Author: oi_admin

Homemade Cleaners for Cleaning Your Rugs

Posted on May 8, 2012 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Did you know that you can clean your carpets by using just a few inexpensive ingredients found right in your own home? Effective, nontoxic cleaners create a safer environment for your family, especially for pets and children who are in close contact with the floor.

Choose eco-friendly carpet cleaners. Many over-the-counter carpet cleaning products contain pesticides, formaldehyde and other harmful toxins similar to those used in chemical dry cleaning.

These chemicals release fumes called volatile organic compounds (or VOCs), and according to the Environmental Protection Agency, they can cause many short- and long-term health problems, such as headaches, vomiting, asthma attacks, skin allergies, loss of coordination, cancer and damage to the kidneys and liver.

Homemade Carpet Cleaners

Clean carpets with natural ingredients, like vinegar, water, baking soda and plant-based soap.

Deodorize, disinfect and remove light stains by spraying soiled carpet with a mixture of 1 part distilled white vinegar and 1 part water. Let sit for a few minutes then rinse the area with water.

To make a simple, nontoxic carpet shampoo, mix a cup of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil-based soap. Rub the mixture into the carpet with a brush. Rinse area thoroughly with clean water.

For tough stains, replace commercial carpet detergents with a thick mixture of baking soda, water and plant-based soap.

Remove fresh red wine stains with full-strength club soda.

Make sure to porvide adequate ventilation when using water and liquid cleaners on carpets to prevent the growth of mold.

Homemade Steam Cleaners

Instead of using commercial steam-cleaning detergents, pour tap water or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water in the steam cleaner’s reservoir.

For soiled areas, use more vinegar, just make sure to test the mixture on a small area first to check for discoloration. Use the steam cleaner as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to provide adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth. The vinegar smell will disappear when the carpet dries.

Baking soda naturally absorbs odors and moisture from the carpet.

To remove greasy stains, mix 2 cups baking soda and 1/2 cup cornmeal or cornstarch. Sprinkle the mixture across the carpet and let it sit for at least a half an hour. Vacuum the area.

For stains with odors, add 1 tablespoon ground cloves and 5 crumbled bay leaves or a few drops of lavender essential oil to the baking soda mixture.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Lessen Allergy Triggers In Your Home

Posted on May 7, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

Carpeting can make our homes look warmer and more inviting. It is soft enough for babies to walk on, it reduces noise levels, and it is more cost-effective than stone, tile, or wood flooring.

Carpet provides the healthful role of filtering the air. Carpet acts like a trap, keeping dust and allergens out of the air we breathe. Basically, what falls to the carpet tends to stay trapped in the carpet until it is removed through vacuuming.

Unlike smooth floor surfaces that allow dust and other allergens to recirculate into the breathing zone, properly maintained carpet actually contributes to improved air quality.

According to the American Lung Association, homeowners spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors. The Environmental Protection Agency states that indoor air is up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air, which shows how important air quality is.

Ventilation and cleanliness go hand-in-hand when improving the air quality in your home. If you have allergies, be sure that your home is properly ventilated. Use common sense when opening windows. Things like paint smells, tobacco smoke, and radon negatively impact air quality.

If you love to have the windows open, but know that you will have trouble during the high-pollen seasons, you may want to invest in a good air purifier. Istall HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) or other high-quality filters on your ventilation system to help cut down the number of pollen spores in the air and, potentially, in your carpet.

Keeping your carpet clean can help reduce or eliminate any allergic reaction you may be having. To reduce allergens in your carpeted home:

Place doormats at each entrance.

Invest in a high-quality air purifier.

Install special vent filters on your ventilation system.

Vacuum twice a week. This alone can greatly reduce allergens in the air.

Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter or other "allergen containment" system.

Wear a surgical-style dust mask when cleaning to avoid breathing in any dust, dander, or other allergens.

Avoid decorating with soft upholstery, tapestries, thick drapes or long, heavy curtains that are difficult to wash and attract dust. Instead, use shutters, blinds, or light, washable curtains on your windows. Use furniture with canvas, leather, or some other dense, easily cleaned fabric.

