Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning usually happens near the end of March. When we clean, we often reach for the products we are used to, regardless of how much they may make our eyes and noses sting. Many household cleaners contain a host of chemicals and solvents that have been linked to health issues and environmental damage. Fragrance alone has become a catch-all for a cocktail of up to hundreds of chemicals which could cause major health issues, and companies are not required to disclose them. When you are cleaning your living space from top to bottom, you can do so without harming anything but the germs. You can also save a lot of money doing so.

You can make effective, simple cleaners with ingredients that are not hazardous. They won't contribute to indoor or outdoor air pollution. They also won't pollute our waterways. The main ingredients you will need for a multitude of cleaners are vinegar, baking soda, and liquid castile soap. All of these are safe and far cheaper than purchasing commercial brands. Castile soap may seem spendy, but you usually don't use much and it goes a long way.

Can't live without that fresh scent? Train your brain to redefine the smell of clean. Clean does not have a scent.  If you need a scent, you can add essential oils. Just be aware that animals and some people can be highly sensitive to them.

If you are interested in making your own green cleaners for health or environmental reasons, click on the titles or book covers below, which will take you to our catalog. You will be able to place a hold to pick up later or find out if the title is available at your neighborhood branch. You can also use Libby to check out electronic copies on your mobile device.