This Earth Day, let’s get real about cleaning! We’ve all seen the DIY vinegar concoctions and eco-friendly product claims, but are they truly effective? This year, ditch the greenwashing and join us as we debunk the myths surrounding DIY and eco-cleaning practices.
DIY cleaners don’t smell fresh.
False! Lemon, lime, grapefruit and/or orange peels in vinegar create a citrusy disinfectant, while essential oils like lavender, Bergamot orange and rose add a calming touch.
Newspaper buffs windows streak-free!
Streaky disaster! Sadly, this green cleaning solution is a bust. Opt for reusable microfibre cloths instead – they’re lint-free and eco-friendly.
Vinegar in the wash softens towels
Nope! Vinegar actually stiffens fabrics. Instead, use ½ a cup of baking soda in your wash cycle for naturally soft towels.
Letting dishes air dry is lazy and unsanitary
Go for it! Air drying dishes saves energy and works just fine, especially with a good rinse beforehand.
Coffee grounds are nature’s drain deodorizer
Not quite. They can actually clog drains. For a fresh-smelling drain, try pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of hot vinegar (watch the fizzy action!).
The more bubbles, the better the clean
Surprisingly, not true! Bubbles come from surfactants that lift dirt, not necessarily the cleaning power itself. In fact, too much cleaner can leave a residue that attracts dust.
You don’t need to DIY to be green
Yep! There are many eco-friendly cleaning products available commercially. Just be sure to check the ingredients. However, DIY solutions can be even more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Baking soda unclogs, deodorizes & scrubs the tub
This is true! Baking soda is a very versatile cleaner. It can deodorize, scrub and unclog mild clogs.
Acetone fixes cracked thrifted t-shirts
The TikTok favourite for those eco warriors who like to thrift, is unfortunately false. We tried it and found it didn’t help. In fact, a deeper dive revealed that acetone, found in nail polish remover, can bleach fabrics or strip garments of their dyes.
MOLLY MAID Canada’s Green Housekeeping Program
Designed for the health and safety of our clients, their family and pets, our team and the planet, 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, drastically reducing our overall impact on the environment.
The Green Clean Challenge
Share your favorite DIY green cleaning recipes, before and after pictures of your sparkling clean home, and tag us on social media using #UltimateGreenCleanChallenge. Inspire others to embrace a more sustainable cleaning routine, one earth-friendly recipe at a time.
