Blog

At Greenlife Professional Cleaning, we're committed to using eco-friendly cleaning methods that leave your home spotless while also protecting your family's health. Our team has been providing green cleaning services to Asheville and Hendersonville residents for over 13 years, and we've learned a lot about effective, non-toxic cleaning along the way. Today, we're sharing some of our favorite eco-friendly cleaning tips that you can implement in your own home.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning?

Before diving into specific tips, let's understand why eco-friendly cleaning is important:

• Health Benefits: Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and skin irritation. Natural alternatives reduce these health risks.
• Environmental Impact: Chemical cleaners can contaminate water supplies and harm aquatic life when washed down drains.
• Air Quality: Many traditional cleaners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that diminish indoor air quality. Green cleaning improves the air you breathe in your home.
• Child and Pet Safety: Natural cleaning solutions are typically safer for households with young children and pets who may come into direct contact with recently cleaned surfaces.

With these benefits in mind, let's explore how you can make your home cleaning routine more environmentally friendly.

Essential Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies

Creating an eco-friendly cleaning kit doesn't require specialty products or a big budget. Here are the basic ingredients you'll need:

• White vinegar: Nature's disinfectant and deodorizer
• Baking soda: Perfect for scrubbing and deodorizing
• Lemon juice: Natural antibacterial properties with a fresh scent
• Castile soap: Plant-based soap that's biodegradable
• Essential oils: Tea tree, lavender, or lemon for antimicrobial properties and pleasant scents
• Microfiber cloths: Reusable and effective at capturing dust and dirt
• Glass spray bottles: For mixing and storing homemade cleaners
• Scrub brushes with natural bristles: For tougher cleaning jobs

At Greenlife Professional Cleaning, we use eco-friendly soaps to clean hardwood surfaces and HEPA filters in our vacuums to capture minute particles like pollen and dust mites. We also utilize microfiber cloths instead of paper products to reduce waste, as mentioned in our materials about green cleaning services in Asheville.

DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions

Here are some effective, non-toxic cleaning solutions you can make at home:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 15-20 drops of essential oil (lemon, tea tree, or lavender work well)

Instructions: Mix ingredients in a spray bottle. Use on countertops, appliances, and other surfaces. Avoid using on marble or granite as the acidity can damage these surfaces.

2. Glass and Mirror Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions: Combine in a spray bottle and use with a microfiber cloth for streak-free windows and mirrors.

3. Bathroom Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• Enough liquid castile soap to form a paste
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions: Mix ingredients to form a paste. Use to scrub tubs, sinks, and tile. Rinse thoroughly.

4. Natural Disinfectant

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 20 drops tea tree essential oil
• 20 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions: Mix in a spray bottle. Spray on surfaces and let sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean.

DIY or professional cleaning: which is right for you? Read our blog post on the subject!

Room-by-Room Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

Now let's look at specific eco-friendly cleaning strategies for different areas of your home:

Kitchen

The kitchen requires special attention as it's where we prepare food and often harbors the most bacteria.

1. Daily wipe-down: Use your all-purpose cleaner on countertops, stovetops, and table surfaces daily.
2. Sink maintenance: Sprinkle baking soda in the sink, then spray with vinegar for a foaming action that helps remove grime. Rinse with hot water.
3. Garbage disposal freshener: Freeze vinegar in ice cube trays with lemon peels, then run these through the disposal to clean and deodorize.
4. Oven cleaning: Make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread inside the oven (avoiding heating elements), let sit overnight, then wipe clean in the morning.
5. Refrigerator care: Clean spills immediately with a mix of castile soap and water. Place an open container of baking soda inside to absorb odors.

Bathroom

Bathrooms need regular cleaning to prevent mold and mildew in this naturally humid environment.

1. Shower doors: Use half a lemon rubbed with salt to remove soap scum from glass shower doors, then rinse.
2. Toilet bowl: Pour 1 cup of vinegar into the bowl and let sit for an hour. Sprinkle baking soda, scrub with a toilet brush, and flush.
3. Mold prevention: After showering, spray a mix of equal parts vinegar and water on shower walls and curtains to prevent mold growth.
4. Drain maintenance: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar down drains weekly. Let bubble for 10 minutes, then flush with hot water.

We have written an entire blog post on how to prevent mold in the bathroom – read it here!

Living Areas

Living rooms and bedrooms typically need less intense cleaning but still benefit from regular attention.