Clean up spills quickly. Blot with a clean cloth, do not rub or grind into the carpet.

If you move into a new house where the past owners had pets, and you are allergic to pet dander, have the carpet deep-cleaned before moving your furnishings and clothing in. For the first few weeks you live there, vacuum at least twice a week using a powerful vacuum with a HEPA filter. While there will probably still be some small pieces of dander and/or hair in the carpet fibers you will have significantly fewer problems and could potentially eliminate the need for costly new flooring.

Relieve Allergies by Improving Indoor Air

Posted on May 3, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

We usually think of air pollution as something outside, but the truth is, the air inside your home can be more polluted than the air outside. The air inside your home may be polluted by lead (found in house dust), formaldehyde, fire-retardants, radon, and even volatile chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners. Some pollutants, like dust mites, mold and pet dander, are tracked into the home by pets, shoes, furniture, and even other people.

People with asthma, children, and even the elderly can be sensitive to indoor pollutants, and after repeated exposure, other effects on health may appear years later.

Indoor allergens and irritants have become more important in recent decades because we are spending more time indoors. Since most homes are airtight, these irritants cannot easily escape.

Ways to improve indoor air quality:

1. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. This will reduce concentrations of lead, as well as allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites in your home.

2. Mop it up. Using microfiber mops and dust cloths will capture dust. Skip the soaps and cleaners and just use plain water. Microfiber cloths don't require any cleaning solutions.

3. Use a mat. Put a large floor mat at every door. People track all sorts of things on their shoes. A door mat will reduce the amouont of dirt, pesticides, and other pollutants from getting into your home.

4. Keep a healthy humidity level. Dust mites and mold love moisture. A dehumidifier and/or an air conditioner will help reduce moisture in indoor air and effectively control allergens. For allergy sufferers, an air conditioner also reduces indoor pollen count.

Cleaning With Baking Soda

Posted on May 2, 2012 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Baking soda and washing soda both absorb odors. But unlike baking soda, slightly stronger washing soda cannot be ingested, so wear rubber gloves when handling it.

You can use either baking soda or washing soda to clean the following:

Can opener. Dip a toothbrush in a paste of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon water and use it to dislodge gunk.

Garage floors/concrete surfaces. Pour washing soda generously on oil and grease spots and sprinkle with water until a paste forms. Let stand overnight. The next day, scrub with a damp brush, hose down, and wipe clean.

Garden tools. Dip a moist stiff-bristled brush in washing soda to scrub trimmers, clippers, and more. Rinse, then place in a sunny area to dry. Avoid using washing soda on aluminum tools.

Grills and barbecue utensils. To combat tough grease stains, dip a moist stiff- bristled brush in washing soda and scrub away.

Stove burner grates. In a dish pan, soak the grates in 1 gallon warm water and ½ cup washing soda for 30 minutes. Rinse and dry.

Stained teacups and coffee mugs. Fill with 1 part baking soda and 2 parts water and soak overnight. Rub with a sponge and rinse.

Upholstered furniture. To remove odors, sprinkle baking soda on the fabric, then vacuum.

Scuffed walls. Erase crayon marks by applying a baking soda paste (equal parts baking soda and water) to white painted walls only. Baking soda may dull colored walls. Let dry before brushing it off with a clean cloth.

Harmful Ingredients in Household Cleaning Products

Posted on May 2, 2012 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Did you ever wonder about the ingredients that make up your cleaning products? Since companies do not have to disclose all the ingredients in cleaning products, how do we, as consumers, know which ones might be harmful to use?

Here is a list of frequently found ingredients that can be toxic to you and the environment:

Ammonia is found in glass cleaners, floor cleaners and bathroom cleaners. It is poisonous when swallowed. Ammonia is a big irritant to the skin or when inhaled.

Diethylene Glycol is found in glass and bathroom cleaners. It is poisonous when swallowed and irritating to the lungs.

Chlorine Bleach is found in a variety of cleaners. It is very irritating to the eyes and skin and is an environmental hazard.

Triclosan is found in antibacterial cleaners and thought to be contributing to antibiotic resistant bacteria.

DEA and TEA are found in many products and used as preservatives. When combined with nitrosomes, they can produce carcinogens.

Petroleum based ingredients are found in all kinds of cleaners. They are very bad for the environment.

Fragrance is found in air fresheners and almost all cleaners. Fragrance usually contains phthalates used to stabilize synthetic scents. Fragrance is a known carcinogen and is a frequent cause of allergies.

1,4-dioxane is found in dishwashing and other household cleaners. It has been found to be a cancer causing ingredient.

Formaldehyde is found in a variety of cleaners. It is a known carcinogen.

Source: Environmental protection agency

Allergies, Cleaning, and Your Health

Posted on May 1, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Body

Indoor allergies impact the lives of millions each year and have the potential to cause chronic health problems ranging from allergies, upper respiratory issues and asthma. However, these allergies can easily be managed by reducing the level of airborne allergens in the home.

Dust consists of microscopic particles found in both indoor and outdoor environments. Typically, house dust allergies are triggered by common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, cockroach waste, pet dander and mold. Symptoms of a house dust allergy include sneezing, runny, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion and a runny nose.

Vacuum Cleaners:

Cleaning the surfaces in the home may not be enough to remove allergens and prevent their recirculation back into the indoor air. An essential tool for household cleaning is a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum. HEPA filters are designed to trap small particles such as allergens and prevent their recirculation. Traditional vacuums put allergens back into the indoor air triggering house dust allergies.

Carpeting:

Carpets easily trap airborne particles and allergens such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander. Reducing trapped allergens and house dust requires:

Regular weekly or twice weekly vacuuming with a HEPA filtered vacuum.

Professional cleaning every six months to a year to remove trapped allergens, mold and other particles able to re-circulate into the air.

Removal of carpeting may be recommended for those with moderate to severe allergies.

House Dust and Dust Mites:

Bedding, comforters, curtains, towels and other soft surfaces trap dust mites. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, dust mites are the most common trigger of allergies and asthma. Several steps can be taken to reduce the level of dust mites as an allergen trigger in the home.

Vacuuming soft surfaces to remove dust once or twice weekly.
Washing bedding, comforters, towels and curtains in hot water reaching at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use of allergen proof covers or hypoallergenic pillows and mattresses.

Helpful Household Tips:

Use HEPA filtration air purifiers and systems to remove airborne allergens and reduce symptoms caused by house dust allergies.
Use a dust mask while cleaning if needed. This will limit the exposure to airborne allergens in the home, and decrease allergy symptoms.
Clean up after meals. Open food not only attracts bugs and mice, but cockroach waste in particular can trigger a house dust allergy.
Dry all surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen after use, and check for leaks in the plumbing that can result in mold growth.
Use natural homemade green cleaning solutions to clean your home.
Basements, vents and crawl spaces can hide and trap allergens and household dust, pushing them into clean areas of the home. These areas should be cleaned on a regular basis because they easily hide areas with high moisture and humidity, promoting mold growth and circulation of spores in the home.

Indoor Allergy Relief is Possible!

Want A Greener Pet?

Posted on April 29, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

Want a greener, more eco-friendly pet? Here's how:

In the United States, 70,000 puppies and kittens are born every day, most of them without homes. Since we don't need any more homeless animals than we already have. Instead of buying a pet from a breeder, why not adopt? Log on to Petfinder.com to find your perfect match. Spaying and neutering your pet helps them live longer, healthier lives by eliminating the possibility of uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancer, and decreasing the incidence of prostate disease.

The Humane Society of America recommends keeping cats indoors because of the dangers of cars, predators, disease, and other hazards. The estimated average life span of a free-roaming cat is less than three years. Indoors-only cat gets to live an average of 15 to 18 years.

Most conventional pet-food brands you find at the supermarket consist of reconstituted animal by-products, otherwise known as low-grade wastes from the beef and poultry industries. Unless the can of pet food explicitly states that it contains FDA-certified, food-grade meat, you should know that its contents are considered unfit for human consumption.

