Earth Day is a time to reflect on our environmental impact, and for many, that includes re-evaluating our cleaning habits. We’ve gathered some of your most pressing questions about sustainable cleaning and asked a resident expert.
Q: What’s the biggest misconception about green cleaning?
A: A common misconception is that green cleaning is less effective. Many people believe that harsh chemicals are necessary for a truly clean home. However, natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can be incredibly potent cleaners. The key is understanding how to use them effectively. Check out our blog Green Cleaning Myths Debunked! to learn more!
Q: Are homemade cleaning solutions really effective?
A: Absolutely! For example, a simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar can tackle many cleaning tasks, from disinfecting surfaces to removing hard water stains. Baking soda is excellent for scrubbing and deodorizing. In fact, a study published in the “Journal of Environmental Health” found that vinegar and baking soda were effective in reducing bacterial contamination on household surfaces.
Q: How can I reduce plastic waste in my cleaning routine?
A: Opt for concentrated cleaners that can be diluted in reusable bottles. Consider switching to cleaning tablets or bars, which eliminate the need for plastic packaging. You can also refill existing bottles at bulk stores, like Bulk Barn, or use reusable microfibre cloths instead of disposable wipes. As Bea Johnson, author of “Zero Waste Home,” says, “Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rot (and only in that order).”
Q: What’s the best way to clean naturally during allergy season?
A: Focus on minimizing dust and allergens. Use a HEPA filter vacuum and regularly wash bedding and curtains in hot water. Opt for natural cleaning products that are free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, which can irritate allergies. Regularly dusting with damp microfibre cloths helps to trap allergens.
Q: Are there any eco-friendly cleaning products you recommend?
A: There’s so many good ones out there! Look for products with certifications like Green Seal or EcoLogo (now UL EcoLogo), which indicate they meet strict environmental and health standards. And, always check the ingredient list to avoid products with vague or undisclosed ingredients.
Q: How is MOLLY MAID making a difference?
A: In addition to the use of bio-based, environmentally preferable green cleaning solutions, we also employ an effective green cleaning system as part of our services that eliminates the harmful effects of traditional cleaning chemicals. Our green cleaning products are 100% biodegradable, making them environmentally safe. To reduce our carbon footprint and minimize packaging waste, our green cleaning products are supplied in concentrate and distributed in reusable bottles. This system drastically reduces our overall impact on the environment.
Looking for other ways to celebrate Earth Day 2025? Here’s some #EarthDayAtHome ideas from the EarthDay.ca website.
