GREEN CLEANING QUICK TIPS
Routine cleaning	mix ½ distilled white vinegar, ½ water, and a few drops of liquid soap (castile* or vegetable) in a spray bottle. Shake well. Cleans floors, glass, cuts grease, removes stains, kills mold and mildew, removes soap scum and cleans toilets.
Carpets	regular vacuuming-- vacuum cleaner with HEPA system is recommended to trap allergens and chemical residues
	steam cleaning-- use plain water-- make sure carpet dries thoroughly-- damp carpet can mildew or rot-- dry area with fan
Dishes	eco friendly dishwashing liquid and dishwasher powder brands-- Citra-Solv, Ecover, Seventh Generation**, Shaklee
Drains	de-grease and sweeten sink and tub drains-- pour 1/2 cup baking soda down drain followed by 1 cup vinegar, let bubble for 15 minutes, rinse with hot water, might have to repeat procedure more than once or leave baking soda and vinegar to "cook" overnight
Dusting	best done with a damp cloth, using a few drops of castile or other vegetable soap in water, follow with dry cloth
Laundry	eco friendly laundry detergent brands include Citra-Solv, Ecover, Seventh Generation, Shaklee
	tough stains-- use vinegar or lemon juice
--dry-cleaning***	dry cleaning alternative: many delicate "dry clean only" items can be washed at home by hand-- generally it's best to use cool water, mild liquid soap, squeeze or wring gently, lay flat to dry
Refrigerator	a little baking soda dissolved in cold water
Scouring	straight baking soda as a scouring powder
Sponges	microwave sponges for one minute to kill bacteria
Stains	distilled white vinegar or lemon juice on tough stains instead of commercial stain removers****.
Toilet bowl	mix 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 cup vinegar, pour in basin, allow to set for three minutes, scrub with brush, rinse
Windows*****	mix ½ distilled white vinegar, ½ water, a few drops of liquid soap (castile or other vegetable) in a spray bottle, shake well
NOTES	*Dr. Bronner's makes liquid and bar castile soaps with organic oils certified under the USDA's National Organic Program. The company encourages sustainable agriculture, farm worker health, and ecological processing methods. All its bottles are made from recycled plastic.
	**Seventh Generation is listed in the better world SHOPPING GUIDE, Ellis Jones, as the #1 best company on the planet, winner of the Sustainability Report Award, and Socially Responsible Business Award. www.betterworldshopper.org
	***“Most dry-cleaning facilities in the United States use the solvent perchloroethylene (“perc” for short). Chronic exposure can cause damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys. The EPA lists it as a potential carcinogen and a hazardous air pollutant. In short, don't let your clothes get near the stuff.” (Schoff, p. 96)
	****“Commercial stain removers often include a host of harmful ingredients, including nerve-damaging neuro-toxins, such as benzene, toluene and xylene, as well as the carcinogen, formaldehyde. Stain removers made from plant oils are effective on all types of stains and are far better for you and the environment.” (Schoff, p. 104)
	*****The best way to get streak-free windows: Work in shade, direct sunlight causes streaking. Use newspaper or lint free cloth instead of paper towels to wipe them. Buff to a shine.