Natural and organic pet foods use meats that are raised in sustainable, humane ways without added drugs or hormones, minimally processed, and preserved with natural substances, such as vitamins C and E. Certified-organic pet foods must meet strict USDA standards that spell out how ingredients are produced and processed, which means no pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, artificial preservatives, artificial ingredients or genetically engineered ingredients.

Cat owners should avoid clumping clay litter at all costs. Not only is clay bad for the planet, but the clay sediment is also permeated with carcinogenic silica dust that can coat the cats lungs. The sodium bentonite that acts as the clumping agent can poison your cat through chronic ingestion. Because sodium bentonite acts like expanding cement it can swell up to15 to18 times their dry size and clog up your cat's insides. Eco-friendly cat litters can avoid these problems.

Buy your pets toys made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers (like hemp). You can also buy organic cotton pet beds and recycled PET bottles.

Wash your pets with natural pet-care products.

Use a child/pet-safe de-icer. Rock salt and salt-based ice-melting products, which kids and animals might accidentally ingest, can cause health problems, while contaminating wells and drinking supplies.

Get your pet a hanging tag made out of recycled aluminum or recycled silver.

Source: http://Petfinder.com

Cleaning Naturally

Posted on April 26, 2012 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

If you are like me, you take pride in your clean home. I wash, scrub, vacuum, spray, and polish so that my home stays clean and neat. But some of these cleaners also can cause pollution, both indoors and outdoors, which is why I will only use natural household cleaners. How green are your cleaning supplies? According to the EPA, keep the following in mind:

1. Laundry detergent: Your washer sends a lot of dirty water down the drain. Besides dirt, what is in that water? Many detergents contain phosphates, chemicals that help get clothes clean. When phosphates get into waste water, they speed the growth of algae, which can kill fish and plants that live in the water.

Besides phosphates, some detergents contain concentrated chemicals, like surfactants (which help with cleaning) and bleach (which removes stains). Surfactants are made from petroleum, the nonrenewable source from which oil and gasoline are made. Most bleach contains cancer-causing chlorine.

Some detergents claim to be "biological", meaning that they contain enzymes to help dissolve stains and make the detergent work in cooler water. Some detergents claim to be "biodegradable", which means that the detergent breaks down and becomes harmless in the waste system. But this doesn't always happen.

2. All -purpose cleaners may contain ammonia, which can be harmful to your lungs, and chlorine, which can form cancer-causing compounds when released into the environment.

3. Drain Cleaners contain very strong chemicals such as lye and hydrochloric and sulfuric acids. These can burn your skin and can cause blindness if they get into your eyes.

4. Flea and tick control products contain ingredients that have never been adequately tested for safety. While not intended for use on people, they can rub off your pet onto furniture, exposing you to the risk of cancer and other diseases.

5. Floor and furniture polishes contain phenol, which causes cancer in laboratory animals.

6. Metal polishes contain ammonia, phosphoric, and sulfuric acids, which are not healthy to breathe.

7. Mothballs contain p-dichlorobenzene, which causes cancer.

8. Oven cleaners contain lye, a powerful chemical that can burn your skin and lungs or cause blindness if splashed in your eyes.

9. Toilet cleaners contain chlorine and hydrochloric acid, which can burn your skin and eyes.

Take a good look at the cleaning products you use to clean your home with and see which ingredients they contain that may be harmful. Why expose your family to all these toxic chemicals? Help save the planet and keep your family healthy by green cleaning your home!

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to http://greencleancertified.com and http://maidbrigade.com. To learn more about the asthma and allergy triggers in your home, or to learn more about household products and breast cancer, please log on to http://www.greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Cleaning Outdoors With Vinegar

Posted on April 25, 2012 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Every year during spring time, before I bring out all of my outdoor furniture, I like to give the deck a good cleaning. Because I do not like to use harsh chemicals in or outside of my home, I turn to vinegar to help make my deck sparkle.

