Spring Cleaning Tips: Allergy-Free Cleaning

www.QuickDFW.com Interviews Green Cleaning Expert Karen Chaparro of GreenMaids.org

Here’s the complete info from the interview of QuickDFW.com and GreenMaids.org expert Karen Chaparro on effective green cleaning tips!

Read it and share!

QUICK: 1. What are the tools that everyone should have that make cleaning a lot quicker, easier or more effective?
KAREN: *The dream cleaning tool is a steam cleaner. It uses “dry steam” to clean almost every type of surface, from showers to ovens, floors and even upholstery. It’s great since you’re not using chemicals but rather just water (boiling to at least 245 degrees fahrenheit) and sterilizes surfaces killing germs and dust mites (great for those with allergies and toddlers). Although they’re a bit pricy (average between $400 to $2600), they’re a powerful ‘green’ tool.

QUICK: 2. Are there different things you should keep in mind if you have allergies?
KAREN:*CHEMICALS CHEMICALS CHEMICALS! The real clean does not mean “chemical coctail” clean, but rather “fresh air” clean. Our skin is the body’s largest organ, absorbing pretty much everything we touch. If we are cleaning with chemicals (toxics) at some point we’ll have a “chemical reaction” or allergic reaction to those toxics.
*Also, most of our customers that have experienced allergies have pets, reason for which we use in our vacuums HEPA filters. These filters prevent particles and dust to recirculate in the air after being vacuumed. Even better when cleaning up pet hair.

QUICK: 3. What are you favorite cleaning products or homemade cleaning products everyone should have around their home and for what purposes?
KAREN:

• Vinegar: mixed with water and scents, for windows and great to remove greasy marks.
• Borax & Baking Soda: For scrubbing toilets, tubs, and sinks (especially on porous surfaces).

QUICK: 4. What is a good store bought or homemade cleaner for tub caulking?
KAREN: *You can also scrub with borax, or soak in vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. But when there’s mold underneath the caulking the best solution is to re-caulk the tub. Then you can keep up the shower or tub by using a squeegee or towel to ‘wipe’ down the walls and prevent moisture from harvesting the mold. Another simple method is to mix water and some vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the shower daily (being careful with tile or marble since vinegar can ‘eat’ up the stone if it’s not well coated and sealed-it’s better to try on a small spot first).

QUICK: 5. What are the best ways to get rid of mold spots? Spots on clothes?
KAREN: *See suggestions above and a Steam Cleaner.
*For spots on clothes…I’d try a decorative accent sown onto the cloth! Other than that a paste of water and baking soda or borax left overnight on the spot should loosen up the stain (a kind of prewash).

QUICK: 6. Anything else you recommend? Tricks most wouldn’t think of?
KAREN: *Cleaning a Microwave in 1 minute: Using the Vinegar and Water Mixture (50/50) in a spray bottle, spray generously inside the microwave surfaces, and heat up on high for 30 secs. It loosens up food residue making it easier and faster to clean.

Quick Actions to make a difference:

1. Get rid of household toxic products, visit health stores and get the 3 basic products (you do not need 30 different ones!) window cleaner vinegar based, Bon Ami (scrubbing powder), Liquid castile soap and Borax that’it!
2. Add HEPA filter to your vacuum and/or tell your maid to put one in their vacuum.

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