When it comes to cleaning your home, you have a choice: go chemical or go green. Conventional cleaners are often quick and affordable, but nontoxic alternatives offer a safer option for children, pets and the planet.
Finding safe solutions to everyday challenges often requires a little more effort. Going green when cleaning is not different, says Cesar Luna, head of Kent-based ESNW Cleaning.
“It’s definitely going to be something that’s a little bit more time-consuming, but it’s worth it,” Luna says. “I have four kids, so it’s extremely important to have a cleaning solution that I don’t have to worry about using around them.”
Here, Luna and other Seattle-area cleaning pros share some lesser-known techniques that will allow you to steer clear of chemicals while tidying up at home.
A sharpened edge
Think of razor blades and you might picture shaving — or Sweeney Todd. When William Clewell, the owner of Sparkles Custom Cleaning, envisions a razor blade, he sees an effective kitchen cleaning tool that he can use on stoves with glass cooktop, rather than harsh chemicals.
“A blade will scrape the ring (of grease) around the burner completely off without scratching the glass at all,” says Clewell. “You can also use it on the inside of a dirty oven or toaster oven window.”
Luna uses razor blades on granite kitchen countertops, too. “Take the razor blade and run it across a wet countertop. It’s going to scrape any of that hard debris that’s caked on,” he says. “It makes it feel 100% smooth as you run your hand across it.”
Sticks and stones
Volcanoes do more than erupt lava. They also produce pumice, a mineral-based volcanic rock that doubles as a toxic-free cleaner.
Pumice scouring sticks can work magic on hard-water deposits, like those that build up at the bottom of your toilet bowl. “A 45-second scrub of that water line and it will completely disappear with no scratches,” Clewell says.
Keeping a second stick — one reserved solely for the kitchen — can help tackle tough messes there, too.
“They’re safe to use inside ovens and can effectively remove the most stubborn, baked-on grease and residue,” says Luna.
Pumice sticks can also be used to remove lint or de-pill flannel sheets and sweaters. “One swipe and it all just sticks to the stick,” Clewell says. “(It’s) way more effective than a fabric shaver.”
Microwave moisture
Speaking of volcanoes, cooking in a microwave can lead to a whole other type of eruption. To remove a baked-in leftover mess, try one of these simple tricks.
Cut lemon slices and squeeze the juice into a bowl of water. Wet any heavily stained surface inside the microwave, then run the microwave for 30 seconds. “The moisture is going to help break off some of that caked-on food debris that you may have,” says Luna. “And it makes your microwave smell refreshing.”
Clewell takes a slightly different approach. He heats a dishrag or towel, folds it and places it inside the microwave. Then he runs it for 30 seconds. “This will loosen the funk up just enough to wipe off with the slightest pressure,” he says. “If the interior is a total mess, you might have to do the process twice.” If you opt for multiple cycles, keep in mind that the rag will get very hot.
Want to freshen your washing machine? “I’ve seen folks cut a lemon in half and cover the top with toothpaste and then run a cycle,” says Luna. “They say that it helps with the smell.”
Doing the dishes
If you want to go fully green when hand-washing your dishes, try a mix of baking soda or baking powder, which contain bicarbonate as the active ingredient, and vinegar. When combined in proper amounts, they trigger a chemical reaction called neutralization, which helps break down dirt, grease, stains and odors.
“Whenever there’s something really caked on that you need to get off, you want to neutralize it,” advises Luna.
Carpets and floors
Over time, carpets acquire a lived-in look — and if you have pets, they can get a lived-in smell, too. Luna suggests periodically pouring some baking soda on your carpets and letting it sit for an hour. “It’s a good natural way to get rid of pet odors and odors in general,” he says.
For pesky carpet stains, Clewell recommends diluted hydrogen peroxide, a nontoxic chemical. It also can double as a disinfectant for surfaces (not to mention wounds).
The best way to clean a hardwood floor is to use a commercial-grade mop and a bucket of water mixed with vinegar, along with a few drops of an essential oil for a pleasant smell.
“I typically do, like, 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water,” Luna says. “You should be able to get your floors into really great shape with the right smell that you’re looking for.”
Sinks that shine
Faucets have plenty of nooks and crannies that can be tough to reach during cleaning. Luna recommends using a brush with plastic bristles to get the job done. Be sure to avoid brushes with copper or stainless-steel bristles, which can leave marks on the surface.
Clewell’s go-to is a denture brush. “They have slightly firmer and longer bristles and can get into spaces like corners of tubs, sink faucets, drain rings and toilets.”
To make your sink shine after a thorough brushing, Luna sprays on a homemade glass cleaner that he then wipes off with a microfiber towel. “We use a little bit of vinegar, a couple drops of dish soap and then water for the rest of it,” he says. “It brings out a nice polish.”
Clothing stains
You just spilled spaghetti sauce on your favorite cotton T-shirt. Soap and water aren’t cutting it. Before you give up and turn it into a dust rag, try this all-natural fix: Heat the shirt in a pot of water with baking soda. Let the water come close to a boil, then remove the shirt and toss it into the washing machine.
“It helps loosen everything up,” says Luna. Keep in mind that this is a solution for cotton and polyester, not sensitive materials like silk.