Vinegar is a great cleaner, inside and outside the home. It is even good in the garden. Combining vinegar with baking soda can boost its cleaning power.

Vinegar is acidic which means it is a good cleaner for water stains and lime deposits. It is also a great rinsing agent because it dissolves soap scum. Spraying it in the shower, tub or even adding some to the laundry rinse cycle does wonders when it comes to getting rid of soap residue.

To clean the deck, pour on some vinegar and let it sit for about one hour in the sunlight. Rinse with water. Repeat if necessary. With a little scrubbing, you can clean the deck, remove resistant rust stains, keep ants away and make the soil acidic for other plants. Using a scrub brush can help get rid of those stubborn mold/mildew areas.

Mix equal parts of water and vinegar together. Apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar should get the job done. Add twice as much vinegar for a stronger solution, or mix 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda toa gallon of water.

To sanitize the deck area, spray on hydrogen peroxide after cleaning with vinegar.

Adults and Allergies

Posted on April 24, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Body

Did you know that chemical sprays used for cleaning could actually trigger asthma and allergies in adults?

According to a study of more than 3,000 adults who did not have asthma when the study began, using cleaning sprays more than once a week can trigger asthmatic attacks, and the risk of asthma increased as the use of sprays increased.

Sprays that could lead to asthma and allergies include glass cleaners, furniture cleaners, and air fresheners, the researchers reported in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Previous studies have shown that people whose work exposes them daily to cleaning products, especially spray degreasers, bleach solutions, and air fresheners, are more likely to have asthma or the kinds of respiratory systems, such as coughing and wheezing, that people associate with allergies. Women who already have some type of lung infection or illness are at increased risk from spray cleaning products.

Cleaning with homemade natural ingredients, like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and washing soda, is a healthier way to keep your home shining!

Make A Difference This Earth Day...

Posted on April 22, 2012 by oi_admin - News

Celebrate Earth Day!!!

Why not take time out to reflect about the beauty of this planet we call home during this day. Ask yourself this question, "Am I making a difference to enhance, protect and invest in the quality of life for future generations of this planet we named Earth?" If not, then begin this week by applying actions to a few green ideas and investments to this Planet.
Here are some helpful tips to get you started:
Save water by decreasing your shower time , or take a bath, which uses less water than a shower.

Get in the habit of brushing your teeth with the water off, and encourage your children to do so, as well.

Recycle junk mail, cell phones, paper products, plastic bags, and more.

Switch from paper and plastic bags to reusable bags and totes.

Forget the electric or gas dryer, and hang dry your clothing.

Opt for direct deposit, online banking, and paperless statements to reduce your paper usage.

Try your hand at composting (planting scraps from fruits, veggies, and coffee grounds outside), which will help create better soil and less landfill waste.

Don’t purchase disposable water bottles, but rather use recyclable (and refillable) beverage containers that you can fill with filtered water.

Unplug all of your appliances when you leave the house to save energy (and prevent a fire hazard).

If possible, take public transportation or walk.

Don’t use plastic storage containers, and try not to heat food within a plastic container in the microwave.

Keep one set of dishes at the office, (a cup, utensils, bowl, and plate). This will prevent you from reaching for disposable utensils, cups, and plates.

Save stained or ill-fitting clothing to use for dusting and cleaning.

Use rechargeable batteries.

Donate used items.

Purchase used items from thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, and more.

Rent movies and borrow books, instead of purchasing.

If you are in the market for a new car, purchase a hybrid model.

Select products made of recyclable materials.

Buy groceries in bulk, as it reduces packaging and the number of trips you take to the grocer.

If possible, buy items that use less packaging.

Purchase locally produced food at farmer’s markets and even road-side stands.

Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of jarred, canned, or frozen.

Purchase organic foods, as they don’t contain pesticides and harmful chemicals, in addition to organic cotton.

Follow the celebrity trend and use cloth diapers, as opposed to disposable diapers, which cause landfill waste.

Select soy or beeswax candles, instead of paraffin candles.

