Author: oi_admin

Germ Headquarters: 7 Critical Things You Should Know About Germs

Posted on June 17, 2013 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Germs LOVE to nestle, especially in our homes! Germs are not so easily washed away either.

Because of our busy schedules, most of us don't have the time to clean like we want to.

What should we do?

Learn where germs hide in our homes and wipe those germs away using natural non-toxic household cleaners!

1. The toothbrush holder ~

Toothbrush holders can get very germy! Put the holder in the dishwasher, or, better yet, wash by hand with hot soapy water at least twice a week.

2. The bathtub drain ~

Use hot water when cleaning your shower and bathtub. The hot water will help remove anything from the drain. Make a paste of baking soda and water to clean your tub, Add some vinegar or borax to remove grime. Clean drain weekly.

Kitchen counters ~

Because kitchen counters are used so much, it is important to keep them clean and as germ-free as much as possible. After cooking, wash all kitchen counter tops hot soapy water every day. Use a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle to disinfect. Wipe with a microfiber cloth.

Kitchen stove ~

Bacteria tends to buildup on kitchen stoves. At least once a week, remove all the buttons and soak them in hot soapy water. Rinse and dry.

Your coffeemaker ~

Bacteria and mold love to hide in your dark, damp coffeemaker. To get rid of germs and bacteria, fill your machine with about 4 cups of vinegar and let it sit. After a half hour, run a cycle with the vinegar. After, run 2 or 3 more cycles with water until the vinegar smell disappears.

Kitchen sponges ~

After a few weeks of use, your kitchen sponge starts to harbor bacteria. Place your kitchen sponge in the microwave for two minutes. This should kill most of the bacteria, viruses, and spores on it. Replace your sponge at least every two weeks.

Pet food dishes ~

Animals often carry germs without our knowledge, especially through their saliva. Wash your pets food dishes with hot soapy water every day, or put them in the dishwasher.

The 10 Best Ways to Clean Your Home Quickly and Efficiently

Posted on June 13, 2013 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Summer! A perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and catch up on family time and relaxation!

But what about the house cleaning? If you’re like me, house cleaning is not on my priority list during the summer months.

But it has to be done….and done right. So what should you do?

The answer is simple. Learn how to power clean your home quick and efficiently so you can enjoy the lazy days of summer!

Power cleaning is an organized and efficient way of cleaning in a short period of time. Ultimately, the better you get at power cleaning, the more time you can spend enjoying your summer activities.

Here are some ways to get you started on the right track of efficient home power cleaning:

Set up a regular weekly cleaning schedule and stick to it. Trust me, this could change your life for the better! If you learn to stick to a basic cleaning routine, things won’t get so out of control. Once this happens, all the other necessary homemaking tasks will not seem so overwhelming or take so long. Whether it’s a morning routine, a nighttime routine, or even a 10 minute “frenzy” routine, learn to stick with it if it works.

Dress the part and dress for success. What you wear to clean is important. Create your own comfortable, washable, “cleaning uniform” that is easy to move around in. Don’t forget form fitting gloves and comfy shoes!

Invest in well-made cleaning tools to clean your home with. Good quality gloves, microfiber cloths, brushes, and mops can help make cleaning easier. To lessen your trips back and forth to the cleaning cabinet, prepare a cleaner’s bucket filled with all tools, cleansers, brushes and color coded microfiber cloths needed to do the job quick and efficiently. Have the microfiber mop and vacuum nearby. Don’t forget to include a plastic bag for trash.

Simplify your cleaning products by eliminating clutter in your own cleaning basket. Most jobs can be done using the following types of cleaners:

- Glass/multi-surface (make your own by combining 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, 2 1/2 cups water, 1 tablespoon white vinegar)

- Heavy duty/degreaser (make your own by combining equal parts of washing soda,castile soap, vinegar and warm water)

- Powdered abrasive (make your own by combining 3 cups baking soda, 1 cup vinegar, 3 cups warm water)

- Tile/Grout (make your own by combining 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water)

Stay Motivated and focus. Limit distractions while cleaning. Don’t stop cleaning to check emails, talk on the phone, or watch your favorite soap opera. Cleaning time will definitely slow down! Instead, keep your cleaning time energized by playing your favorite upbeat music, or better yet, lessen the boredom of house cleaning by cleaning with a buddy. After all, teamwork is especially helpful when it comes to changing sheets and making beds.

Clean in a logical order. Think through your order to see if it works for you. Usually I start upstairs and clean each room top to bottom. Don’t circle a room more than once. Clean everything in your path before you move on. For example, in the bathroom, stand in front of the sink, spray and wipe the mirror, scrub the sink, wipe down the counters and polish the fixtures all before moving from that spot.

Learn to use two hands when cleaning. Get into the habit of using both hands to attack cleaning tasks. For example, spray the mirror with one hand and wipe it down with the other. Scrub the counters with 2 cloths, one in each hand.

Free up some space. Set aside a few minutes a day to clean out a new closet, cabinet, or drawer and donate items you no longer use or need.

Wrap it up. Return cleaning tools to their proper areas. Throw out trash. Put soiled cloths in the laundry. Check product levels and buy whatever is needed ahead of time.

End your cleaning by spraying your home with a natural homemade scented spray. Combine 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons undiluted vodka, and 20 drops essential oil into a spray bottle and spray.

Learning the art of power cleaning and sticking to a routine that keeps your home maintained on a daily basis will help you feel less overwhelmed and can free up some time for you to enjoy the summer by doing what you want to do.

5 Important Tips You Should Know When Planning Your Move

Posted on June 10, 2013 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

Moving doesn't have to be stressful. Around 40 million Americans do it every year. So whether your move is planned or on short notice, you don't have to feel overwhelmed.

To help get you through your long "to do" list, here are some important tips to make the process of moving run smoothly:

If possible, plan your move at least eight weeks in advance. This will help lessen your stress and give you enough time to get everything done.

Get Organized ~

Choose your moving date so you have something to work towards.

Create a "move file" to keep track of quotes, receipts and other important information.

Start compiling copies of legal and financial records. Gather up school records, medical, dental, immunizations, prescription, and veterinarian records.

Plan ~

Plan how you will move variables and hard to replace items. Will they be delivered via certified mail or will you bring them with you?

Hire a moving company. Consider the size of your new residence and choose what is worth moving. Does your move involve a climate change? If so, move those items you are likely to use.

Figure out whether you will be shipping or driving your vehicle.

If you have pets, figure out a way to transport your pet to your new residence with the least amount of stress. Make sure all vaccinations are up to date before the move.

Purging and Packing ~

Begin purging your home. Separate items into those you will keep, donate, or discard. Plan a garage sale if you want.

Start packing items you don't use.

Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it is destined for.

Clean ~

Deep clean and sanitize your home using natural cleaning products such as baking soda, lemon juice, borax, olive oil, and distilled white vinegar are great green cleaning alternatives.

Don't Forget About You ~

Stick to your moving checklist and when the going gets rough, don't forget about you. Take some time to relax and de-stress if needed. Continue your usual routine of exercising and eating right so you can stay healthy and energized.

7 Critical Things You Can Do To Green Your Laundry

Posted on June 5, 2013 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

If you're like most health conscious people, finding environmentally-friendly ways to clean your home and your laundry is important.

Here are 7 critical ways to help keep your laundry eco-friendly, clean, and healthy for your family.

