So to minimize our exposure to harmful chemicals, experts tell us to check the labels of the products we buy. But often, unless you're a chemistry major, those labels might as well be written in Sanskrit. And the experts also tell us that many of the more familiar terms that are used to market a product, like natural, hypoallergenic and even green, are actually meaningless.
So what's a thrifty, environmentally-conscious person with a dirty sink supposed to do?
Well, if you're lucky you can call Grandma on the phone and see if she remembers what her mother used. And if you're lucky you can also get online, and surf to some of the sites that offer safer alternatives you can make yourself, often at a fraction of the cost.
At Greener Cleaning, Co-op America features environmentalist and author Karen Logan. And her recipes for a couple of environmentally-friendly cleaners have inspired me to revisit baking soda for more of my cleaning chores. Go4Green Saskatchewan also has some tips and recipes at Safe Solutions for your Home and Garden.
There is one thing to keep in mind when using the homemade, environmentally-friendly cleaners however. Often, the products really don't seem to work as well, or as easily, as some of the cleaning products you can find on supermarket shelves. You may find you have to work a little harder to get that gleam you've come to know and love. So the natural approach to spring cleaning may take some adjustment on your part.
On the other hand, you may find that your home-based concoctions actually work better than the specialized product that costs a lot more. I've never had any luck with window cleaners, for example. I hate the smell of them, and if the label said No Streak Formula, I ended up with streaks anyway. Then I started putting a little liquid dish soap (phosphate-free) in warm water, and using a cloth soaked in the stuff to clean my windows and mirrors. I wipe with a warm clear rinse, and dry. Voila! No streaks.
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