Use healthy and environmentally friendly cosmetics, such as mineral-based cosmetics and natural bath products.

Make your own natural, eco-friendly homemade cleaners using vinegar, lemons, borax and baking soda. Go to blog.maidbrigade.com for quick and easy cleaning recipes.

Lessen Accidental Poisoning In Your Home

Posted on April 21, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

Behind the shine of the bleaches, foams and sprays, are artificial fragrances and toxic chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution, which can be harmful if inhaled or touched, and may be poisonous if ingested.

About 90 percent of all accidental poisonings occur in the home. In fact, some cleaners are among the most toxic products we can buy. Some cleaners even pollute the ground water or contain flammable ingredients and corrosives that can irritate eyes just by opening the containers. Many of them could send us to the hospital or even cause death if swallowed.

The potential dangers of toxic home cleaning products have many people on a "go-green" path. In 2009, sales of natural cleaning products in the United States totaled $150 Million. Some of these cleaners are labeled with big promises and a hefty price tag. However, just because the ingredients in green cleaners are plant-based or "natural" does not necessarily mean they are safe.

Everyday products found in your home can be used to make non-toxic cleaners for many of your cleaning needs. They are safe to keep around the house and children, and they are easier on your bank account. Here are some recipes to try:

Laundry. Eliminate the need for chemical fabric softeners by adding 1/4 cup of vinegar to your washing machine's rinse cycle.

To clean laundry, combine 15 ml castile soap, 1 cup of washing soda, 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar. Fill washer with water and add each ingredient one by one in the order given. Launder as usual.

Furniture Polish. In a spray bottle, mix the juice of 1 lemon, a teaspoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of water. Shake and apply to the furniture. Allow the mixture to sit on the furniture for 5 minutes before buffing it with a dry polishing cloth.

Window Cleaner. In a spray bottle, mix 1 cup warm water and 1/2 cup white vinegar. Shake and spray. Use a dab of rubbing alcohol and a dry cloth for stubborn fingerprints.

All-Purpose Cleaner. Combine 2 cups warm water, 1 teaspoon borax, 1 teaspoon liquid soap and a few drops of lemon juice. Dissolve borax in water, then gently add soap and lemon juice. Pour through a funnel into a refillable spray bottle.

In a spray bottle, combine 3 tablespoons white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon washing soda, 1/2 teaspoon castile soap, 2 cups of hot water. Shake and spray!

Disinfectant. Combine 2 cups warm water and 1 tablespoon borax. Dissolve borax in water and pour mixture through a funnel into a refillable spray bottle.

Linoleum and Laminate Floor Cleaner. Combine 2 gallons warm water and 1/4 cup lemon juice or white vinegar. Mix together in a bucket. Add 1/4 cup liquid soap for added cleaning power, if desired.

Carpeted Floors. To green clean carpeted floors, make sure to buy a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Vacuum at least 2-3 times a week. Avoid chemical rug cleaners. Instead use a low-moisture or dry cleaning rug shampoo with hydrogen peroxide or biological/enzymatic cleaners.

Tile Floor Cleaner. Use a gallon of water with a few teaspoons of tea tree oil. Add a few squirts of liquid soap. This can also be used on linoleum floors.

Hardwood Floors. Dampen a towel using a solution of 1/4 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water. Wring all the moisture out of the towel until just barely damp. Towels are the only safe way to damp mop a hardwood floor. Excess water from self wringing mops works down between the boards eventually warping the boards at the edges.

Microfiber Cloths and Terry Towels. Hand-sized terry towels are a bacteria-free alternative to sponges. Use wet or dry and throw into the wash when dirty. Microfiber cloths are terrific for dusting and polishing, no cleanser required.

Computer Keyboard and TV Remote. The TV remote and the computer keyboard are probably two of the germiest things in the home. Wipe the tv remote down with an alcohol wipe at least twice a week to prevent the spread of germs and viruses.

To clean your keyboard, gently shake out the crumbs or vacuum it. Wipe the keys and the mouse with an alcohol wipe or a cotton ball .