Because most of the wear and tear to our clothing comes from washing and drying them, plan on wearing some of your clothing more than once between cleanings. Place items on hangers to keep them from wrinkling.
If your washer and dryer are old, invest in a new energy-efficient washer and dryer. Most newer models are more efficient than those manufactured 10 years ago. Energy Star washers also reduce energy use by about 30% compared to standard washers. They also reduce water consumption by over 50% and have a better spin cycle which means less drying time.
Many detergents contain phosphates and petroleum that gets washed down the drain into our waterways. Some detergents also contain artificial brighteners and fragrances that may leave a residue on clothing and can also trigger an allergic response. Switching to detergents made with plant-based ingredients and are phosphate and fragrance-free is better.
Wash your laundry with cold water if possible. 90% of the energy used by a washing machine is to heat the water. Choosing an eco-friendly laundry detergent specifically for cold water will also help keep your whites white. Washing full loads can save you more than 3,400 gallons of water each year.
Consider line drying your clothes. This way your laundry will dry natural, fresh and fluffy, and your clothes will last longer. For those living in cold or wet areas, use an indoor drying rack to achieve the same benefits.
For a great natural, home-made fabric softener that will leave your clothes soft, add 3/4 cup of white distilled vinegar to your rinse cycle.
Instead of chemically treated dryer sheets, make your laundry smell great by filling a cotton muslin bag with your favorite herbs (mine is lavender). Add a few drops of essential oils to the herbs, sew (or tie) the bag shut, and toss it in the dryer.

Tips for A Better Spring Cleaning

Posted on May 29, 2013 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Spring is here! It's time to enjoy the fresh air and warm weather! It is also the perfect time to get rid of the clutter and give your home a good spring green cleaning.

Before cleaning, lessen the clutter. Go through closets, basements, and garages and get rid of sports equipment, toys, games and clothes that are no longer being used. Donate as much as you can to thrift stores and charities. Donate old books, DVD's, and CD's to your local library. Recycle plastic bags, paper and cardboard. Return bottle, cans, and glass to the redemption center. Trade in old video games and hardware, unused ipods, calculators, cameras and phones for extra money.

Once the clutter is gone, it's time to green clean!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a list on their website of cleaning products that are considered "safe," however, many cleaning products can be made right at home with simple ingredients like baking soda and vinegar.

Baking soda can be used as a scouring powder to clean sinks, countertops, faucets, ovens and appliances. For tougher stains, add salt or boiling water to the baking soda paste and scrub with a microfiber cloth.

White distilled vinegar mixed with water is useful in removing fat-based and oil spills. Vinegar alone helps in removing fat buildup.

To clean windows and mirrors, use a mix of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Wipe with a microfiber cloth. Mop linoleum floors with 1 part vinegar to 10 parts hot water. Use a mild, vegetable oil-based soap for wooden or laminate floors.

Deodorize carpets by sprinkling them with baking soda. Wait about an hour, then vacuum. For tough carpet stains, blot stains with soda water or white vinegar.

Healthy House Cleaning

Posted on May 28, 2013 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized

When it comes to household cleaning products, most of us will choose cleaning products that we think will make our homes shiny and clean, not really thinking about what the products are made up of.

But some of these products may pose health and environmental concerns.

The U.S. Poison Control Centers has shown in the past that cleaning products were responsible for many toxic exposures. Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests you look for signal words, such as “caution,” “warning,” “danger,” or “poison,” that are required by law to be put on hazardous products.

Finding ways to reduce or eliminate the use of toxic chemicals in the cleaning products we use is important. Much of our household cleaning can actually be done by using natural ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, castile soap, water, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda.

According to the Household Products Database, from the National Library of Medicine, furniture polishes contain formaldehyde and can cause eye, skin, or respiratory tract infections. Try making your own furniture polish by mixing one teaspoon olive oil and one-half cup vinegar.

Air fresheners may contain tiny fragrance particles that can lodge in your lungs. They also can trigger allergic and asthmatic reactions. Instead of using air freshners, clean your indoor air with outdoor air by opening your windows. Or, place bowls of baking soda around your home to keep it fresh.

Some detergents have fragances in them that contain phthalates, which are chemicals that have been linked to cancer. Other detergents contain alkyphenol ethoxylates, which are suspected hormone disruptors. Certain fragrances in fabric softeners may also contain chemicals that have been linked to cancer. For a healtheir, more natural laundry detergent, clean your laundry with a mix of borax, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or washing soda.

Use a paste of water and baking soda or washing soda to scrub countertops, sinks and tubs.

Clean windows with a spray bottle mix of water and one cup vinegar.

Disinfect kitchens and bathrooms by applying a mix of water and baking soda, and use warm water and plain soap instead of antibacterial soap.

