by K. Thomas

Created on: March 22, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Here are a few ways to incorporate some green cleaning techniques into your usual routine. They won't make the task take too much longer, shouldn't cause undue hassle... and despite that moment of thinking, "is she serious?!? How can a lemon be better than my superdooper nicely labeled bleach?", just think about all the dangerous chemicals that you (and your children) inhale every time you whip out the industrial strength cleaner.

Some of the chemicals used in popular household cleaners have clear potential health dangers from prolonged exposure, let alone the environmental impact of flushing those chemicals away. Most of us forget about what happens to all those myriad bottles and tubs of miscellaneous cleaner when you finally throw them out.

SO... roll up your sleeves, crank up the sound system, read this list and pat yourself on the back for being kind to the planet at the same time.

1)If you want to get rid of small stains in your carpet, make a paste from bicarbonate of soda and a little water and let it soak. It's cheap and works like a charm.

2) If you get the urge to move your furniture around and try the sofa over the other side of the room(!), try getting rid of those dents in the carpet from long standing furniture. The best remedy? An ice cube. Let it soak into the dented spot, then fluff up the carpet again.

3) Window cleaner: an amazingly effective one is something you perhaps wouldn't imagine to use, but it really works. Mix 1 part white vinegar to 8 parts warm water and rub on the windows with old newspaper. It won't leave streaks and gets everything sparkly clean. Don't worry if it smells a bit of vinegar immediately afterward. That disperses and leaves everything nice and fresh.

4) You can buy e-cloths (environmentally friendly) to clean with that work well with only water, no need for detergent. Otherwise, try popping that dirty cleaning cloth in the wash with your load. No need to throw it out just yet.

5) Want a sparkling clean bath without fainting from bleach fumes? Mix half a lemon, 4 teaspoons of baking soda and 8 teaspoons of vinegar and get scrubbing. After you rinse it off your bath will sparkle and you'll wonder why people bother with other chemicals!

6) That stuff you use to unclog your drains... read the label. Is that a product that sounds good for you? If you want to try an alternative, pour some bicarb of soda followed by some vinegar down there. It will fizz impressively and you may be impressed with the result. It's worth trying

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