As winter’s chill approaches, maintaining a clean and inviting space becomes all the more challenging with wet outdoor and indoor conditions and limited ventilation. These factors can contribute to and cause the growth of illness-causing germs and bacteria which can increase the chances of contracting infections or other illnesses. Using eco-friendly cleaning products and practices is essential to create and maintain a healthy environment in the home and the workplace. In this article, we will walk you through the sustainable and nature-friendly practices that will freshen up your space in Calgary’s winter while minimizing harm to the environment.
Use Natural Ingredients
Using natural ingredients for cleaning is a safe, sustainable, and cost-effective way to keep your home clean. Cleaning products made from natural and biodegradable ingredients such as white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice and effective in cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and are safe for the environment and our health, unlike commercial cleaners which can be harmful to the environment and for your health.
White vinegar can be used on faucets and showerheads to remove hard water stains and can be mixed with water to create an all-purpose cleaner for surfaces such as countertops and glass. To remove odors from carpets, baking soda can be sprinkled on the surface before vacuuming to eliminate unwelcomed odours, and cornstarch can be used on carpets to absorb grease stains before vacuuming. In addition, you can make a de-icing solution at home by mixing one part water with two parts vinegar to create a natural and eco-friendly de-icing solution for your walkways and driveways.
Opt For Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tools
Use cleaning tools made from sustainable materials such as bamboo or recycled plastic and consider using brooms, mops, and brushes with eco-friendly materials. Using reusable cleaning tools such as microfiber cloths instead of disposable cleaning products such as paper towels and sponges can reduce waste and help preserve resources. Microfiber cloths are effective at cleaning without chemical cleaners, and they can be used to clean surfaces, dust, and even mop flooring with just water.
Ventilate Indoor Spaces
During winter, indoor spaces are often closed up to conserve heating, however, this reduced ventilation can lead to a buildup of indoor pollutants such as dust and pet dander. To alleviate indoor air pollution, open windows and doors periodically to allow fresh air to circulate in the indoor space.
Practice Preventive Cleaning
Preventing messes is a crucial aspect of green cleaning. We recommend using trays for wet or snowy shoes and maintaining a no-shoes policy indoors to reduce the need for cleaning. During winter, prevent the need for excessive cleaning by placing doormats at entryways to capture dirt and moisture from rain and snow. This will help keep your indoor space cleaner and reduce the frequency of cleaning. In addition to a water and vinegar de-icing solution, cornstarch can be used over salt stains to absorb the moisture which can be easily removed by brooming the floor or vacuuming.
Green cleaning and sustainable environmental practices are part of everyday operating procedures at Regency Cleaning Services. Contact us today at (403) 520-7788 if you are looking for a trusted green cleaning company in Calgary.