Using homemade, natural, non-toxic ingredients will lessen our exposure to toxic chemicals which will make our home safer for our families.

Enjoy Spring...Reduce Allergens!

Posted on May 24, 2013 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

Got allergies?

So do I, and so do my three children. The problem is, we love springtime and we love being outdoors. Since staying inside with the windows closed during spring's allergy season is not an option for my active family, I had to find other ways to keep us allergen free. Here are a few:

Because pollen "slows down" towards the afternoon hours, going outside from 2:00 pm on is safer for us allergy sufferers. Pollen releases from grass in the morning. As the day starts getting warmer, pollen starts to rise into the air, high enough where there is no contact with it.

After it rains, pollen gets cleared from the air, which makes it a perfect time for my family to enjoy the outdoor air without sneezing!

While we are outside, I like to turn the air conditioner on inside to lessen the pollen amount floating around my indoor air. An air conditioner is great because it filters out the bad air in my home.

Taking a soothing warm shower always helps with allergies and sinus problems. The moist and humid air helps to clear nasal passages which helps you breathe easier.

Sometimes pollen can aggravate people who have a hard time tolerating dairy products. Their immune system goes into overdrive which makes them respond worse to less harmful things. Cutting down on dairy products for a couple of weeks may help.

Most of us know by now that if you suffer from allergies, you should try and wash your bedding at least once a week in hot water to kill off dust mites. But what about your pillow? Did you know that if you freeze your pillow every 1 to 2 weeks, it can also kill dust mites? Just place your favorite pillow in the freezer for about 12 hours at a time. Doing this on a routine basis can actually keep dust mites from ever coming back!

Don't forget to breathe through your nose and not your mouth! The nose filters all the air going into your body which can help keep allergens out!

Getting Through Allergy Season

Posted on May 22, 2013 by oi_admin - Healthy Body, Uncategorized

When you suffer from allergies, getting through allergy season can be tough, especially if you love going outdoors.

Here are some things to try this allergy season that might help you get the allergy-free relief you need so you can enjoy the great outdoor spring weather.

~ Keep pollen from entering your home by keeping your windows closed. Since plants release most of their pollen between 5:00 am and 10:00 am, keeping your windows closed at this time is a must! Use an allergy-reducing HEPA filter air conditioner instead of opening your windows.

~ Log on to www.aaaai.org to check the daily pollen and/or mold counts so you can prepare yourself for the day.

~ Reduce allergens like dust, mold, and pollen by cleaning your home often. Because microfiber cloths and mops are made with microfibers that are positively charged, they will pick up up dirt, lint, dust, hair, and anything else that comes there way! Microfiber cleaning tools can also be used dry or with water. Be sure to wipe down computer keyboards, door handles, and counter tops as much as possible during allergy season.

~ To get rid of dust mites, wash all bedding at least once a week in hot water. If possible, dry bedding in dryer. Use allergy-free casing around mattresses and pillows.

~ If you spent time outdoors, wash clothing afterwards to get rid of pollen and other allergens that might have gotten on you or your clothes. Be sure to shower before going to bed.

~ Try not to hang your clothes out in the sun to dry. Pollen may get all over them. Use your dryer instead.

~ When driving, keep windows rolled up as much as possible.

~ Since mowing the lawn can expose you to pollen and other allergens, if possible, try and have someone else cut the lawn, rake the leaves, and weed the garden.

Easy Ways to Reduce Allergy Triggers

Posted on May 15, 2013 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma.

Allergy and asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe and are usually triggered by exposure to allergens. Believe it or not, most of these allergens are found right in your own home. A survey from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found at least six allergens were detectable in about 50 percent of homes. Allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and cockroach droppings, can be carried in the air and found on furniture, floors, and other surfaces around the home.

Removing allergy triggers from your home can reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. Cleaning your home with natural cleaning products routinely can help reduce the exposure of allergens in your home.

Because dust mites thrive in dust, getting rid of dust will help reduce indoor allergens. When cleaning, wear a dust mask. Be sure to clean with a microfiber cloth which collects dust instead of scattering it.

