OK. Another installment in my new My Simple Home series. For those of you new to things, I’m doing a series of posts that follows my journey to create the cleanest, most eco, minimal home possible and sharing each step, figuring you might like to learn from the process, too. This time I’ve got building biologist Nicole Bijlsma to share a few of her favourite tips for cleaning up our home act. I asked her to share easy, everyday stuff – some simple, inexpensive swaps or choices to make.
The salient points from the video are these:
1. Cleaning products. Use Microfibre cloths. Avoid ammonia, bleach, and fragrances. PS if you’re after some totally clean, lean and green cleaning products, check out below.
2. Packaging. Plastic containers – they’re not meant to be heated in microwaves or put in the freezer. Check the identification codes on your plastic – 2, 4, 5 are ok. Avoid the rest. Glass, or ceramic containers are best. Me, I use old glass jars a lot.
3. Baking paper. There are new concerns about baking paper, as the non-stick aspect is like non-stick teflon.. You’re better off using something like plain brown paper and a layer of coconut oil. This I didn’t know!
4. Digital alarm clocks. Don’t use a mobile phone as your alarm clock. Just don’t. Ever. Switch to a battery-operated digital clock. I implore everyone to leave their phone out of their bedroom and to not charge it anywhere near their bed. I’ve had a travel alarmclock for 15 years (the same one) and replaced the batteries three times only. Seriously.
5. Candles, incense and essential oils. Incense, if it’s burnt every day, is a hazard. These are air pollutants, and they emit chemicals. Make sure it’s good quality incense, or essential oils, and make sure there’s plenty of ventilation. Avoid scented candles, as they contain lots of chemicals.
And just as a random addition..
Is bar or liquid soap best? Click to find out.
After some green cleaning stuff?
* Nicole has developed a range of cleaning products which I’ve been trying out the past few weeks. I personally love the washing up liquid, you only need a few drops, it cleans super well and it doesn’t ruin my nails!
Feel free to post questions for Nicole or myself below…and please add your own ideas and tips…I’ll be updating posts and creating new ones with the information I find (and will be sure to link back to you!)….
