Sponsored Post – from It’s Cleaning Time!
The bathroom is usually the last place people want to clean in their homes. Because of this, harsh chemical cleaners tend to be marketed heavily for bathroom use. Unfortunately, people tend to not think about how these harsh cleaners can affect their sensitive skin and lungs, or the many ways in which they can have a negative impact on the environment.
Luckily for you, the Austin-based cleaning company It’s Cleaning Time! is passionate about cleaning green. Here are some tips for green cleaning in the bathroom:
- Develop good habits. You will be much less likely to reach for that harsh cleaner at the store if you don’t have a buildup to get rid of in your restroom. Take a few minutes each day to wipe down surfaces, squeegee the shower door if you have one, and give the toilet bowl a quick scrub.
- Keep your toothbrush tucked away. Many, many people keep their toothbrush out on the counter, where it is exposed to cleaning products, dust, and spray from flushing the toilet. One study found that the majority of toothbrushes had E. coli on them! Put your toothbrush in a case or a cabinet when you’re done with it to avoid contamination.
- Ventilate. Because of the moist, warm environment, bathrooms are breeding grounds for not only bacteria, but also mold and mildew. Keep things as dry as possible by ventilating the area. Use your fan whenever you take a shower, and open a window when possible.
- Don’t forget the shower curtain. People tend to forget about washing their shower curtain, which can be a magnet for mildew, mold, and soap scum. Usually they’re machine washable.
- Salt and vinegar isn’t just for chips. In the bathroom, table salt and regular old white vinegar can solve many cleaning problems. The vinegar is a mild acid, which is great for cleaning soap scum and dirt off of mirrors, glass, and faucets. For more stubborn stains, like soap rings or hard water deposits, use the salt as a gentle abrasive to scrub away any problem areas. Vinegar also kills many kinds of mold and mildew, preventing it from returning when used regularly.
- Don’t use poison to unclog your drain. Most drain cleaners use poisonous chemicals, which can leach into the environment. You can accomplish the same thing, the green way, by pouring a cup or so of baking soda down the drain, followed by ¾ of a cup of vinegar. Plug it quickly, so that the reaction is forced downwards. After 20 to 30 minutes, follow it up with boiling water. Your drain should be cleared without harsh chemicals!
If you don’t want to clean your bathroom, but want to make sure it’s cleaned the green way, call It’s Cleaning Time! and we’ll do all the hard work for you! If you only want your toilet sanitized or if you want your whole house cleaned, we can create a schedule that works for you!
Please note – editorials and sponsored posts are written by guest writers to inform and educate the community on a variety of different viewpoints, as well as to share information about local eco-friendly businesses and organizations. However, they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Austin EcoNetwork.
