For many of us, the arrival of springtime brings with it an urge to clean and organize our homes. In this month’s blog, the Secondwind team shares some great money and time-saving tips, including some diy green household cleaners—just in time for spring cleaning!

Get Rid of the Cleaning Clutter

Let’s face it: there’s a product for virtually every type of household cleaning. And all these products clutter up your home and cost you a heck of a lot of money. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, household cleaning products is a $168 billion dollar industry, with the average American spending over $650 per year on cleaning supplies, many of which are bad for both your health and our environment. Using a few key ingredients, you can create your own cleaning supplies—decluttering that space under your kitchen sink, protecting your health, and saving time and money.

House Cleaning Superheroes

There are a few common ingredients that, in various combinations, can be successfully used in virtually every type of household cleaning. These cleaning “superheroes” include:

• Water (Pure and contaminant-free—we can help with this.)
• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Lemon Juice
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Essential Oils

DIY Green Household Cleaners

Homemade cleaners are great because you know exactly what ingredients you are using in your home. According to the American Lung Association, many cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause other health problems, including damage to the central nervous system and cancer. When released into the environment, VOCs can react with nitrogen oxides to produce ozone pollution.

To make your own “green” household cleaners, use the following recipes:

1. All-purpose Cleaner & Deodorizer

Great for kitchen countertops, tables, appliances, sinks, and the inside of your refrigerator. Combine four tablespoons of baking soda with one quart of warm water. Store in a sturdy spray bottle, found at janitorial supply companies and most home improvement stores.

2. Glass & Mirror Cleaner

Here are a couple recipes you can use to make your glass and mirrors sparkle:

• Super Easy:  Mix one part vinegar to one part water and spray away.
• Nicely Scented:  Mix two cups of water with ½ cup of white or cider vinegar and ¼ cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration). For a pleasant scent, add one to two drops of orange essential oil.

3. Sink Cleaner

Baking soda is mildly abrasive, making it a great cleaner for sinks. Combine a few tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to make it a paste. Dip a sponge into the paste and use it to thoroughly scrub your sink. As the baking soda washes down your drain, it may also help prevent clogging.

4. Grout Cleaner

Make a paste out of one part lemon juice and one part baking soda. Using an old toothbrush, scrub the paste onto your grout. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off.

Hard Water Problems

If you have hard water, there are some household problems that no amount of cleaning products or elbow grease can seem to solve. These include:

• Scale build-up on faucets, fixtures, and tile
• Spots on dishes and glasses
• Stained laundry
• Cloudy or filmy glass shower doors

These problems are caused by high levels of calcium, magnesium, and iron. Overtime, these elements will also damage any household equipment (e.g. water heaters) or appliances (e.g. washing machines) that come into contact with your water.

With a water softener, you won’t have to waste time scrubbing scale build-up, removing spots from your dishes, or re-washing clothes that were not properly cleaned the first time. You’ll could also save thousands of dollars in repairing or replacing your household appliances and equipment.

Home Water Softener Systems in NH

A water softener system will save you time and money by reducing the time you spend cleaning, improving the effectiveness of your cleaning products, and preserving the lifespan of your household appliances. If your home is showing signs of hard water, contact the Secondwind team today for a free water analysis. We’re New Hampshire’s leading home water treatment specialists.