It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it! If you’re like me, you’d prefer if that “someone” who’s job it is to clean the bathroom is not you. Germs, harsh chemicals, products that just don’t seem to want to work as well as they claim … that’s what awaits those of us who stand in the doorway staring into a dirty bath and shower.
Lucky for us, there’s a much better – and healthier – way to get this job done.
Green cleaning, according to Wikipedia, is all about “using cleaning methods and products with environmentally friendly ingredients.” You’ll be saving the environment and your health, and cleaning with green products isn’t even more time-consuming. It really is a win-win for all.
So, how do we actually go about making the shift from regular cleaning products to green?
Easy.
Green clean the bath
This one’s a biggie for me. The bathtub isn’t always the most used fixture in the bathroom. In fact, many people are now opting to rip it out in favor of a large, custom steam shower. Talk about bringing the spa home!
If a bathtub still has a place in your home, you’ll notice that it can attract a lot of dust. It can also sport soap stains and rust rings around the drain. With just a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand, you can tackle the worst of these stains.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Lemon juice or vinegar
- Baking soda
Natural acids, like lemon juice and vinegar, are perfect at cutting through the worst stains. Slip on a pair of gloves then dip a soft sponge into the juice or vinegar. Don’t use an abrasive sponge as that can scratch your tub’s surface. If you’re facing down a particularly tough stain, leave the lemon juice or vinegar to soak into it for 5 or 10 minutes. Then wipe it clean.
If that doesn’t quite do it, it’s time to pull out the heavy duty cleaner. Begin with about a teaspoon of baking soda. Add a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar … just enough to form a paste. Rub the mixture directly onto the stain, and leave it to sit for 10 or 15 minutes. Then wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
Green clean the shower
Shower cabins present their own challenges. If your shower is constructed entirely out of acrylic, then use the same green cleaning steps outlined above in Green clean the bath. Most showers, however, are made up of a variety of materials. One shower can mix and match acrylic, tile, wood, chrome, and even drywall! Don’t worry, though. You won’t need to purchase a box full of different cleaning products to tackle the dirt.
For mold growth and any other tough stains on tile and grout, the best product for the job is white vinegar. Heat a cup of vinegar until quite hot. Carefully dip a sponge into it and press the sponge into the mold or stain. Leave the hot vinegar to soak into the problem area for about 15 minutes. You may need to reapply it as often as is necessary to remove the stain or mold. Finish by rinsing with clean, warm water.
More delicate surfaces, like wood and chrome, really don’t need much in the way of cleaning power. Dip a damp, soft sponge in just a little bit of lemon juice (it leaves your bathroom smelling nice!) or vinegar. You really don’t need very much. Wipe the entire surface from top to bottom. Voilà, you’re done!
Green clean the toilet
After today, you will love cleaning the toilet. Ok, maybe “love” is too strong a word. Let me just say that the chore will be quicker and easier. How does that sound?
Pull out a half-cup of vinegar mixed with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Pour it around the sides of the toilet bowl. Leave it to soak in for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, grab your toilet brush or sponge and scrub. Remember to direct the brush or sponge up underneath the toilet bowl rim, too. Flush, and the job is done.
Final green tips…
Green cleaning the bath, shower cabin, and toilet are not the only way to a healthy bathroom. There are a few other things you can do to freshen up your personal space.
- A pretty houseplant on the countertop will help clean the air.
- Install a sealed steam shower unit. Sealing steam within the shower cabin keeps the rest of the bathroom dry and mold-free.
- Wipe down the interior of a regular shower or steam shower with a good squeegee to reduce the amount of moisture left on the surface of the doors and cabin area.
- Choose shower curtains made from breathable materials, and just toss them into the washing machine with a cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda as needed.
- Keep soft sponges, natural scrubbing brushes, and cotton rags on hand for quick cleaning jobs.
Over to you: Which are your favorite green cleaning tips?
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Author Bio:
Steam Showers Inc is a premium retailer for all things bathroom-related. We carry trusted brands with a focus on customer satisfaction. With a decade of industry experience, Steam Showers Inc has something for everyone. For more information, please visit us at http://www.steamshowersinc.com.
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