Vacuuming also helps reduce allergens. Pollen, dust mite, and cockroach droppings are heavier than pet dander so they are more likely to settle on furniture and other surfaces. Using a HEPA filter vacuum will trap small particles and prevent them from spreading into the air. Using HEPA filters in your air conditioner can also reduce allergens.

For the pet owners out there, keep your pet off the furniture and out of the bedroom as much as you can to lessen pet dander. Vacuum regularly and wash your pet weekly if possible.

Molds and mildew love damp areas like basements and bathrooms. Mold spores are allergens found in the air. Clean mold with a vinegar/water/hydrogen peroxide mixture. Use dehumidifier if needed to keep the humidity around 40 percent.

Dust mites live in bedding, pillows, and rugs, so be sure to wash your blankets, sheets, and pillowcases in hot water (around 130 degrees) once a week and dry them in a hot dryer to kill the dust mites. Use allergy-proof casing for your mattresses and pillows.

To prevent pollen from entering your home, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. Avoid going outdoors when the pollen count is high, and in the early morning hours (between 5 am and 10 am). Taking a shower and changing your clothes when coming in from outside also helps get rid of any pollen you might have picked up while outdoors. Do not hang laundry out on the clothesline to dry since pollen can collect on them.

Many toxic household cleaners can trigger symptoms in those who have asthma or allergies. Consider making your own cleaning products using ingredients like vinegar, lemons, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.

Reducing Allergens Starts in the Home

Posted on May 13, 2013 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

Spring is in the air and whether we like it or not, so are seasonal allergy triggers.

Millions of people spend their spring season trying to combat symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, and sinus pain and pressure.

The best way to find relief from seasonal allergies is to minimize exposure to pollen and other allergy triggers. Since there is no way to control the pollen or allergen count outdoors, improving the indoor air quality of your home can make a difference in providing a healthy haven for yourself and your loved ones.

Staying indoors with windows and doors shut, especially on high pollen count days can help reduce seasonal allergy triggers. If the house gets too warm, turn on the air conditioner if possible.

If your plans call for being outdoors on high pollen count days, rinse off and change your clothes upon returning indoors. This will help to keep any allergens you picked up outside from spreading around your home.

Vacuum carpeted areas of your home regularly. Be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Vacuum all upholstered furniture as well since dust and pollen tend to settle into the fabric in carpet and on furniture.

When cleaning, dust surfaces with a microfiber cloth. Microfiber cloths trap dust particles so they won't be released back into the air. Use microfiber mops instead of brooms for cleaning floors. Sweeping can also stir allergens back into the air.

Wash bed linens weekly and dry them in a hot setting dryer. Avoid hanging clothes outside to dry because pollen can settle on the them.

If possible, use allergen-free bedding.

For extra allergy relief help, keep a HEPA filter air purifier running in your home to help remove any allergens that may have been brought into your home from outside. HEPA filters remove allergens such as pollen, dust, mold spores, and pet dander, from the air inside your home.

Try making your own household cleaning products at home with non-toxic ingredients like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, Castille soap, and baking soda. Using non-toxic cleaners helps reduce toxins that may cause your allergies to flare up.

While there is no cure for seasonal allergies, symptoms can be kept under control by minimizing exposure to pollen and other allergy triggers.

Good indoor air quality is important for those suffering from seasonal allergies, asthma, or sinus problems. Making sure the air in your home is free of pollen is essential for promoting allergy relief and overall health.

Clean Easier this Spring

Posted on May 10, 2013 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Let's face it....

Green cleaning is the way to go these days. Green cleaning products are less toxic and much safer for our families and our environment.

Making your own green household cleaners is easier than you think. The ingredients are cheaper and most of them may already be sitting right in your cabinets at home:

White vinegar is an anti-fungal that also kills germs and bacteria.

Baking soda eliminates odors and works as a gentle scouring powder.

Borax eliminates odors, removes dirt, and acts as an anti-fungal and possible disinfectant.

Hydrogen peroxide is a great non-toxic bleach and stain remover. It is also a proven disinfectant.

