Mark asks…
Eco-Friendlier Scrubbing Bubbles?
I used to really love the power of Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner, but I’ve grown concerned about the carcinogens in it and the harm it does to the planet. Is there any more natural eco–friendly product out there that works as well as Scrubbing Bubbles?
The Expert answers:
Vinegar and baking soda do produce that bubbly reaction but let’s be clear it is the fizz that gets you what you want. Chemically if you balance the equation (and I don’t know how to do that anymore…high school was a long time ago…) you get little more than water so it isn’t really any good past that fizzing. Together they are not superheroes for very long. They are far more powerful used separately.
Another option, esp if you want some whitening or bleaching action is to use hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. Let the peroxide work for a bit, then add the baking soda.
The way I would think to do it….is if you have a spray bottle, put your liquid in that and apply a fine mist to the area. Then get an old shaker…a salt shaker, a reused baby powder container…whatever and apply the baking soda like glitter to a sprayed area. Let it foam up, then rinse it away.
ALSO and I know this is strong language for the super green people…but if you use plain old bleach in a responsible way (super diluted, resulting in using tiny tiny amounts) it works wonders and saves all those horribly expensive, more complicated chemical cocktails. When I need a scouring powder, I sprinkle baking soda down on the counter and then apply a couple drops of straight bleach, work into a paste, then rinse it away. OR a very weak solution of bleach in a sprayer is more than enough germ killing power for an everyday cleaner…just a quart bottle with a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and a tablespoon of bleach…shake together and keep it handy. I have one of this mix, and one of same except vinegar instead of bleach! You have to know when to use bleach, however. Bleach does not really cut grease or water spots, or bring up the shine on surfaces. It is for disinfecting. So it doesn’t go everywhere. So part of responsible use of bleach is NOT for use as an all-purpose cleaner.
Michael asks…
Recently purchased a fixer upper rental property, What company provides best cleaning products?
I just purchased a rental property that needs a lot of work & cleaning. What company provides the best cleaning products at a reasonable cost & are eco–friendly?
The Expert answers:
Candy, your best bet would be to just look around. Just remember one thing, get written estimates before you agree to anything.
In fac,t if you are seeking accurate local rates of cleaning, a good place to start would be inquiring services from housekeeping companies in your area (the do-it-all companies); otherwise, asking on here won’t be as much help because rates vary by location.
Here’s a site that offers a resourceful tip when seeking cleaning maids:
http://plusrecipes.com/PlusRecipes_Free_Estimates_Cleaning.htm
Hope this helps!
.
Source(s):
The Internet. Just whatever is available online and what I have on my mind, including the inclusion of relevant sites, like the one cited that came into existence from my efforts, which is intended to be useful. Helping people get the relevant info they want is great.
Sandy asks…
Vinegar and Baking Soda for cleaning?
I have been using this to clean for years now, scrubbing the sink and tub, washing counters, cleaning drains. I always figured that the vinegar was acidic enough to eliminate most bacteria. Am I right or wrong, and if I’m wrong is there a better way to clean that is natural? I refuse to buy antibacterial products (although I guess I do use a 10% bleach solution, which by its nature is antibacterial, from time to time, but only when it is absolutely necessary) and most commercially produced cleaners. Does Seventh Generation or any of those other Eco–friendly products work better than the baking soda and vinegar method?
The Expert answers:
Vinegar will remove most films and grimes, but does not dissenfect, nor does it sanitize. You can buy products that have an E.P.A registration number, meaning that the epa has approved of that product to be safe for the enviroment. Hospitals, Barber shops, And hair salons are required to use theese products. They can be purchased at any local resturant or janitorial supply store. If you are still not comfortable with that idea, mabey you can try 70% isopropyl alcohol. It will kill many not all, but many germs on a non-porous surface.
Sharon asks…
What are your favorite “green” products? (key word Obama)?
Which green products do you believe have the greatest impact for the for personal use?
– Which ones do you like the best?
– Which ones are a waste of time?
– Do you go out of your way to buy earth friendly products if it is a comparable price and quality?
– Would you be willing to pay a little extra to buy more earth friendly products?
– Do you even take it into consideration if it is earth friendly or not when making your purchase decision?
– Do you think that people overstate their “greenness” to be trendy?
– Are you considering buying green Christmas/ Birthday Presents?
– Which of these do you consider earth friendly:
Solar products
recycled products fair trade
wind energy Products
organic products
bamboo products
efficient lighting
recycling assistants (bins, can crushers, sorters, water purifiers, water bottles, etc)
Earth Friendly cleaning supplies, cosmetics, body care products, etc.
I would greatly appreciate people providing feedback on this topic.
By the way, sorry about the whole keyword thing, I am simply trying to draw more attention to the topic.
Basicallly I am starting a green goods store because I try to buy everything I can that is eco friendly, and I have found that a majority of it is crap that Ii end up having to pitch anyway, and almost all of it is overpricced for what you get bbecause it has the “green” label on it. Obviously I am in it to make some money, but I am primarily in it to help others to be more environmentallly friendly, be confident in the quality they will recieve, and know that each product was researched for the validity of their “green claims”.
What do you all think?
The Expert answers:
I am not a trendy type person but I am excited about the milk
and vegetables and then maybe the meat. I have long thought pesticides in the food caused cancer ( one of the causes ) and the hormones also. The other green products at this point are too expensive.
Sandra asks…
Where can I find eco-friendly food packaging?
I will be making and selling a food product with the consistency of cream cheese. I am looking for biodegradable, or AT LEAST, recycled/BPA-free plastic containers online. Can’t seem to find anything like that. Any idea? Thanks for your responses!
The Expert answers:
I would recommend going to a natural health food store (where you can be pretty sure most packaging is eco-friendly), writing down the name of several brands that sell non-competing products in similar containers, and then contacting them to explain your situation and ask them questions about their packaging or who did it. Most green-conscious companies I’ve dealt with are super friendly and helpful, but it’s still a good idea not to contact someone who would be your direct competition, just as a courtesy.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers