are lots of great products and services out there that will help you stay green and keep your house tidy. Now you know how to avoid some of the more common mistakes with this kind of cleaning.
Want to learn more about green cleaning? In Simple Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tricks we give specific cleaning tips for cleaning each room in the house.
Feature image: Maggie Zhan; Image 1: Pille R. Priske