1. Dust naturally: Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to capture dust instead of aerosol products.
2. Upholstery refresher: Sprinkle baking soda on fabric surfaces, let sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
3. Wood polish: Mix 1/4 cup olive oil with 2 tablespoons white vinegar and a few drops of lemon essential oil for a natural wood polish.
4. Air freshener: Simmer a pot of water with citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, or herbs for a natural room scent.

Floors

Different flooring materials require different cleaning approaches:

1. Hardwood floors: Sweep or vacuum, then mop with a solution of 1 gallon water and 1/2 cup vinegar. Make sure to wring the mop thoroughly to avoid water damage.
2. Tile floors: Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1 gallon warm water. For tougher stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to stain, then scrub.
3. Carpet care: Sprinkle baking soda before vacuuming to neutralize odors. For stains, blot (don't rub) with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water.

Seasonal Eco-Friendly Cleaning Checklist

While regular cleaning keeps your home in good condition, seasonal deep cleaning helps address areas often overlooked in day-to-day maintenance:

Spring Cleaning

• Clean ceiling fan blades with a damp microfiber cloth
• Wash windows with vinegar solution
• Clean under and behind furniture
• Wipe down baseboards with vinegar and water
• Declutter and donate unwanted items

Summer Cleaning

• Clean outdoor furniture with castile soap and water
• Wash light fixtures
• Clean refrigerator coils
• Check and clean air conditioning filters
• Deep clean patio or deck surfaces

Fall Cleaning

• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Dust and clean heating vents
• Clean chimney if applicable
• Organize garage or storage spaces
• Wash walls and touch up paint

Winter Cleaning

• Clean behind and under appliances
• Deep clean carpets and upholstery
• Clean and organize closets
• Sanitize frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and light switches
• Clean and organize under-sink areas

For more, read our seasonal cleaning blog post.

Tips for Making the Transition to Eco-Friendly Cleaning

If you're new to green cleaning, here are some suggestions to help you make the switch:

1. Start gradually: Replace products one at a time as they run out, rather than discarding everything at once.
2. Read labels: When purchasing commercial products, look for biodegradable, plant-based ingredients and avoid those with phosphates, chlorine, artificial fragrances, and sulfates.
3. Test new solutions: Before using homemade cleaners on delicate surfaces, test in an inconspicuous area first.
4. Invest in quality tools: Good microfiber cloths, durable spray bottles, and proper brushes make eco-cleaning more effective.
5. Be patient: Some natural methods may require a bit more elbow grease or time to work compared to harsh chemicals.

Professional Eco-Friendly Cleaning Services

While these DIY methods are effective for regular maintenance, sometimes you need professional help. At Greenlife Professional Cleaning, we offer eco-friendly cleaning services throughout the Asheville and Hendersonville areas. Our staff is trained to use environmentally responsible products and techniques that ensure your home is both clean and healthy.

We use eco-friendly soaps to clean hardwood surfaces and HEPA filters in our vacuums to capture minute particles like pollen and dust mites. We also use microfiber cloths instead of paper products to further reduce environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eco-Friendly Cleaning

1. Is vinegar safe to use on all surfaces?

No, vinegar should not be used on marble, granite, stone tile floors, or hardwood floors that are waxed or unfinished, as the acidity can damage these surfaces. Always test a small area first if you're unsure.

2. How effective are natural cleaners against germs?

While natural cleaners like vinegar have antimicrobial properties, they may not kill all types of bacteria and viruses. For areas that need disinfection (like cutting boards or bathroom surfaces), consider using vinegar solutions with tea tree oil added or hydrogen peroxide (used separately from vinegar).

3. How can I get my family on board with eco-friendly cleaning?

Involve family members in making some of the cleaning solutions and explain the benefits to both health and the environment. Assign age-appropriate cleaning tasks using the safer products you've created together.

4. What's the most important switch to make first?

Focus first on replacing all-purpose cleaners, which are used most frequently throughout your home. This single change can significantly reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals.

5. How do I store homemade cleaning products?

Store in labeled glass containers away from direct sunlight and heat. Most homemade cleaners will last 1-2 weeks, though some can last longer. Make small batches to ensure freshness.

Conclusion

Creating an eco-friendly cleaning routine doesn't happen overnight, but the benefits to your health and the environment make it worth the effort. By incorporating these tips and natural cleaning solutions into your regular routine, you'll be well on your way to maintaining a cleaner, greener home.

If you find yourself short on time or in need of a deeper, professional eco-friendly cleaning, remember that Greenlife Professional Cleaning is here to help. Our team is committed to using environmentally responsible practices that leave your home sparkling clean while protecting the health of your family and our planet. Contact us today for a free estimate on our eco-friendly cleaning services in Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding areas.