by Jessica Bosari

Created on: April 08, 2009   Last Updated: April 15, 2009

This year, try doing your spring cleaning green. Cleaning green not only helps the environment, it saves money over traditional cleaning methods. The basics of cleaning green involve using fewer chemical cleaners and minimizing the amount of waste.

The biggest obstacle to green cleaning is inconvenience. You may have heard that cleaning green requires you to use vinegar and baking soda. While these cleaners are better for the environment, they leave behind a residue and an unpleasant smell. There are some other green cleaning methods that you will find easy to implement in your home. They are just as easy to use as traditional cleaners and only require a minimal amount of preparation.

You do not need vinegar to clean your windows. In fact, all you really need is a a little water and a streak-free window cleaning cloth. These cloths are made with a ribbed weave that leaves no streaks. The cloths work well without any cleaner at all, but the job is easier when you use water for lubrication. Just spray the window lightly with water and start rubbing. Clean the front of the glass in a side-to-side motion, then clean the back going up and down. This will make it easy to see any remaining streaks to tackle. Streak-free cloths make window cleaning a breeze, are machine washable and will cost you about $5.00.

Another essential tool for green spring cleaning is a dust cloth. These cloths are composed of tiny loops, like hook and loop tape or terry cloth. The cloth picks up and captures the dust using static electricity and is machine washable. A single cloth costs about $5.00 and will last you for years.

Disinfectants are a concern for many home makers. While using disinfectant cleaners too much weakens your immune system, some areas of your home need to be disinfected regularly. Kitchen counters and toilets should be disinfected every week. You can make your own disinfectant cleaner at home that will cost much less than store-bought cleaner. Simply fill a standard spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide, then add 1 tablespoon of eucalyptus or orange essential oils. Hydrogen peroxide and these essential oils kill germs. The oils have the added benefit of leaving behind a fresh scent.

The best part of spring cleaning is opening the windows and letting in the fresh spring air. This is a much better method for air freshening than buying expensive air fresheners that have components that end up your local landfill. When weather does not permit you to open a window, put some dried eucalyptus stems in with your flower arrangements to freshen the air and kill germs.

You can use these simple, convenient steps to save money while helping you clean your home with a conscience.

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