Club soda can be used as a stain remover and polisher.

Lemon juice is a bleach alternative that cuts grease and removes stains.

Liquid Castile soap works as an all-purpose cleaner, grease-cutter, and disinfectant.

Corn meal works great on carpet spills.

Olive oil can be used to polish furniture.

Here are great recipes to get you started...

All-purpose cleaner: Pour two tablespoons white vinegar and one teaspoon borax into a spray bottle. Add warm water and shake to mix. Then add 1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap.

To clean hardwood floors, combine 1/4 liquid Castile soap, 1/2 cup white vinegar or lemon juice, and 2 gallons of warm water in a large bucket. Use a microfiber mop or cloth for cleaning.

To clean and disinfect carpets, mix together 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup borax, and 1 cup cornmeal. Sprinkle mixture over rug and rub with a microfiber cloth. Let sit overnight. Vacuum the next day. To remove tough carpet stains, mix 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap and 1/3 cup water together in a blender until foamy. Spread the mixture on the carpet and let it sit for five minutes. Scrub stain with a microfiber cloth. For larger stains, pour cornmeal on the spill, wait 15 minutes, then vacuum.

To clean windows, just add club soda to a spray bottle and spray. Wipe down with a microfiber cloth or terry cloth rag. For tough windows spots, add 1 teaspoon lemon to the club soda.

To clean the bathroom, try using the all-purpose cleaner (stated above). For plumbing fixtures, clean with club soda. For a mild scrub, use borax or baking soda combined with liquid soap. To clean the toilet, sprinkle baking soda or borax, or pour white vinegar into the toilet. Let sit for about ten minutes. Scrub with a toilet brush.

To clean the oven, cover the oven floor with baking soda, spray with water until very damp, and let set overnight. Make sure baking soda stays damp overnight by spraying water on it every few hours. In the morning, rinse and wipe.

To remove mold, combine 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar with 1 cup water. Spray on mold, do not rinse. Mold can also be treated by spraying a mixture of 2 teaspoons tea tree oil and 2 cups water.

To polish wood furniture, dab olive oil onto a microfiber cloth and rub.

Pets, Allergies, and Household Cleaners

Posted on May 8, 2013 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Believe it or not, pets can have allergies too. And trying to find what is triggering those allergies can be overwhelming.

If your pet suffers from allergies, one of the best things you can do for your pet is to try and limit his exposure to environmental pollutants, especially in your home. This means switching your toxic household cleaners to safer, non-toxic, green cleaners.

Natural green cleaners will lessen the number of toxins your pet is exposed to and help reduce potential allergen triggers.

Because pets are close to the floor, cleaning your floors with non-toxic ingredients is very important. To clean wood,vinyl, linoleum, or ceramic floors, add one cup vinegar to one gallon water. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth or mop.

For window and mirror cleaning, add four tablespoons lemon juice to one gallon water. Pour into spray bottle and spray. Wipe with a microfiber cloth.

To clean surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, sprinkle baking soda on surface and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge. For tough spots, add salt to the mix and scrub.

For grease or mildew stains, spray the area with lemon juice. Let sit for a few minutes. Scrub and rinse.

Make your own natural disinfectant by mixing together two cups water, three tablespoons liquid soap, and 10 - 15 drops of tea tree oil. Pour into spray bottle and spray!

To clean your oven, make a paste of baking soda and water and spread evenly throughout your oven. Let it sit overnight. Rinse off with a warm microfiber cloth.

To unclog drains, pour a half cup baking soda into the drain, followed by two cups boiling water. For tougher clogs, pour a half cup vinegar after the baking soda. Cover drain. Wait a few minutes. Rinse by pouring one gallon boiling water down drain.

For polishing wood furniture, add two parts olive oil to one part lemon juice. Apply it to your furniture with a microfiber cloth.

Use Borax to clean your laundry. For whiter whites, use vinegar instead of bleach.

When vacuuming, ALWAYS use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Switching your household cleaners to non-toxic green cleaners is an important step in reducing allergens in the home for your family and for your pets.