Use a microfibre mop (Change 127)

I picked up a book from the library this week about eco-changes around the home.  It was an interesting read - put out by the makers of Method brand cleaning products.  It had some neat tips, but most of the tips were either not do-able (i.e. get rid of wall-to-wall carpet)  or things I was already doing (i.e. get rid of poisonous cleaning chemicals).

One of the tips caught my eye.  The writers suggested using a microfibre cloth mop, instead of the traditional dunk mop.  Their reasoning is that the microfibre traps dirt, and therefore prevents it from spreading around like the regular rag-style mops.

It just so happens that I have a microfibre mop sitting in my cleaning closet that I never use.  I won it at the cleaning party I had last summer.   I've hardly ever used it.  i dont' know why - I guess I'm in the habit of using the dunk mop.   I've decided to switch to the microfibre mop.  Combine this with the vinegar and water I use to clean with, and I'm anxious to see if my floors are any cleaner than before.

How is this more eco-friendly?  Truthfully, I'm not sure, but hey, the makers of Method can't be wrong, can they?

Spray shower with hydrogen peroxide (Day 67)

The same article from Canadian Living suggests spraying hydrogen peroxide on the ceiling of the shower to prevent mould and mildew build-up.  We have a terrible problem with mould - it has set into the grout and is really hard to get clean.  I like the idea of preventing mould to begin with.  Our solutions in the past have been leaving the fan running, and keeping the shower door open to let the moisture evaporate out, but it doesn't seem to prevent the mould from growing.

I like the peroxide idea, and am going to spray the shower with it after I clean it.

Clean my shower with vinegar (Day 66)

I just realized that I still have toxic cleaning chemicals in my house.  I was gathering my cleaning supplies together to do the bathrooms, and noticed that I still have Tilex in my supply caddy.   Tilex is filled with all kinds of nasties. The fumes are so bad I can't use it - I have DH spray down the tile shower and rinse it clean.  I can't be in the bathroom at all for HOURS after he sprays the shower.

I was reading an older issue (April 2010) of Canadian Living on the train this weekend.  There was an article in it on spring cleaning using non-toxic alternatives.   In it was the suggestion to use plain white vinegar, warmed in the microwave, to clean soap scum and dirt.  According to the article, I should spray it on, leave for 5 minutes and then rinse. 

I guess this means that cleaning the shower is my chore from now on.

Final cleaning product switch-over (Day 49)

I used up the last of my nasty chemical house cleaners yesterday.  I've been using a vinegar & water solution to clean my mirrors for years, a damp rag for dusting, and for the past 18 months, have made my own environmentally-friendly all purpose cleaner.  I've also been washing the floors for the past year with vinegar and water.

But scouring bathtubs and kitchen sinks has always been done with Vim.  I've switched to a marble flour and chalk-based cleaner, and I really like it.  I gave it a test run yesterday, and it works just as well as Vim to get rid of the ring around the bathtub, and polish the kitchen sink.  You apply it with a damp cloth, scrub, and then wipe clean with another damp cloth. 

I'm glad to finally get rid of the nasty cleanings chemicals in my house. 

No more Swiffer products (Day 36)

I have a Swiffer duster (the one that sort of looks like a feather duster) to use inbetween the rungs on my kitchen chairs.  I used to have a Swiffer vacuum, before it died, which I loved, and haven't yet replaced.

With this eco-challenge, I am once again following Vanessa's lead.  I decided not to replace the Swiffer vacuum and continue to use my broom/dust pan and regular vacuum to clean up the kitchen floor.  All of the extra floor pads and vacuum filters I gave to my SIL for her Swiffer vac, when we went to visit two weeks ago.

Today, I threw out the Swiffer duster.  I guess I'll have to clean the chairs the hard way - a microfibre cloth, a little bit of water and elbow grease.

Use vinegar/water to clean eyeglasses (Day 35)

I've applied the stealth method again, and switched DH's eye glass cleaner for a more environmentally-friendly alternative. 

We both wear glasses, but have different approaches to their cleaning and care.  I rinse mine with water and dry with a soft cloth.  He likes to spray an anti-film cleaner and dry with a tissue.  His cleaner comes in a little spritz bottle, which I've emptied and replaced with a vinegar and water substitute.  I figure if vinegar/water is good enough to clean my windows and mirrors, it should be fine for his eyeglasses.

I wonder if he'll notice.