From 1001 Easy Ways for Earth-Wise Living

A clean home is both a pleasure to live in and essential for healthy living. Maintaining a regular cleaning routine keeps dirt under control and moulds and allergy-producing substances in check. Cleaning little but often is the key – if you catch dust and spills before they turn to grime, you won’t need harsh chemical cleaners.

1 Stop the dirt before it comes inside. Place good-quality dirt-absorbing mats at all entrances to the home. Your carpets will stay cleaner and last longer.

2 Initiate a shoe-free policy in the household to avoid the problem of tracking in oil and dirt from outside. Provide a shoe rack at the door and a chair nearby, to encourage people to oblige.

3 Try to tidy up as you go. If you haven’t the time, clear up small messes as they occur and you won’t have a big job to deal with at the end of the day.

4 Instead of reaching for the strongest chemical cleaner first, look for environmentally responsible cleaning alternatives. Mostly, they will work just as well.

5 Act fast on spills and stains. You’ll not only find your cleaning is more effective, you’ll also need fewer chemicals to do the job.

6 Give cleaners time to work and you’ll find you need less of them. Leave mould and oven cleaners to work overnight, for example.

7 See how little you can get away with. Use less when applying household cleaners, whether they’re commercial brands or more natural alternatives. You may find a wipe with a damp cloth is all you need.

8 Use elbow grease. Brushes, scourers and cloths are the first line of defence against dirt and reduce the need for harsh, fast-acting chemicals.

9 Use recycled materials to clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Old cotton T-shirts and towels are perfect. They’re economical and longer-lasting than disposable wipes and paper towels.

10 Work out a minimum cleaning routine to keep your home functioning efficiently. That way, even if you’re extra busy, at least you know you’ve covered the basics each week.

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