IT’S almost Christmas! While many persons may just be putting in their last minute cleaning, some are still engrossed in the cleaning, getting ready to usher in the New Year. In this age of super-consumption, merchants have trained us to seek out detergents and other cleaning products that deliver excellent benefits. We purchase these items thinking, we are getting value for our money, which will somehow improve our lives. However, sometimes more is not more.

This week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would like to focus your attention on household cleaning products and ideas which are healthy and environmentally friendly. No doubt, at this time of year, the use of cleaning chemicals is amplified. Many people hold the belief that ‘It’s not clean unless I can smell the chemicals!’

Thankfully, this is no longer the standard by which we measure the cleanliness of our homes. Instead of opting for cleaning products that overpower everything in their path (including our nostrils!), there are plenty of natural products we can either make ourselves and save money, or buy from our local shops. These methods will keep a house clean and fresh-smelling without the poisonous side effects.

Homemade Substitutes for harsh cleaning chemicals
• Baking Soda – cleans, deodorises, softens water, scours.
• Lemon – one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
• White Vinegar – cuts grease, removes mildew, odours, some stains and wax build-up.
• Cornstarch – can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
• Borax – (sodium borate) cleans, deodorises, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.

Tips on how to use these products
*Remember to keep products labelled and stored safely
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 litres) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors
Air Freshener: Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odours around the house.

Bathroom mould: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mould. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using the shower.
Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.

For fresh grease spots, sprinkle cornstarch onto the spot and wait for 15 – 30 minutes before vacuuming.
For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours.

Coffee and tea stains: Stains in cups can be removed by applying vinegar to a sponge and wiping. To clean a teakettle or coffee maker, add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup vinegar; bring to a boil. Let cool, wipe with a clean cloth and rinse thoroughly with water.

• Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda.
• Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use a non-aerosol spray bottle.

Benefits of greener household cleaning products
Just don’t take our word for it! Research from the experts would tell you that when you switch to greener cleaning products you are making a pledge to protect the environment. Most ideal green cleaning products are made using sustainable manufacturing practices and naturally derived, safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable ingredients that don’t negatively impact the environment.

It would also be safe for you and your family’s health as well as your pets. Symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, skin rashes, headaches etc., may “mysteriously” disappear once you stop using toxic cleaning chemicals. Choose:

A Healthier Home;
A Safe Environment;
A better Air Quality;
To save money; and
Use Safe products.

Give these tips a try and let us know how it works or you can share your own ideas with us by following our Facebook and Instagram pages or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

Season’s Greetings from the Management and staff of the Environmental Protection Agency!